From The Pavilion – Round 1 v St George + Metro
1st to 5th Grade – Round 1 v St. George (1-Day Matches)
Metropolitan Cup – Round 1 vs Penrith/Balmain-Souths
The Randy Petes kicked off season 2018/19 against Saints on Saturday hoping to kick start a successful campaign across the Grades. The Club was looking to improve on last year’s 10th place finish in the Club Championship where, despite a number of teams finishing in the top half of the table, we were unable to make the semi-finals in any Grade. With the retirement of senior players like David Bourke, Rod Stafford, John McLoughlin and Matt Hilder, opportunities will abound for young players this season. With the added hype of Australian International David Warner committing to the initial rounds, there was plenty of excitement and anticipation about what lies ahead this season.
EDITOR’S NOTE: WELCOME BACK TO OUR SCRIBE FORMER FIRST GRADE ALL-ROUNDER EDDIE OTTO FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF GREAT MATCH REPORTS!
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1st Grade – Randwick Petersham v St. George @ Coogee Oval
Team – Warner, Everett, A. Sams (C+), Semple, Kemp, Sangha, Chhibber, Ayre, Eaton, Ram, D. Singh
Result – St. George 6/277 – 50 Overs (D. Singh 3/38-10, Ayre 1/39-10) Defeated by Randwick Petersham 6/278 – 50 Overs (Warner 155 n/o, A. Sams 34)
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First Grade opened the season at our seaside home of Coogee Oval for a massive Round 1 clash against St. George. A much larger crowd than usual came to Coogee with David Warner making a much anticipated appearance, whilst the Saints were able to call upon Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland. Making his debut for the Club was promising young fast bowler Daya Singh who was recruited from Blacktown.
The crowd on hand was served up a bottler of a game, with Randy-Petes chasing down an imposing 6/277 set by Saints on the final ball courtesy of a masterclass from David Warner. “The Bull” showed what a world class player he is by finishing with an impeccably timed and chanceless 155n/o to steer us home, celebrating his century in trademark style. Warner was circumspect early against some outstanding new ball bowling from Hazlewood and Copeland, but went through the gears, and refused to buckle, with wickets tumbling around him late, as he clinched victory off the final ball of the innings. Warner shared a 66-run opening partnership with Everett (23) whilst Anthony Sams (34) kept us well ahead of the game before a late wobble.
Earlier in the day, former Randy-Pete Nick Stapleton threatened to take the game away from us with a century opening the batting. With McDonald also reaching three figures we looked set to chase over 300 before a strong finish. Riley Ayre (1-38/10) did a great job early and through the middle stages, whilst Daya Singh (3/38-10) made an excellent debut, picking up wickets late and containing the run rate to halt the Saints charge in their tracks.
Next week it’s a local derby with UNSW visiting Coogee with both teams looking to start the season with back to back victories.
David Warner celebrating in his comeback on Australian soil! Photo Credit: Ryan Pierse from Getty Images
David Warner kissing the RPC badge – Photo Credit: Ryan Pierse from Getty Images
2nd Grade – St. George v Randwick Petersham @ Olds Park
Team – Mahony-Brack, Tector, James, Hunter, Matt Calder, Mitch Calder (C+), Wood, Ralston, Jenkins, Magann, McKenzie
Result – Randwick Petersham 10/218 – 50 Overs (Matt Calder 108) Defeated St. George 7/210 – 50 Overs (Magann 3/52-9, McKenzie 2/26-6)
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Second Grade made the trip to the spacious Olds Park looking to start the season with a win, with a host of new faces joining the side. Making his debut for the Club was new Second Grade Captain Mitch Calder, the 25 years old brother of Matt Calder. Also in the side was Irish recruit Harry Tector, who is the younger brother of Jack, and considered a player of high promise. Dylan Hunter, Jacob Wood and Jason Ralston also made their debuts for the Club with all three players recruited in the off season.
In what was a tight and fluctuating contest, our new look side was able to pull off a fantastic 8-run victory against a strong Saints’ side on their own turf. After making a steady 218, the Saints looked in control at 1/84 and 2/133, before we picked up wickets regularly later in the innings as the run rate started to climb. Fast bowling pair Magann (3/52-9) and McKenzie (2/26-6) bowled great second spells as the momentum shifted our way. The fast bowlers were helped by an exceptionally tight spell from left arm tweaker Mac Jenkins (0/19-10).
