Round 8 Day 2 v Parramatta + Metro

1st to 5th Grades – Round 8 v Parramatta (Day 2)  

Metropolitan Cup v Sydney Uni & Warringah

The Randy Petes headed into the final day before the Christmas break with Day 2 of Round 8 against a strong Parramatta side. It looked to be a tough day on paper, with only First Grade in a strong position, and Parramatta on top in all the lower grades. With us sitting just one place below them, this was an opportunity to close the gap. With the Randy Petes sitting in the Top 6 in First and Second Grades, and within striking distance in 3s, 4s and 5s, there was plenty to play for on Saturday.  Plus there was all the action from Metropolitan Cup in another jam packed weekend of cricket.

1st Grade – Randwick Petersham v Parramatta @ Petersham Oval 

Team – Warner, Bell-Drummond, A. Sams (c+), Ayre, Chhibber, Matt Calder, Eaton, Hunter, Semple, Ralston, Hemphrey, D. Singh

Result – Parramatta 10/169 – 66.1 Overs (Semple 4/36-18.1, Bell-Drummond 3/19-9, D. Singh 2/24-10) Defeated Randwick Petersham 10/113 (Ayre 21, Calder 20) 

http://www.premier.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?locx=MATCH&matchID=2926169

First Grade were involved in a fight scrap at Petersham Oval, with reigning Belvedere Cup Champions Parramatta resuming on 7/159 after a rain interrupted Day 1. The storm last week meant an early 9.30am start, as we looked to take three early wickets and set about chasing a score under 200.   

Unfortunately, it was the Two Blues who dominated Day 2, bowling us out for 113 in our chase of 169, as we fell 56 runs short of what would have been an important victory. The bowlers did the job in the morning, in bowler friendly conditions, taking the remaining three wickets for just 10 runs. However, we couldn’t get anything going with the bat after the loss of early wickets.  At 5/76 we were in with a fighting chance, however the final five wickets fell for just 36 runs before an early stumps was called, with Parramatta taking the final wicket before tea. 

Stand out performers on Day 2 included Adam Semple (4/36-18.1) who picked up the final three wickets with some fast straight bowling at the pegs to finish with outstanding figures. Semple has already taken 26 wickets in all competitions this season, and continues to be a highly reliable and impactful player in the side, week in week out. 

Ayre (21), Calder (20), Chhibber and Warner all made starts, however fell after doing some hard yards against a very strong Parramatta attack. Calder and Ayre played positively in difficult conditions, scoring seven boundaries between them to briefly change the momentum of the game, before they were both dismissed. 

The loss was a blow, as a victory would have seen us go top of the table at Christmas, but the loss dropped us to 6th place, just 3 points behind Sydney University in 1st place on 33 points. The boys get two weeks to freshen up before heading to Raby 1 on 12 January to take on 11th placed Campbelltown. 

Adam Semple

2nd Grade – Parramatta v Randwick Petersham @ Old Kings Oval 

Team – Mahony-Brack, James, Lyle, Holland (c) Burton, Ram, Wood, Powell (+), Mckenzie, Jenkins, Loth 

Result – Randwick Petersham 10/119 – 43 Overs (Powell 40, James 27, Ram 24) Defeated By Parramatta 4/123 – 36.4 Overs (Jenkins 2/17-5.4)  

http://www.premier.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?locx=MATCH&matchID=2928008

Second Grade were looking to rebound from a tough Day 1, with Parramatta 1/31 in chase of our total of 119 at Old Kings Oval. The boys went hard at Parramatta on Day 1, but could only manage one wicket, and only had 87 runs to defend with 9 wickets in hand on Day 2. 

It proved another tough day at Old Kings as Parramatta passed our score convincingly after a delayed start to the day. The visitors reached 1/75 before we managed to take three wickets, before they passed our score in the 37th over. Stumps was called then, with an outright result highly unlikely given the late start. 

