Another 2 sides are through to Grand Finals – which takes us to 3. Well done to 2nd, 3rd and 8th Blue for making it all the way to the final game of the season. Details of the matches below – if you have some time on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, pop on down and support your Clubmates.
Unfortunately the season comes to an end for our 7th and 8th Gold teams. Congratulations to you both on excellent seasons. Both were so close to making it through to a Grand Final, and will come back better and stronger next year.
Let’s hope we can add to our Club’s Grand Final wins this weekend. Last weekend saw 2 of our Junior teams win their Grand Finals. Congratulations to our u13 Div 2 and u11 Div 1 teams last weekend - read about them on our website.
There were a few more players who put up their hand for the “Player of the Finals” trophy. Read on to hear about some terrific performances from the 3 Preliminary Finals – the Winner to be announced at the Seniors Awards Night – make sure you are there! Details below.
All Grand Finals are played on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1:30pm.
Division 2: Steel Park : Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
Division 3: Mackey Park : Carrington Rd, Marrickville
Division 8: Kelso Park South : Marco Avenue, Panania
April 12th – Seniors Awards Night
Be sure to reserve your place for our end of season Awards Night. Link below.
Pratten Park Bowling Club have a new Colombian Chef, and Paella is on the menu – Yum!
When: Friday, April 12th
Time: from 6pm, for a 7pm start
Where: Pratten Park Bowling Club (PPBC) – 42 Arthur St, Ashfield
Cost: Free for all 23/24 Full Time, Part Time and Casual Players. Guests $30 each – payable on the night.
Included: Pre-dinner nibbles and Dinner. Cash Bar available on the night
RSVP: Reserve your place online here:
Please let me know if you would like to be involved in any way - we are always looking for ways to improve. Please give me a call, or send me an email if you would like to be involved, or have any ideas.
Winter Cricket
If this Summers Season hasn’t been enough for you, the good news is Winter Cricket is not far away. Played every 2nd weekend, on a mix of Saturday’s and Sunday’s, the season starts on April 20/21, with teams to be submitted by March 27th. Send me an email if you are interested in playing this Winter.
Round Highlights
Batting:
83 Madushan Bandara 3rd Div
Club Milestones
Runs
500 "Saikat” Bin Rashid
Training
Our last Summer Training session is this Thursday afternoon. If your not playing this weekend, come on down and support teams get ready for their Grand Finals this weekend.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Lees Park - Harmony St, Ashbury (Park in Crieff St & walk down the alley)
When: From 5:30pm until dusk – and there may be a few there earlier too
Enjoy your Cricket!
Phil
Phil – President
m 0417 234 761
3rd Division Match Report : Niloy Mahmood
Preliminary Final: Summer Hill 7/250 def Sydney Chargers CC 182
After enduring a gruelling two-day Preliminary Final against DLSK, the Summer Hill boys returned to Steel Park with determination pulsing through their veins for a must-win Semi-Final clash against the Sydney Chargers. Every ounce of effort was poured into this do-or-die match, with Summer Hill determined to clash with their arch-rivals, DLSK in the Grand Final.
Under the scorching sun and with the weight of the Semi-Final hanging heavy, the team stood poised, awaiting the outcome of the crucial toss. Would they set the score or chase? However, any uncertainty was swiftly dispelled as the Sydney Chargers failed to appear on time, ultimately forfeiting the toss. Captain Jay Karim wasted no time electing to set a formidable score on an outfield that resembled a carpet compared to the tangled jungle of Beaman Park last week.
Despite the Sydney Chargers fielding only nine players initially, their absence left gaps in the field for the Summer Hill opening pair, Tarek and Maruf, to exploit. Their partnership of 37 runs resembled “A Song of Ice and Fire” - Maruf's explosive boundary-hitting juxtaposed with Tarek's composed accumulation of runs. As the overs ticked by, the Chargers managed to field a full XI, but Maruf's aggressive approach eventually led to his dismissal, picking out mid-on. Maruf left the field with a positive 21 off 24.
In came Madushan "The Wall" Bandara, Summer Hill's leading run-scorer, who provided stability alongside Tarek. Having the comfort of having the wall out in the middle Tarek began to show Chargers how strong square of the wicket he is, cutting anything short and wide then picking up balls off his pads. Only till Saud Ali got one past the bat, hitting his pads, and was given LBW questionably by the umpire. Tarek left the field with a well-compiled 28 off 57.
