First Grade Leap Up The Ladder

Randwick Petersham moved into equal second on the first-grade ladder and just one point off top spot after defeating Penrith in a dramatic round where week two rain thwarted results in six of the 10 matches played. The key to success was an opening day dismissal of Penrith for 191 at Howell Oval. Francois Neser (3/45) and Riley Ayre (3/70) were the primary wicket takers. In reply, Randwick-Petersham passed the Penrith total with four wickets to spare. Recovering from a shaky 5/68, RP finished on 9/261 with Daniel Sams – back from a stint with Canterbury in NZ – smashing 87 off 76 balls. Soumil Chibber made a resolute 69. All lower grade matches ended in draws. After posting 308 on week one, second grade were in trouble with Penrith 4/284 when a game-ending thunderstorm struck just before tea. Third grade were 5/121 chasing Penrith’s 187 when play was abandoned. In fourth grade, Randwick Petersham was bowled out for 168. Penrith was 1/123 when umpires called an end. In fifth grade, Randwick Petersham was 6/75 chasing 319. Mark Wall took 5/33 on day one. In Metro Cup, UNSW Gold defeated Randwick Petersham Green while RP Gold lost to Blacktown.