Sydney Uni’s lower grades are still carrying the flag in grade cricket with third grade and fourth grade both living to fight another day after the weekend results.
Third grade had a convincing first innings win over Mosman at Allan Border Oval, tallying 6-244 thanks to Ben Larkin’s classy 117 not out, ably supported by Ash Cowan (45), and dismissing Mosman for 159. Cowan was influential again, picking up 5-27. The side will host a semi-final against Manly at Uni’s No.1 Oval this weekend and can qualify for the final with a win or draw thanks to their higher ranking.
Fourth grade batted out a draw against St George at Hurstville Oval after the home side notched 205 off 90.1 overs. The Students were 6-111 at stumps thanks to a patient 51 from Hugh Kermond. Fourth grade travel to Mark Taylor Oval to take on Northern District, and must win to progress to the final. Let’s hope the weather gods are fine and they get to play.
Second grade were defeated outright by Penrith at Blacktown despite some notable individual performances. David Miller took 4-24 in Penrith’s first innings and Tom Kierath and Dugald Holloway turned in solid all-round efforts.
First grade’s efforts were indifferent this season, but the club is probably paying the price of success to a degree with Uni providing a host of representative players come finals time. Still, we’ve made the T20 final for the past three years. The loss of No 2 Oval can’t be underestimated either with its impact on the home and away schedule.
Sydney Men’s Grade competition – Qualifying final
Second Grade: Penrith 138 off 46.4 overs (Michael Collins 32, Cameron Weir 31, Shannon Finemore 28; David Miller 4-24, Tom Kierath 2-7, Dugald Holloway 2-30) and 3-149 off 36.5 overs (Cameron Weir 56, Adam Bayliss 42, Shannon Finemore 31 not out) defeated Sydney University 102 off 37.4 overs (Dugald Holloway 31, Steven Hobson 24, Tom Kierath 21; Michael Collins 4-23, Kaine Balgowan 2-24, Jarrod Lee 2-32) and 184 off 63.2 overs (Dugald Holloway 64, Steven Hobson 34; Kurt Niess 3-36, Jarrod Lee 2-39, Michael Collins 2-68) outright and on first innings at Blacktown International Sports Park 2. Toss: Penrith. Batted first: Sydney University. .
Third Grade: Sydney University 6-244 off 81.3 overs (Ben Larkin 117 not out, Ash Cowan 45, Sutharsan Sivapalan 29, James Crowley 20; Hugh Sykes 2-79) d Mosman 169 off 63.4 overs (Daniel Donaldson 56, Joshua Doyle 51, Oskar Kolk 21; Ash Cowan 5-27, Henry Clark 2-25, Ryan Kurtz 2-58) on first innings at Allan Border Oval. Toss: Mosman. Batted first: Mosman.
Fourth Grade: Sydney University 6-111 off 68 overs (Hugh Kermond 51, Hayden Kerr 33; Aaron Royall 2-26) drew with St George 205 off 90.1 overs (Ben Panayotopoulos 79, Nathan Anderson 50 not out, Aaron Royall 22; Lewis McMahon 4-46, Alasdair Grant 2-24) at Hurstville Oval. Toss: Sydney University. Batted first: St George.