Earlier in the day it was a one man show with the bat, with Matt Calder (108) making a brilliant century and scoring just one run less than 50% of our overall score. Calder’s 100 was made all the more special by the fact Olds Park is a bit like the MCG containing huge boundaries, with plenty of running between wickets required. Calder displayed typical fast hands and brutal power, scoring 9 boundaries and working the ball into all areas, as wickets fell around as players hung with him for small but vital partnerships. Calder will be knocking down the door to play 1st Grade regularly this season as he continues to develop at a fast rate.
The victory was a welcome way to start the season after 2’s made slow starts in both 2016/17 and 2017/18, losing their opening fixture and having to play catch up most of the season. Next week the side is away from home once again, but a little closer to familiar surrounds as we make the short trip to David Phillips to take on local rivals UNSW in a 2-day fixture.
The fast hands and bat speed of young gun Matt Calder in action
3rd Grade – Randwick Petersham v St. George @ Petersham Oval
Team – B Stares (C), Powell, Holland, Lyle, De Silva, Mullins (+), Standing, N Stares, Kenzie, Dellar, Loth
Result – Randwick Petersham 10/177 – 44.4 Overs (Kenzie 29, Powell 27, Loth 25n/o, Lyle 23, De Silva 22) Defeated by St. George 5/178 – 33.3 Overs (N. Stares 2/34-9.2, B. Stares 2/26-4)
Third Grade were looking to build on a promising 9th placed finish last season as they kicked off 2018/19 against the Saints at a pristine looking Petersham Oval, with the experienced Ben Stares in his second season in charge after doing an outstanding job last season. Tom Holland added further experience to the side, whilst AWGS players from 2017/18 Bailey Kenzie and Alex Dellar formed part of the bowling attack.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day as Saints chased down our moderate 177 for the loss of 5 wickets, with more than 15 overs to spare. With Petersham offering some early swing, and the wicket being a bit tacky, a number of players were caught in front of the wicket as Saints made regular breakthroughs before things really flattened out in the afternoon. Frustratingly, many players looked in good touch, with top order players Powell (27), Lyle (23) and De Silva (22) all looking in sparkling touch before falling. Powell struck a number of boundaries before being run out by a direct hit from an outstanding bit of fielding. At 8/108 we were in danger of being bundled out, however Bailey Kenzie (29) played a mature innings top scoring, whilst Doug Loth (25n/o) batting outstandingly from Number 11 as we put on 38 for the final wicket to scramble a total.
Loth took his performance with the bat out on to the field picking up an early wicket, however from then on the Saints batsmen dominated as they amassed some strong partnerships. Our best bowler on the day was reliable finger spinner Nathan Stares (2/34-9.2) who picked up a couple of key wickets, as well as keeping things tight, to keep the game alive through the middle overs. Captain Ben Stares (2/26-4) also chipped in with two wickets as we took our final wicket for the day with the score on 5/161 before Saints amassed the final 17 runs needed for victory.
Next week the boys are back at Petersham Oval to take on UNSW who will also be looking to bounce back from a Round 1 loss.
4th Grade – St. George v Randwick Petersham @ Cahill Park
Team – Montedoro, Ahmed (+), Frith, Burton, Murdita, Graham, Lopes, Fox, Imroze, N.Singh (C), Sterling
Result – Randwick Petersham 10/85 -32 Overs (Montedoro 41) Defeated by St. George 0/87 – 19 Overs
Fourth Grade kicked off their season at Cahill Park against a Saints’ side that struggled last season finishing in 16th place. Our boys had an excellent 2017/18 finishing in 8th spot and only missing the finals on quotient. However, the side had a huge void to fill with veteran Clubmen David Bourke and Rod Stafford both hanging up the boots. Luckily another Club legend in Nigel Singh was on hand to take the reins this season, having captained a number of Grades over the years and experienced success. Luca Lopes made his 4th Grade debut after a strong pre-season, whilst leg-spinner Ishrak Imroze was another new face after bowling well in the pre-season.
