Wet and Wild Weekend with Wins Spread Across the Board – Weekend Wrap 18/19 January 2020

It was a wet weekend with recent rain meaning many games were cancelled or shortened across all the grades however Manly was still able to get a couple of wins in the bag. All games played at Manly fields were on in what was a largely successful weekend. The 1st grade boys had a bit of a wait before they were able to get on, grabbing a close 4-run victory over UTS after a late start. A Beadle (29) and R Farrell (20) were the pick of the batsmen and R Hadley (2/16) and G Lea (2/47) the pick of the bowlers. The 2nd Grade men had a convincing win over UTS with the students falling over 60 runs short of the required total. Some dominant batting from E Herd (44) and M Webber (33) aided the team in reaching a strong total of 9/190 in a 31 over match. A Jamieson (4/31) and A Hicks (3/12) were also integral in the desolation of the student’s batting line up. The 5th grade men had a rough day, falling 1 run short of the opposition’s score. M White (5/19) gave the team the chance to chase the total of 85 however, despite O Lucius (24) setting the side up well, they fell agonisingly short. On Sunday, the women’s 2nd grade side continued their winning run in the 50/50 format. Getting St George all out for 86 thanks to a great all round bowling attack that featured a beautiful spell from Z Shipp (3/6 off 5), the girls got the runs only 5 down and with plenty of overs to spare. K Crawford (29) was integral in steadying the ship and keeping the pressure all on the bowlers. The W2s remain undefeated in the 50/50s, leaving them top of the ladder and with a 12 point lead over 2nd place. This weekend also saw the debut of the U15s women’s side, many of whom were making their MWDCC debut after playing for the Manly juniors. The girls were able to secure a victory against St George, setting 2/89 thanks to a 30* from captain M Nel and only allowing St George to reach 6/70 with the wickets shared across the bowlers. The men’s 4th grade side, women’s 3rd grade and Brewer Shield unfortunately weren’t able to get on for a game this week due to the weather but are all looking in great shape for next week. Overall, with 6 wins and only 1 loss, it was a good weekend for Manly across the board and hopefully this form continues as we head into the business end of the season. 

Go the ‘Tahs!

Zara Shipp is this week’s 4 Pines Player of the Week. In her first season with the ‘Tahs, Zara has proved to be an integral part of our hugely successful Women’s 2nd grade side. This week saw her take 3/6 off 5 against St George, including 3 maidens. This dominant performance restricted St George significantly in their efforts to set a competitive total and set the side up for another victory. It should also be noted that Zara’s final wicket came after she had cut her hand open on the ball to the extent that it required a trip to the medical centre for stitches during the lunch break. Zara has been having a very impressive debut season and this week highlights her ability with the ball. She is a very deserving winner of this week’s 4 Pines Player of the Week!

 

The mighty 1’s arrived to a gloomy and wet Manly Oval to face off rivals North Sydney. The day looked promising for a bit of cricket until some heavier and more consistent rain started to set in. Eventually, after a day of waiting and wishing, the mighty tahs chose to bat and began the game in the afternoon, reduced to 28 a side. Brewster and Weston got us off to an excellent start with some powerful hitting and classy shot making. To follow, Ahillen made batting look easy, finding the boundary when needed and working it to all parts of the ground. Similarly, Nappa and Faz looking really solid throughout their innings. Some late order dashing saw the boys reach a really defendable and well made 174. 

Time to bowl. Viss and Hads started us off perfectly, finding wickets and restricting runs. Our middle also saw some really nice bowling from foster to keep the runs down. The Bears nearly crept away from us, but some back end wickets and tight bowling took us to a final over. Ryan Hadley, bowling absolutely SUPERB, and seeing the boys race to the change rooms, with six points…”Ohhhhhh we’re on the march with Viss’ army”!