With the ball, paceman Tom Mckenzie (1/9-7) bowled a great spell on Day 2 keeping things tight and bowling Affleck with a good delivery. Spinner Mac Jenkins (2/17-5.4) struck twice in a nice spell of bowling, removing the host’s opening batsman and Number 4 before our score was passed. 

Captain Holland said TMac bowled the best spell he has seen him bowl in a long time; quick and aggressive and was unlucky to pick up more wickets. Mac also bowled well changing his pace and getting some turn. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have enough runs on the board from the week before.

Holland wanted to pay a special mention to Kush as it was his last game at the club so wish him all the best with his move up to Queensland. He’s done well starting in metro cup and working his way up the grades to play 1s.

Despite the loss, it’s been a great first half of the season for Second Grade with five victories, including an outright victory, and three losses, placing us in third position on 34 points. Heading into the Christmas break we have an eight point buffer to sixth place. When we resume, we will take on 10th placed Campbelltown at Coogee Oval in a one day match. 

Mac Jenkins

3rd Grade – Gordon v Randwick Petersham @ Blacktown Number 2 Oval 

Team – Montedoro, Eldridge, Murdita, B. Stares (c), Graham, De Silva, Mullins (+), Kenzie, Fox, N Stares, Dellar  

Result – Randwick Petersham 10/120 – 42.3 Overs (De Silva 25, Murdita 24) and 3/47-16 Overs Defeated by Parramatta 6(dec)/178  – 57 overs Overs (Fox 2/28-13, ) 

http://www.premier.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?locx=MATCH&matchID=2931282

Third Grade were shooting for three victories on the trot as they resumed in a sticky position against Parramatta at Coogee Oval on Day 2. Having cobbled together a score of 120, we needed early wickets with Parramatta 1/32 overnight, requiring just another 89 runs for victory. 

Despite fighting hard early in the morning, Parramatta passed our total comfortably for the loss of just three wickets, before eventually declaring on 6/178 with a first inning lead of 58 runs. The boys managed to survive safely to stumps at 3/47 when an early end to play was called with a second innings result impossible. 

Hopes were raised as we struck a couple of early wickets to have Parramatta 3/61. Hayden Fox (2/28-13) continued on his strong bowling performance from Day 1 picking up an early wicket and giving us good control from one end. 

Captain Stares mentioned the wicket was a little harder and latter wicket from the previous week and was happy with a much better effort with the ball. mentioning Fox bowling well, especially bowling around the wicket to left handers. Corey Graham bowled a good spell despite being hit onto the balcony at the oporto end.

The loss ends a two game win streak and puts us in 9th position, with a respectable 4 wins and 4 losses, heading into the Christmas break. It was a costly loss, as a win would have taken us into 4th position; however, we remain just one point behind Sutherland in 6th place who are on 25 points. 

4th Grade – Parramatta v Randwick Petersham @ Merrylands Oval 

Team – Jedwood, Lopes, Crawford, Sachs, Ahmed (c+), Sulton, Kashyap, Coombs, Standing, L O’Loughlin, M O’Loughlin

Result – Randwick Petersham 10/36 – 26 Overs and 6/109 – 52 Overs Defeated by Parramatta 5 (dec)/184 – 54 Overs 

http://www.premier.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?locx=MATCH&matchID=2936180

Fourth Grade hit the road out West to take on Parramatta on Day 2 having suffered a nightmare Day 1 at Merrylands Oval. The boys had the job ahead of them to stave off an outright defeat, already trailing by 34 runs on the first innings, with the hosts having all 10 wickets in the sheds. 

It was a far better performance on Day 2, and a character building display, as we managed to hold on to be 6/109 from 52 overs, in response to the home sides 5/184 declared. Parramatta were very confident of outright victory having built a 148-run first inning lead and given the fact they had rolled through us for 36 the week before. However, they encountered far more resistance this week in a performance we can build on for the second half of the seasons as, with only pride to play for, we denied a desperate hosts with 53 overs of backs to the wall batting. 