It was a baptism of fire to start the season for 4’s as we copped a 10-wicket hiding from a Saints’ side that played a clinical game of cricket from the outset. After winning the toss and batting we made a solid start, getting to 2/52 with Ben Montedoro (41) once again shining against his old side. Montedoro blazed 6 boundaries taking to his new role as an opening batsman with aplomb as wickets tumbled around him. Only Luca Lopes (10) was able to reach double figures as he looked good and hung in for 38 balls before falling, sparking another collapse, as we were skittled for 85 in 32 overs.
With the ball, Saints took the approach to try and kill the game early and, despite a few half chances, their opening pair managed to chase down the score unbeaten as we failed to pick up a wicket in 19 overs. Singh and Imroze bowled economically, but understandably the skipper made a plethora of bowling changes as he looked to find a spark on what was a tough afternoon.
Fourth Grade are still a strong side on paper and will be confident of making a better fist of things next week as they head to David Phillips to take on a UNSW side.
5th Grade – Randwick Petersham v St. George @ Kensington Oval
Team – Kashyap, R. Sachs, Redwood, Coombs, Heaton (c+), McNamara, Segal, Lee, O’Loughlin, Boyns, Hutchison
Result – St. George 10/186 – 48 Overs (O’Loughlin 4/14-10) Defeated Randwick Petersham 10/161 – 44 Overs (R. Sachs 44n/o)
A new look Fifth Grade side were hoping to experience a better 2018/19 after a tough season last year saw us win just one game and finish in 20th place. Whilst our depth was tested last season, several young players were given opportunities, and the expectation was to improve and move up the ladder this season. In a huge boost to the team, Fabian Heaton was named Captain of the side. “Fabs” or “The Little Master” as he is affectionately known, has played several seasons for the Club over a number of years, being part of successful lower Grade sides as a reliable keeper and classy batsman who puts his heart and soul into the game.
In a game that was closely contested throughout, our boys eventually went down by just 25 runs in chase of 186, as we were bowled out for 161 in the 44th over. It was a case of what might have been, as we left six overs on the table when just over 4 runs an over would have been enough had we had a few wickets in hand. That doesn’t diminish from a good, competitive team performance against a Saints side that finished 11th last season.
Two of the stars of the day were players that were part of the side last year. LJ O’Loughlin (4/14-10) put in a dazzling display of controlled and aggressive finger spin, taking 4 wickets and going at less than 1.5 runs per over. LJ was a mainstay of the side last year and already showed the benefits of a full season in 5’s under his belt as he dominated Saints’ batsmen, pinning them to the crease. Reuben Sachs (44n/o) is a classy young batsman who still has a couple of years of AWGS in front of him, and he was highly impressive here. Sachs played some classy shots and remained unbeaten at the end left stranded when he looked set to steer the boys home to what would have been a huge victory.
Despite the loss Captain Heaton was very encouraged by the fight and quality shown from his team and will be looking forward to taking on UNSW in a two-day fixture at Kensington Oval next weekend.
Reuben Sachs in action
Metropolitan Cup – Randwick Petersham Green v Penrith @ Marrickville Oval
Team – Rushton, House, Grogan, Mahajan, Hussain, Lau, Jastrzab (c+), Gibson, Besgrove, Brennan, Robertson, Thomas
Result – Penrith 9-189 – 45 Overs (V Mahajan 2-30, A Hussain 2-31, J Brennan 2-33, J Gibson 2-36) defeated by Randwick Petersham Green 3-190 – 41.3 Overs (A Hussain 53*, V Mahajan 49*, E Grogan 41)
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Following on from achallenging season, the very ‘Green’ team cleared the decks and descended upon Marrickville Oval to take on reigning premiers Penrith, just as they did almost exactly 12 months before. Despite 6 Randy Pete debutants, they weren’t to be overawed by the competition’s dominant force of the last 4 years, as the Cats took the positive approach and batted first with the toss. They probably still had memories of racking up 335 in 45 overs the previous year. But each cricket match starts fresh, as brand new opening bowlers Jack Gibson (2-36) and Ben Thomas (0-24) made use of early Marrickville swing to consistently trouble the Penrith openers. Jack’s outswinger proved impossible for the cats to get bat on, while a vicious inswinger through the gate took out the lefty’s leg stump.