Isaiah Vumbaca

Cloudy Rainy morning expect a few showers throughout the day. Before  Jamo went into toss the boys already knew that we were going to get sent in to bat. 1 out of 10 for the season. Maxy (33)and Herdy (44) started us of well put on 66 for the opening stand turn over the strike playing positive cricket putting the bad bowls away.  Sully (27) came in and showed good intent with Tommy (15) after couple of hours of delay with some rain. With Duckworth Lewis coming into play with revised overs changed to 33 overs. It was great to see next batters in Davies, Ash, Taylor and Webber played for the team and got quick runs. Jamo and Carden finished of the innings at 8 for 190 off 33 overs.

Duckworth Lewis pushed the target to 205

Bowing wise we got off to a great start with an early runout by the skip. We knew it was going to require discipline with bowling and Jamo led the attack with the figures of 4-31. Hicksy came in the attack later in the day and shower his class and experience by hitting the right lengths he finished with 3 for 12. Tom came into the attack and got a wicket first ball, easy game. Tom finished the innings of by taking a couple of wickets 2-13

Overall it was great to get crucial 6 point as not many teams got on. Change room getting the wining feeling again looking forward to the next round.

Ash Virdi

After a lot of rain around Sydney on Friday and Saturday morning the boys knew that getting a win would be like gold. Grahams reserve looked very dry on Friday afternoon, credits to Sam Hole for his ground report after his long day at Qantas.

We arrived to the ground to see a very familiar face, but also todays number one enemy, setting up the North Sydney touch field in the exact spot we have warmed up in since the dawn of grahams. The Yak (Jacob Graham), has recently moved up north and today marked his return to grahams. Here The Yak has belittle young up and coming superstars with his heavy ball bowling. The boys knew to always stay on the front foot to The Yak.

The boys did start a warm up with a bit of rain drizzling down but as we got closer to the toss the rain picked up and everyone was back in the sheds. The next 4 hours really questioned Ross Trewartha’s decision to come “out of retirement”. A mixer of rain, instant coffees and Jordan Daly talking all sorts was what was to come in our quest to get on.

The time finally came, 12:25 and the umpires said it was a go to take the covers off. Covers off and Norths had won the toss and elected to bat. Their innings was compiled of hard hitting, ordinary shots, and a moist outfield.

Alex Bain took the new ball, and as per every week the boys weren’t sure which Bain we were going to get. First ball, short and pulled for 4. Oh no, we heard from skipper Nick at mid on. Second ball, short and pulled for 3. 0.2 over, 0-7 for the pod. This was not going to be Bains day. Bains short bowling made a change to the field, square leg out on the fence. Bain then bowls one on the pads and the batsmen flicks it out there. The batsmen push hard to come back for the second but there was never two as Zach Trewartha rifles one in and Daly takes the bails.

The boys bowled beautifully all day, highlights include Josh Sewards opening spell of pace and swing which was also followed up by his death bowling at the end of the innings (2-22). Josh Wigney tried to hit the top of off every ball, great skills (2-27). Alex Bain after his terrible first two balls finished with 1-26. Nick McLachlan finally turned a few balls to finish with 2-18. Michael Counsell is starring in the remake of Rambo: First Blood after lidding a bloke. Split his ear open.

After our bowling and fielding show, we were set 132 for victory.

It started off well with the two Hole brothers looking solid. Sam Hole was first to go being given out both LBW and bowled, unfortunate scenes for the young grad. Zach and Ned then steadied the ship with a mix of noodling, hitting the bad ball, and most importantly luck. The two got the Tahs to 86 before Zach fell for 25. Ned soon after passed 50 but then dismissed for 54. Ross then came and went after “murdering” a classic cut shot with the 1995 remake of the SS Jumbo straight to point.

3-94 needing a further 38 to win. Jordan Daly and Neil Prowse were at the crease and looked to finish it. Prowse was unfortunately dismissed with 3 runs required. Jordan Daly then proceeded to hit the first ball of the 37th over for 4. The Tahs win 5 down with 2.5 overs to spare.

A great win for the mighty 3s as a lot of other games didn’t get on. Handshakes all round.