O’Loughlin brought the first breakthrough for Randy Petes on Day 2, with Parramatta looking to try to compile quick runs. Jack Standing found his rhythm on Day 2 very quickly, and took three quick wickets in his five-over short spell, which tells us how good he could be on his day when fit and firing. 

Parramatta managed to get a few quick wickets as they came out firing. However, in-form opener Luca Lopes (34) played a gutsy and determined innings, reining himself in and batting with discipline for 30 overs before he was dismissed. His 51-run partnership with Reuben Sachs (20) probably saved Randy Petes from embarrassment. Kaoser Ahmed and Noah Jadewood made a small partnership, where Noah Jadewood (22) dug in before getting out in the last ball of the second last over of the day. Kaoser Ahmed (13) and Jack Standing (0) remained not out at the end.

With the loss, the side remains in 16th spot on 13 points with 2 victories, 1 draw and 5 losses heading into the Christmas break. The boys have a great opportunity to start 2019 with a victory as they take on 20th placed Campbelltown-Camden at Petersham Oval on 12 January. 

5th Grade – Randwick Petersham v Parramatta @ Kensington Oval   

Team – Segal, Grogan, Sapariya, Saady, Iosififidis, Heaton (+c), Apostalakis, McNamara, Mahajan, Gibson, Lee

Result – Parramatta 10/161 – -58 Overs (Saady 2/33-22, Mahajan 3/33-18, Apostalakis 2/13-10) Drew with Randwick Petersham 9/117 – 53 Overs (Segal 26, Mahajan 22n/o) 

http://www.premier.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?locx=MATCH&matchID=2940474

Fifth Grade were looking to press for a fourth win of the season as they were involved in a tight tussle with Parramatta heading into Day 2 at Kensington Oval. Fabian Heaton’s men had fought hard on Day 1 to restrict the visitors to 9/117 from 63 overs, with rain bringing about an early end to the day. 

In the end the boys managed to dig in and survive for a draw, to gain 1 point from the match, finishing on 9/117 from 53 overs, in response to Parramatta’s score of 161. 

After the rain on Thursday and Friday the wicket was a little soft and greener, while the outfield was wet and slow. The game started on time and we hoped to contain the Parramatta boys to under 140. Vivek Mahajan (3/33-18) started the proceedings and was immediately on the spot, bowling four maidens straight. He then bowled the ball of the match, pitching the ball on to leg stump to their dogged left hander that beat the bat and took the off bail.

However, the Parramatta batsmen continued to just block the ball and did not play any big shots. The decision was made to take the second new ball. The Parramatta batsmen threw the bat and got away with some edges to the boundary. But, eventually we got the last two wickets with James Apostolakis (2/13) and Reid McNamara (2/13) getting the last two wickets.

The Parramatta opening bowlers bowled a tight line and we lost our first wicket in the fourth over with the score on only 2. Josh Segal (26) and Chintan Sapariya (12) were circumspect initially and tried to push the score along, but the Parramatta bowlers gave nothing away, and the pressure was mounting with 21 overs gone and the Randy’s only on 38 runs.

Pinch hitter James Apostolakis (18) was moved ahead of Fabian Heaton and it looked like a partnership was going to bloom. But, unfortunately Heaton was run out off a brilliant throw, with the short third man fielder hitting middle stump at the non-strikers end.

We thought we still had a chance at 5/70 with 16 overs to get 92 runs. But when McNamara was out the advice for next batsman Vivek Mahajan (22 not out) was to pull the shutters down.

Captain Heaton wanted to send a big thank you to Glen Standing for helping with the fielding drills before the game, and the valuable pointers to the young Green Shield bowlers about the importance of bowling line and length. A special mention to Sandeep Mahajan for making up the drinks once again and placing the cones on the field and scoring for a short while until champ scorer Belinda Gibson and supporter David Gibson took over. Thank you Belinda for getting the afternoon tea ready in a flash when the umpires suddenly decided to call the tea break 30 minutes earlier. GOLD!