After weathering the opening storm, numbers 2 and 3 consolidated and looked to do what Penrith usually does – grind out and then pounce on an advantage. But Jack Brennan had other ideas… in an ideal debut over, he took out the number 3 who tried too hard to force the pace, and then the number 4 two balls later with perfect inswinger that kissed the top of off stump. At 3-61, the game became a tussle of young bowlers proving their mettle and batsmen with grade experience trying to get back into premier cricket. Vivek Mahajan (2-30) and Akhter Hussain (2-31) kept a lid on scoring and reaped rewards as the batsmen lost patience. In the midst of reducing Penrith to 8-139 with 10 overs to go, Sean Rushton took a spectacular diving catch and another debutant, Marley Besgrove (1-15) picked up a handy wicket. While the tail got away a bit in the last 10, the 9-189 that Penrith scrambled to was a far cry from last year’s massacre.
The Greens got off to a less than ideal start, as Ed House was unlucky to be given to a ball that may not have carried to second slip. From there, Emmanuel Grogan (41) took up the batting mantle with some crisp shot-making all around the ground. Sean Rushton was run out against the run of play but looked to take step towards banishing last year’s batting demons. Grogan was doing it easy but holed out at short cover leaving the score precariously placed at 3-81. But spin twins Mahajan (49*) and Hussain (53*) weren’t to be denied. All the demons from the morning had been banished and while the conditions were slow, both batsmen ran well, targeted the weak fielders and put away the odd loose ball. And as the last few overs approached, Penrith had no answers to the energetic and unbeaten 109-run stand, which saw the target eclipsed with 3.3 overs to spare.
Jeremy Jastrzab
3 – Vivek Mahajan
2 – Akther Hussain
1 – Jack Brennan
Metropolitan Cup – Randwick Petersham Gold v Balmain South Sydney @ Petersham Park
Team – Stewart (c), Iosifidis, Crawford, Ganesh, Sapariya, Antaw, W Deller (+), Bugti, Wanzare, Dharman, Sherriff, C De Silva
Result – Balmain South Sydney 6-268 – 45 Overs (N Crawford 2-29, C De Silva 1-21) defeated by Randwick Petersham Gold 3-269 – 43.3 Overs (N Crawford 71, P Iosifidis 66, N Ganesh 46*, C Sapriya 32*)
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Club CEO John Stewart’s Gold team had the rare privilege of playing at Petersham Park on a sunny Sunday to commence their season against Metropolitan Cup returnees, Balmain South Sydney. The skipper finally won a toss in chilly, humid conditions and chose to bowl, only for the sun to come out and beat down a summer prelude. The Balmain opener wasted no time in getting reacquainted with the competition, blazing his way to a 29-ball 50. In between, Corey Sherriff (1-52) castled the other opener for a comparatively glacial single figure score. After rolling the dice on a few bowlers, debutant Vijay Dharman (1-16) castled the Virender Sehwag protege and Chaz De Silva (1-21) helped bring the run rate back to normal.
After some consolidation, the Balmain batsmen decided that the conditions were just too good to let the run rate stall and chanced their arms. After a stint with the spinners, Neale Crawford (2-29) came on and took a caught-and-bowled screamer first ball, and then had a caught behind given as well. But with a lightning outfield and gun-ho gusto, Balmain hacked and slashed their way to an imposing 6-268 off their 45 overs. While conditions were perfect for batting, the chased suffered an early scare as captain Stewart was fired early and all of a sudden the target looked that much further.
Knowing this was his chance for some early season runs, Crawford (71) strode to the crease full of confidence and begun dismantling the target one boundary and horn at a time. In all, ‘Cindos’ cleared the boundary 4 times, with one poor house at the north end taking a battering. At the other end, debutant opener Peter Iosifidis (66) was comfortable biding his time, before joining in with the big hits as he felt more comfortable at the crease. The pair put on 154 for the second wicket and never let the run rate out of hand. After the pair were bowled, there were still 79 runs to get. But after taking their time to get in, Nav Ganesh (46*) and Chintan Sapariya (32*) accelerated smoothly, kept the rate in touch and overhauled the total without too many hiccups and 9 balls to spare. Overall, it was a very heartening and successful start for the club in the Metropolitan Cup.
Jeremy Jastrzab
3 – Neale Crawford
2 – Peter Iosifidis
1 – Charith De Silva
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