 Zach Trewartha

5th grades round 10 clash saw us come up against top of the table North Sydney, and also a return back to Mike Pawley for the first time in 5 weeks. With the skies gloomy, and drizzle about, the chance of playing was still unsure. Thankfully, the heavy rain held off, and thanks to the work of Doug Mcgrath and co on the field, we were to start play at 1:15, with a 34 over a side game. The side included 3 changes, with Luke Morley, John Warn, and Matt White entering the team. Rochy won the toss and elected to bowl, a good choice considering the favourable bowling conditions. As Rochy explained, this was a ‘bonus round’ for us, as it was likely not many other teams would get play in. Rochy and Matt White opened up the attack, and Whitey struck with his first ball of the game, skittling the openers stumps. Whitey took another soon after, to leave Norths 2 for not many. Rochy started to find his groove, and despite being hit for a monstrous six, he struck to remove Norths danger bat, which turned out to be an incredibly important wicket. He then stuck a few balls later with a perfectly bowled full toss, that was skied to midwicket. 

 

Norths started building a partnership, before Whitey struck again for his 3rd, courtesy of Toby with one of the greatest grabs we have ever witnessed. Tobes plucked it out of the air with a full stretched horizontal dive on the square leg boundary. Wickets kept tumbling for Norths, as Toby and Ollie were brought on, and took one a piece, meaning Norths were now 7-50, and things were looking good for the tahs. Whitey came back on and added two more to his tally, as he finished the day with 5-19, an outstanding spell of fast bowling from the veteran. The innings got away from us slightly towards the end, as the 10th wicket partnership put on 25, despite Boults and Rochy’s efforts to end it. Toby picked up the last wicket, thanks to a neat catch to Ky Broome at point, diving away to his left. An impressive bowling and fielding performance is what Rochy asked from us at the start of the day, and that is exactly what he was given, as Norths were bowled out for 85.

 

Warny and Jack opened up with the stick, however Warny was removed in the first over of the game, caught on the fine leg boundary. Oscar joined Jack at the crease, and immediately started scoring, with some good running between the wickets. Spin was introduced early, and brought about the wicket of Jack, shortly followed by Coops, who copped a delivery that jagged from about 10th stump and wrapped Josh on the pads. We were now 3-15 and the chase was starting to look difficult. A 4th wicket partnership of 30 between Roch and Oscar, including 2 sixes from the captain himself. Unfortunately Roch was caught behind for 19, while Oscar still remained at the other end, with 40 runs still to get. Boults stayed with Oscar for several overs, but he was given LBW, bringing Whitey to the crease, who didn’t stay long as he was also trapped in front. 

 

The stoic resistance of Oscar came to an end, as he was caught at mid on, after making a well made 24. With the score now 7-60, Ollie and Ky were at the crease. Ky was soon dismissed through the gate, which had our men struggling with only 2 wickets in hand, and still 24 runs to get. Moz and Ollie got the score to 71 before Moz was caught behind. 15 runs to get, 1 wicket. Could the boys do it? Toby strode to the crease and showed some impeccable defence, as he did his job of staying out there. Two fours off an over got the score to 80, with 3 overs still left. Toby played out an over of spin, which put Ollie on strike for the next. First ball, 4. Two runs were needed for victory. Unfortunately a win was not the case, as Ollie was caught behind next ball, leaving the team agonisingly short, by 1 run. 

 

The boys can hold their heads high after this loss, as we really took it to the top team, and our bowling and fielding was exceptional. Lucky for us, only one other game got on, meaning our position on the table remains unchanged. A lot can be taken from this game, in particular with batting, as we look to bounce back against Wests next week in another one dayer at Mike Pawley.

 

3 points – Matt White

2 points – Oscar Lucius

1 point – Toby Laughton

Fielding award – Toby Laughton

 

Ollie Melville

We turned up to a very wet Grahams early Sunday morning and it was clear some work would need to be done to get the wicket ready for play. After what seemed like an eternity, Ross, with the help of some of the girls got enough water off the covers to be able to move it without completely flooding the pitch. This presented the first team challenge of the day: moving the covers while keeping the residual water off the pitch. Challenge completed.