With the fall of the wicket, the boiling weather in combination with Madushan's diligent batting began to grind down the Chargers. Madushan pulled out his signature drives through cover, playing the ball down to a vacant fine leg and milking every run he missed out in last week's fixture. With the disappearance of key players Tanzim and Arup, the importance of this partnership wasn't lost on the skipper, who provided invaluable support. The Chargers, feeling the heat both figuratively and literally, resorted to desperate measures, excessively appealing in hopes of breaking the partnership. However, the umpire remained unfazed, and the batsmen were amused. If only Division 3 Park Cricket had DRS the Sydney Chargers would burn through these reviews instantly. It was Saud Ali once again who made the breakthrough, breaching the defences of the captain and ending the vital 70-run partnership.
At 3/136, Summer Hill surpassed last week's hard-fought 129, but the task was only halfway completed, and the "Italian Stallion" was keenly aware of the assignment ahead. Helmetless, Raf strode to the crease, ready to confront a mix of "moon-balls" and pace from Nayeem. Having fallen to spin last week, Raf was determined to anchor his innings, evident from his elegant backfoot punch for four and his adept handling of short deliveries, dispatching them to the boundary with ease. With Madushan at the other end, having crossed his half-century, the "Italian Stallion" recognized the significance of rotating the strike, exploiting every fielding lapse as each run in this partnership was crucial in building a commanding total for Summer Hill.
Nearly fulfilling his promise to bat for five hours, Madushan's innings came to an end to the very ball he had been handling comfortably - the "moonball". A lethargic delivery approached Madushan at a snail’s pace, only for him to unluckily edge it to the keeper. Departing the field after contributing a commendable 83 runs, Madushan had played a Semi-Final innings to be remembered.
Raf, pushing onward to 49, his highest score of the season in the most pivotal match, deserved to raise his bat despite falling short of his half-century. With the lower order rallying, Summer Hill's total surged to 250, with valuable contributions from Umer and Fahim, concluding their innings at 250-7 by day's end. Saud Ali, showcasing his prowess with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul, emerging as the standout bowler for the Chargers.
Picture: Raf shows off his lucky socks
As the players retreated to the pavilion, the stage was set for an enthralling second day, with Summer Hill poised to defend their total and secure a spot in the Grand Final.
The sun blazed down yet again, marking another scorching 28-degree day on Day 2. Unfazed by the relentless heat and the absence of their top wicket-taker, SHB stepped onto the field with a clear goal in mind: securing a spot in the Summer Grand Final.
Taking charge of the opening bowling duties were the duo of Wassi and Salman, who exhibited impeccable control over their line and length, posing a challenge for Majeeb and Ali. However, the early exchanges saw edges flying through the third-man region, much to the fielders' frustration. Interestingly, Majeeb found himself swapping bats just three overs into the innings, perhaps realizing his initial bat was all edge and no middle.
With a new bat in hand, Majeeb began to capitalise on anything wide or short, punishing deliveries through point and over cover, while Ali struggled to find his rhythm at the other end. Sensing the need for a wicket, captain Jay introduced Niloy, the leg spinner, to lure the batsmen into errors in the last over before drinks. As the players prepared to head for drinks, left-hander Majeeb nicked a last ball wrong-un from Niloy, the ball dropping tantalisingly short of Maruf at first slip. Seizing what seemed like a chance for a quick single, both openers set off, unaware of Maruf's lightning-quick arm. A sensational direct hit from the third man saw Majeeb fall victim to a remarkable run-out, hailed as the highlight run-out of the season.
Following that extraordinary fielding display, one might expect the Chargers to have learned their lesson. However, shortly after the drinks break, Akbar struck the ball firmly and set off confidently for a run, only to find himself picking out one of Summer Hill's finest fielders, Fahim. The precision of Fahim's throw to the bowler's end left both batsmen bewildered in the middle, resulting in another crucial run-out and sending S. Ali packing.
With both openers dismissed via run-outs, Umer returned to the attack and swiftly removed Akbar Khan. It was another exceptional display in the field, as Shute showcased his skills by allowing the ball to come to his chest before securing it, leaving a battle scar.
