Graham Croker
Sydney University Cricket Club is chasing titles in First, Second and Third grades after advancing through the semi-finals with some solid performances at the weekend.
First Grade defeated Penrith on the first innings at Sydney University No.1 Oval to earn a showdown with St George for the 2008-09 title, to be played at Hurstville Oval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A 292-run partnership between openers Nick Larkin (162) and Josh Ryan (133) paved the way for Second Grade’s comfortable first innings win over Manly-Warringah and a finals berth against Penrith at Bankstown Oval on Saturday and Sunday.
And Michael Culkoff’s 5-46 helped Sydney University Thirds to a first innings win over Manly-Warringah and a finals tilt with Gordon at Sydney University No.1 Oval.
While Second Grade will be pushing for back-to-back titles, First Grade will be chasing a third Belvidere Cup in seven years. The Students broke an 89-year premiership drought when they won the 2002-03 title and backed that up with the 2005-06 title.
The Students have Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark and NSW representatives Ed Cowan and Greg Mail all available for the final.
Clark, who has missed much of the summer with an elbow injury, returned to grade cricket three weeks ago in a bid to reclaim his Australian spot and make the upcoming Ashes tour.
Sydney Grade Cricket – Semi-finals
First Grade: Sydney University 199 (Ian Moran 77, Ed Cowan 45, David Miller 21; Joshua Lalor 7-58, Ryan Smith 3-55) and 5-98 (David Miller 27, Greg Mail 21; Joshua Lalor 2-18) d Penrith 133 (Kevin Geyer 35, Greg Hunt 24; Greg Mail 2-9, Mitch Cook 3-31, Stuart Clark 3-51) and 8(dec)-174 (Jordan Silk 94; Mitch Cook 3-47, Stuart Clark 2-40) on the first innings at Sydney University No.1 Oval on Saturday and Sunday. Toss won by: Sydney University. Batted first: Penrith. Sydney University to meet St George in final at Hurstville Oval on April 3-5.
Second Grade: Sydney University 6(dec)-413 (Nick Larkin 162, Josh Ryan 133, Dave Butchart 61, Mark Faraday 23; Corrie Boss 3-90) d Manly-Warringah 125 (Luke Cameron 38, Edward Burgess 20 not out; Josh Toyer 5-15, Tim Ley 2-52) on the first innings at Manly Oval. Toss: Sydney University. Batted first: Sydney University. Sydney University to meet Penrith in final at Bankstown Oval.
Third Grade: Sydney University 269 (Stu McLean 52, Nigel Cowell 47, Tim Harrington 43, James Crowley 38, Suda Sivapalan 20; Nathan Austin 5-42, Craig Little 2-12) d Manly Warringah 238 (Joel Mason 87, Scott Patterson 73, Nathan Austin 27, Craig Little 22; Michael Culkoff 5-46, Stu McLean 2-19, Shashi Keshar 2-69) on the first innings at Sydney University No.1 Oval. Toss: Manly-Warringah. Batted first: Sydney University. Sydney University to meet Gordon in final at Sydney University No.1 Oval.
Women’s Grade – Semi-final
Bankstown 0-78 off 24.4 overs (Laura Wright 33 not out, Carly Ryan 23 not out) d Universities 77 off 43.4 overs ( Alex Blackwell 15, Lisa Sthalekar 15, Kate Owen 14; Sharon Millanta 4-11, Belinda Allard 2.10, Sarah Aley 2-18) on first innings at Bankstown Oval. Toss: Universities. Batted first: Universities.