Finally, our inspirational Captain Heaton wanted to thank Mr and Mrs Segal for manning the manual score board, and Wayne Hutchison and Todd McNamara for helping with the covers. Also Alan Wright and Greg Small thank you so much for coming down to watch the game. 

Metropolitan Cup – Randwick Petersham Gold v Warringah @ Mike Pawley 

Team – Stewart (C), Wanzare, Rushton, W Deller (+), Khoo, Bugti, Robertson, Boyns, C De Silva, Small, Lau, Partol 

Result – Warringah 7-293 (dec) – 54 Overs (Y Wanzare 3-90, A Bugti 2-88) defeated Randwick Petersham Gold 78 (W Deller 28*) and 4-61 

http://www.smcc.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?matchID=2963723&entityID=2318

Gold returned to Mike Pawley one short but with Gus Small coming in Day 2. With the score sitting at 3/189 there was confidence amongst the boys that quick wickets could be taken. 3 wickets in the space of 3 overs fell to – Bugti (2-88) and 1 to Wanzare (3-90). One more wicket fell – a run out to Pingu and Bugti – but Warringah’s lower order swung hard to declare in the 53rd over 7-293. 

In the chase Will Deller (28*) stood tall but no other batsmen fired as no momentum could be made as Warringah tightened the screws to leave Gold following on (all out 78). In the second innings Gold ended the day 4-61 with the Christmas/ New Year break allowing the team to reset and work towards finals in the second half of the season. 

John Stewart

Gold

3 Will Deller

2 Yogesh Wanzare

1 Anis Bugti

Metropolitan Cup – Randwick Petersham Green v Sydney University @ Marrickville Oval 

Team – Jastrzab (C+), Grills, Besgrove, Hussain, Awati, Sherriff, Brennan, Thomas, Bird, Robinson, Smith

Result – Randwick Petersham Green 8-60 (dec) – 18 Overs & 3-149 – 44 Overs (W Grills 74, L Bird 30*) defeated by Sydney University 7-200 (dec) – 59.4 Overs (B Thomas 2-29, R Brennan 2-8)

http://www.smcc.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?matchID=2963719&entityID=2318

After another week of wild and wet weather, the Green team returned to conditions that, while favouring bowling, were far better than anyone could have expected. Lachie Bird resumed from last week and should have had the lucky thumper stumped early in the piece, but the Sydney Uni square leg was seemingly watching the wrong line… only for thumper’s luck to run out next ball when he hit it straight to Rohan Awati at mid-wicket. Corey Sherriff was bowling himself back into form, but despite a few hairy moments for the batsmen, was unfortunate not to get a breakthrough, as was Rohan Awati. 

A special moment for the team followed, as Jack Brennan got to bowl in tandem with dad Rob, who was graciously filling in for the team. While the younger Brennan plied pressure form one end and had several edges fall out of favour on a pitch still offering some pop, it was the older Brennan that showed how experience counts by taking out the Uni top scorer and then the skipper with an inswinging yorker. Jack finally got himself a wicket as Marley Besgrove held on to a skier, and the students closed their innings with a lead of 140 and gave the Greens 50 overs to bat out. 

With the pitch still holding up, Besgrove perished in the first over, leaving Akther Hussain and William ‘Bear’ Grills to see out till tea. Batting still proved difficult for 25 overs, with a number of balls going past the batsmen’s noses, and though Huss had to retire, there was no further damage. Having seen off the main bowlers, Grills released his inner grizzly to race to 74 through a flurry of boundaries – a just reward for battling out that tough period. He and Max Robinson fell in quick succession, with the Greens still 30 runs adrift and with 15 overs to go. From there, Lachlan Bird made up for the first innings with an unbeaten 30, as he and skipper Jez saw off the rest of the day without any alarms. 

3 – William Grills

2 – Ben Thomas

1 – Lachlan Bird