Following the run of quick dismissals, the spinning duo of Jay and Niloy struck in quick succession, leaving the Chargers in a precarious position. However, their fortunes seemed to shift with the arrival of the hard-hitting Sifarath to the crease. Sending both spinners down the ground or through mid-wicket, Sifarath posed a challenge, prompting the spinners to adjust their lines and for the fielders to push back to contain the run flow.
Despite their efforts, Jay took it upon himself to tackle the threat posed by Sifarath. Sensing the need for a change in approach, Jay opted to bowl around the wicket for his final delivery of the ninth over—a tactical move that proved fruitful. Utilizing the angle to spin the ball back onto Sifarath's off stump, Jay successfully ended the explosive innings, dismissing Sifarath for a brisk 25 runs.
The momentum continued for Summer Hill as Jay struck again, clean-bowling Ahmed. This was followed by the removal of Saud Ali, who skied a delivery high into the air, only to be snatched by Niloy at mid-off, gifting a wicket to Fahim.
With only two wickets separating Summer Hill from a spot in the Grand Final, the Chargers made a desperate SOS call for their star batsman, Mateen. He was held back until the final moments, but was it a case of too little, too late? Mateen, reminiscent of Babar Azam, unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes through the offside, particularly targeting Fahim and Umer. With each boundary, the Chargers' hopes soared, their cheers resonating louder than ever as they believed Mateen, supported by A. Ali, could successfully chase down the target.
Meanwhile, Summer Hill found themselves under mounting pressure, fully aware of the stakes involved. However, Captain Jay remained steadfast in his belief in Fahim and Umer to deliver the crucial breakthroughs. It was Umer who rose to the occasion, claiming the prized wickets of A. Ali and Mateen, ultimately sealing Summer Hill's victory by 68 runs and securing their place in the Grand Final.
After a hard-fought victory over the Sydney Chargers, Summer Hill now braces for a showdown with their perennial rivals, DLSK, in the upcoming Grand Final. The memories of their gruelling encounter in the Preliminary Final linger, serving as both motivation and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. As they prepare to face DLSK once more, the Summer Hill boys are filled with determination and resolve, knowing that only their best will suffice in the ultimate battle for supremacy. With their sights set on the coveted trophy, Summer Hill embraces the opportunity to etch their names in the annals of cricketing history, ready to leave everything on the field in pursuit of glory.
Best Batting
83 Madushan Bandara
49 Rafael Bruzzese
28 Tarek Rahman
21 AFM Maruf
Best Bowling
3/38 Umer Aijaz
3/47 Jay Karim
7th Division Match Report: Dharmin Thakkar
Preliminary Final : Summer Hill 203 def by Redfern All Blacks 6/214
The anticipation reached its peak as SHCC geared up to face RABCC in a nail-biting encounter. Winning the toss proved advantageous for SHCC, electing to field first with confidence in their batting prowess for the chase ahead.
The game kicked off with Prabhu and Muniraj, the dynamic opening duo, setting the stage. Aman's tenacity finally broke through for SHCC, claiming the crucial first wicket. Despite their best efforts, RABCC displayed remarkable resilience, posting a challenging 214 runs on the board, albeit losing 6 wickets. Shaik's late strikes provided some respite, but conceding around 20 runs more than desired added pressure on SHCC's chase.
The following day, chasing a target of 215 runs, SHCC faced a sluggish start, compounded by injuries affecting their running between the wickets. Losing Dharmin early at 30 runs and Shaik shortly after was a setback. However, Chetan's brave innings injected some momentum with his quick 21 runs.
Yet, the game was far from over. Small yet significant partnerships, including Hamza and Rafi's brisk contributions, kept the scoreboard ticking. Prabhu's innings of 31 runs was a masterclass in patience and precision, highlighted by two brilliant boundaries at deep square leg, alongside skillful rotation of strike with singles and twos, which kept hopes alive until his departure. Then emerged the standout partnership of Ben and Anthony, a dynamic duo whose 60-run alliance was adorned with exquisite boundaries, propelling SHCC within striking distance of victory.
