Sydney University Cricket Club’s First Grade sent a massive warning of their intentions for the season with an empathic win over Penrith in Round 1 over the weekend. A couple of rule changes sees the one day competition this year mirror International and State cricket with bowling and batting power plays, helping to keep the captains on their toes.
In blustery conditions more suitable for windsurfing then cricket, Marty Paskal (4-25) and Ian Moran (2-32) set up the win with a sensational opening spell. The Uni bowlers and fielders made it extremely tough to score runs in a game which saw Penrith creep to 3-30 in the 16th over. Mitch Cook (2-31) and Tom Kierath (2-39) made sure that the spinners also got into the act by helping to get wickets on a good batting pitch. A late batting power play saw a few valuable runs scored, however, Penrith were eventually all out for 170.
The ever reliable Uni captain, Greg Mail (70), paired with Will Hay (38) and Moran (56 not out) to make sure that Uni went home with a bonus point. The run chase was never in trouble with regular boundaries helping to keep the momentum with the students.
In what was a battle of the top two clubs from last year, Uni completed a good weekend with 1st Grade, 4th Grade and 5th Grade winning, each with a bonus point. New Sponsors this year Drummond Golf Camperdown, Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness and The Nags Head have strengthened the off-field side of the club and it now comes down to the wins on the field to determine the level of playing success!
SUCC will have another big test over the long weekend against St George in a Saturday and Monday game. First grade will be at Hurstville Oval and looking for revenge after losing the Grand Final to the Saints last year.