 

The winner of the toss is lost on me, but either way, we got what we wanted – to bowl first. After a thorough warm up run by Duncan we took to the field ready for a big top of the table clash. St George-Sutherland got off to a steady start, however it didn’t take too long for the first wicket to fall. One of their openers was out for 4. First drop was soon dismissed for 2. Just as St George were looking like settling into a partnership, Mikaela Turik removed their opener and top scorer after a great stint of very sharp bowling. Their next batter was scoring at an alarming rate and was looking unstoppable. After hitting some quick boundaries and swinging at every ball she faced, she swung hard at Kristie Crawford’s slower ball, mistimed it and saw her bails fly.

 

Once introduced, out pair of spinners controlled and dominated the innings, taking 6/10 between the two of them. Sienna James kicked us off with a wicket and simultaneously confirmed Nat Jonkers’ new fielding position after a great catch at gully. Zara Shipp made her wrist spin debut and took two quick wickets. Sienna got the next one. The team’s high energy, high pressure and sharp fielding yielded a runout. Zara split open her finger catching the rocket ball in from Mia Waddington. Despite the blood pouring out of her hand, Zara continued to bowl and took another wicket before heading down to the medical centre for some stiches. We bowled St-George out for 86 after just 26.4 overs.

 

Nat Guyot and Mia Waddington opened the batting and got us off to a quick start with Nat hitting two fours off the first two balls. She went on to score just under a quarter of our runs for the day. After an earlier than hoped exit by Mia, Mikaela came in and continued the chase, scoring a quick 15 runs. Kristie came in and scored a very composed 29 runs and was the highest scorer of the day. A cameo from Paige Bailey added 9 to the score board with some nicely played shots. After what seemed like an agonisingly slow final partnership between Sienna and Jess, Sienna hit the winning runs and sealed our 7th win from 7 matches and continued our reign at the top of the table. 

 

3 points: Zara

2 points: Sienna

1 point: Kristie

Fielding: Nat J

 

Sarah Gordon

We made the early morning journey to Olds Park Penshurst hoping the ground would be fit to play our first match of the season, a T20.  On arrival the covers were off and the outfield was drying. Given the rain and the 5th Grade men’s match the day before the wicket looked ok, but perhaps a little tacky.

 

At warm ups we acknowledged MWDCC debuts for Shae Hiskett-Jones, Sophia Chick, Ashleigh Karcher and Jaime Loh.  Captain Mia Nel unfortunately lost the toss and we were sent in on a surface we thought would improve as the match progressed.

 

Caitlin du Preez and Emily Horstead had the job of finding out how the wicket would play.  Over the first few overs the tennis ball bounce was there and it took Caitlin and Emily some time to get going.  Emily fell to an amazing one handed overhead catch at point and we were 1 for 26 after 10. With the outfield slow and wicket playing tricks a total a bit above 50 looked good.  Mia and Caitlin then put on another 28 over the next five overs before Caitlin was caught for 18. Mia and Eliza Henry continued the acceleration until Mia retired on 30 from 29 balls.  With Eliza running well with Stephanie Hughes we finished on a pleasing 2 for 89.

 

With a Mia direct hit run out in the first over and Emily ripping through the next batsman in we had St George / Sutherland immediately playing catch up at 2 for 2 after 2.  It was not until the 10th over that we claimed our next wicket when Sophia bowled the other opener, their score was now 3 for 33.  With tight bowling from Sophia, Mia and Steph we forced another run out with Jaime throwing to Sophia. Caitlin then took a catch to give Jaime a wicket leaving our opposition at 5 for 59 needing 31 more runs off the final 4 and a bit overs. Mia then completed her day with a catch off a very tidy Steph over.  St George / Sutherland finishing 19 runs behind our total at 6 for 70.

 

In the end a comfortable margin in a low scoring game had our Girls U15 team off to a winning start.  Captain Mia Nel starring on one leg having hurt her ankle late in the week.

 

3 points – Mia Nel

2 points – Eliza Henry

1 point – Emily Horstead

 

Toby Horstead