LJ’s Randy Petes Preview Round 6 vs Sydney + Metro

After a couple of tough rounds across the board, the Randy Petes bounced back in Round 5 against Fairfield-Liverpool with three wins, as well as PG’s claiming their first victory of the 2019/20 season. This weekend we take on Sydney, while both First Grade and PG’s will play a double-header against North Sydney on Sunday. Last year we had two wins and three losses against the Tigers, so it’s time to change that to a winning record in 2019/20. 

Check out our preview below for Round 6.

1st Grade is at Coogee Oval: 

First Grade have risen all the way to 2^nd spot on the competition ladder after a terrific start to the season in all formats. This weekend the side will welcome back Daniel Sams and Jason Sangha – however will be without veteran all-rounder Adam Semple who is out injured.

In the 21 clashes over the years against Sydney, the Randy Petes have managed 10 wins, 10 losses and a draw for a completely even record. Our last win against this opposition came in 2015/16, so it is overdue for the Randy Petes to get one back and with current form in consideration that is a huge possibility.

After a stunning 5-wicket haul in PG’s last Sunday, Jason Ralston will be ready to rip through the Sydney batting lineup. Ralsto continues to grow as a leader for the Randy Petes and is an integral part of both 1s and the U21s sides.

2nd Grade is at Drummoyne Oval:

A momentum-shifting victory last weekend against the Lions has us well and truly back in the hunt in 2s, and this weekend sees the debut of highly-rated prospect Caelan Maladay. We are however without fiery seamer Luke Radford who has succumbed to a knee injury.

The Randy Petes have managed just six wins against Sydney over the years, but we do have the recent form after claiming the 6 points in last season’s clash.

James Mahony-Brack has hit his straps with the ball in recent times and is brimming with confidence after taking poles in both 2s and PG’s. When JMB is on, there aren’t too many more exciting players to watch and he will be a huge key to victory this weekend for the Randy Petes.

3rd Grade is at Kensington Oval:

They’ve done it! 

After struggling for the first four rounds, Ben Stares and his mob of misfits got the chocolates against Fairfield and have got their season off the ground. They welcome back Doug Loth this round, as well as Adam Docos who drops back from 2s and will no doubt be hungry for runs.

A win last year in 3s improved our average record against the Tigers to 5-8-1, and we will look to make it two on the bounce at Kenso this Saturday.

Scott Sharma made his return to the club last round and made an immediate impact on the side both on and off the field. This weekend he is the player to watch and runs are on the horizon.

4th Grade is at Birchgrove Oval:

It’s been a tough run for 4s since their opening round victory, but with a strong line-up on paper this week there should be no excuses to come up short. Ash Burton and Hayden Fox come in from 3s and will add plenty of talent and experience; Anis Bugti comes up from 5s after taking a bag of wickets last weekend. 

We haven’t beaten Sydney in this grade since the 2011/12 season, however we still have 7 wins in the bank after some good form in the early stages of the club. It’s time for us to get back to that with a big win tomorrow.

Sayem Sultan has had plenty of starts this season, but has been unable to kick on thus far to make a big score. Tomorrow could be his time to shine and he looms as a player to watch.

5th Grade is at Marrickville Oval:

5^th Grade got off to a flying start this season but haven’t registered a win since the opening round and find themselves in a very similar boat to 4s. But diamonds are made under pressure, and there’s a big chance to get the season back on track this Saturday.

Over the years we have registered just six wins against Sydney, but have only come away with the chocolates twice in the past decade. Last year we had a loss, so it’s time for a bit of retribution.

Hamza Mahmood has been striking the ball in the nets and is a player to watch this weekend as Fabian Heaton’s side look to get back into the winner’s circle.

Metropolitan Cup Preview by Jeremy Jastrzab:

After experiencing home comforts for the last round, both teams hit the road this weekend. The Green machine rolls down the M5 towards Riverwood to take on Georges River – in an odd scheduling quirk that sees them playing the same team that they played in Round 1. Big skip John Stewart has hit a rich vein of form, and will look to continue among the runs. The Gold boys head further west to take on perennial Metro powerhouses, Penrith.