Graham Croker
While NSW might be awash with openers vying for Sheffield Shield berths this season, none have scored as heavily as Sydney University’s Greg Mail, a former member of the state’s top-order ranks.
Mail’s 214 not out in Sydney University’s 6(dec)-389 against Randwick-Petersham at Coogee Oval on Saturday, took his Sydney grade tally for the season to 521 (from six innings) at an average of 104.02. The hosts were 0-9 at stumps on day one of the two-day fixture.
Mail hit 28 boundaries in his 257 minutes at the crease and posted a 145-run opening stand with Will Hay (52). In round four, the prolific pair put on a 324-run partnership to earn first innings points against Manly-Warringah.
It was Mail’s second double century this season. Last month he posted 223 for NSW Second XI against Victoria.
Saturday’s effort was Mail’s 28th First Grade century, putting him level with Tommy Andrews and in elite company behind Victor Trumper (36), Warren Bardsley (36), Bob Simpson (35) and Alan Kippax (32). Having surpassed Trumper (9244 runs) on the list of all-time leading run-scorers in First Grade in the Sydney competition, Mail is now closing in on the magical 10,000.
Sydney University Firsts are not the only team in the club in a strong position after day one. Second Grade were 2-97 at stumps and closing in on first innings points, having dismissed Randwick-Petersham for 146. Shashi Keshar took the bowling honours with 5-46, while Josh Ryan set the run-chase off to a good start with 43.
The Randy-Pete Thirds are 0-6 in reply to Sydney University’s 220. The bulk of the Students’ runs came fro Ken Huckle (92) and Michael Culkoff (37).
Jack Hammond (62) and Charles Cull (53) top-scored in Sydney University Fourth Grade’s first innings total of 256. Chris Singh took 5-53 for Randwick-Petersham, who were 0-6 at stumps.
Sydney University Fifth Grade batted throughout the day to be 7-276 at stumps at Snape Park. Paul O’Halloran (90), Ed Quoyle (72) and Ben Peacock (44 not out) were the main contributors. The Students will be thinking long and hard this week about a declaration.
Sydney Grade competition – Round 6 (Two-day fixtures)
First Grade: Sydney University 6(dec)-389 (Greg Mail 214 not out, Will Hay 52, Nick Larkin 35, David Miller 34; James Byrne 4-93) v Randwick-Petersham 0-9, stumps, day one at Coogee Oval. Toss won by: Sydney University.
Second Grade: Randwick-Petersham 146 (Tim Laws 39, Robert Wilson 29; Shashi Kesher 5-46) v Sydney University 2-97 (Josh Ryan 43, Adam Theobald 25), stumps, day one at Sydney University No.1 Oval. Toss: Randwick-Petersham.
Third Grade: Sydney University 220 (Ken Huckle 92, Michael Culkoff 37; Nigil Singh 3-33, Daniel Laus 2-25, Nick Charlwood 2-40) v Randwick-Petersham 0-6, stumps, day one at Kensington Oval. Toss: Sydney University.
Fourth Grade: Sydney University 256 (Jack Hammond 62, Charles Cull 53; Chris Singh 5-53) v Randwick-Petersham 0-18, stumps, day one at Sydney University No.2 Oval. Toss: Sydney University.
Fifth Grade: Sydney University 7-276 (Paul O’Halloran 90, Ed Quoyle 72, Ben Peacock 44 not out; Cameron Fowler 3-83, David Howe 2-98), stumps, day one at Snape Park. Toss: Sydney University.
