Graham Croker
A century from Alex Barwick at St Paul’s College Oval on Saturday helped Sydney University Sixth Grade to a first innings win over Western Suburbs and a berth in the final of the Metropolitan Cup cricket competition.
Barwick cracked 125, Simon Cowan made 85 and Cam Hawkins made 66 in Sydney University’s big total of 342.
And the Students needed every run come Sunday when Western Suburbs finally succumbed for 309 after a 10th wicket stand of 120 frustrated the hosts.
Sixth Grade will meet North Sydney in the final this weekend.
Sydney University Seconds were thwarted from defending their 2008-09 title when they were defeated on the first innings by Sutherland at Blacktown Olympic Park at the weekend.
Having won the toss and sent Sutherland in, the Students seemed to have made the right decision when Michael Culkoff collected 7-37 in Sutherland’s total of 146.
But Sydney University were dismissed for 90 in reply, thanks to Nathan Rowe (4-36), Chad Gilmore (4-49) and Scott Pickering (2-2). Only opener Nick Larkin made any impression with the bat, top-scoring with 40.
Sutherland rattled up 268 in their second innings – with Culkoff collecting 5-56 – and Sydney University were 8-166 when stumps were drawn.
Scoreboard
Second Grade: Sutherland 146 (Chris Williams 48, Ben Marciante 42; Michael Culkoff 7-37, Tim Ley 2-49) and 268 (Scott Pickering 98, Stephen Cush 96; Michael Culkoff 5-56, Nigel Cowell 2-39) d Sydney University 90 (Nick Larkin 40; Nathan Rowe 4-36, Chad Gilmore 4-49, Scott Pickering 2-2) and 8-166 (Nick Larkin 38, Adam Theobald 34, Joshua Ryan 33; Tim Freeburn 4-33, Louis Talay 3-48) on the first innings at Blacktown Olympic Park 2. Toss won by: Sydney University. Batted first: Sutherland.
Sixth Grade: Sydney University 342 (Alex Barwick 125, Simon Cowan 85, Cam Hawkins 66) d Western Suburbs 309 on first innings at St Paul’s College Oval. Sydney University to play North Sydney in the final this weekend.