As the tension mounted, Aman stepped up, bringing the equation down to 18 runs required off the final 3 overs before his departure. With the game hanging in balance, the responsibility fell on the shoulders of the last pair, Muniraj and Shreesha, needing 18 runs in 3 overs.
Muniraj's emphatic six over long-off in the first ball raised hopes, leaving only 12 runs to win. However, after taking a single, Shreesha faced a nerve-wracking situation. Despite defending two deliveries well, fate intervened as he was adjudged LBW on the third ball, concluding SHCC's gallant run chase.
In recognition of their standout performances, Anthony and Prabhu jointly hold the Man of the Match for their contributions of 33 and 31 runs, respectively for this match.
Although our journey for the summer competition 2023-24 has concluded, the spirit of our team remained unwavering throughout, standing tall amidst the highs and lows with courage, patience, and a lot of camaraderie both on the field and during practice sessions.
The addition of Umer, Aman and Hamza to our team proved to be very effective, with Umer's remarkable haul of 17 wickets, including a stellar 5-wicket haul, Aman's commendable contribution of 13 wickets and Hamza with exquisite batting technique showcasing the depth of talent and the supportive culture within our team towards talent and the intent.
While batsmen may falter to score runs and bowlers may struggle to take wickets, the impact of a stellar fielder remains consistent in every match. One such exceptional fielder who has left an indelible mark is Rafi Islam. His athleticism, coupled with relentlessly positive attitude, sets him apart on the field. Rafi is always prepared to assume any position to staunch the flow of runs, showcasing his dedication to the team's success. We were extremely grateful having him in past two season and look forward to have his continued presence in our team.
A special note of gratitude goes to Rahul, Prabhu's son, whose selfless assistance in fielding for us during the initial two hours and his crucial role in the match was invaluable.
Despite grappling with injuries towards the latter stages, our players displayed unwavering passion for the game, giving their all for the teams cause.
As we bid adieu to the summer season, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming Winter season of 2024 with such a fabulous team, ready to conquer new challenges and forge memorable moments together.
Best Batting
33 Anthony Ishinjerro
31 Prabhu Rajendran
23 Shaikh Abdullah
22 Ben Rawat
21 Chetan Kondur
Best Bowling
2/28 Shaikh Abdullah
2/35 Ben Rawat
2/46 Amanjot Gill
8th Division Gold vs Blue Match Report : Jud Agius
Preliminary Final: Summer Hill Blue 131 def Summer Hill Gold 97
On a bright, sunny and hot Autumn day the two Summer Hill teams that had finished 2nd and 3rd trotted out onto a well covered but dry Gough Whitlam Park for a Preliminary Final between these closely matched teams. With one win a piece and a heat cancelled 2 day game, the question of who would take the honours for 2023-24 and a place in the GF had the fans salivating. A field inspection suggested that the outfield was more suited to cows grazing than red leather skimming to the fence. And so it proved with both teams hitting only 3 boundaries each for the match.
Picture: Mark Gibson with a classic drive
Blue won the toss and backing their form batting first, duly did so. Gibbo and Jud got Blues off to a solid patient start facing some searing pace from Shishir (2/39) and a couple of bouncers from Jim the veteran, surprising everyone (including himself) that he could still bowl them - Jimmy Anderson eat your heart out. When Jud (10) was out at 1/23 it brought 600+ Captain Tarbox to the crease. Blues expected Phil (8) to play the anchor role as he has done all season but it was not to be. Given a life by his opposing Captain at 1st slip Phil offered another chance 2 overs later to gully that was gleefully taken. Gibbo (36) though was having none of the tough conditions and kept hammering the bowling for twos to keep the score ticking along until he was out caught, exhausted, with a fine innings that was worth 50 anywhere else. Luca (12), the competition’s other 600+ batsman, hammered a boundary on his first ball and looked good before Jim (3/41) as he always does got the wicket, this time with a shank wide one that deserved to be plundered, only getting as far as gully.
Thanks to a Captaincy masterclass from Gold’s skipper Rob Sanderson, Blue were 5/78 and were looking pretty shaky - well short of the 150 they desired. But talent is not confined to the senior Tarbox and sons Leo (11) and Asher (13), combining with Simon (15), played a sterling late order recovery to push the score past 130. Simon’s sumptuous straight drive and Leo’s sweep for boundaries were classy shots that showed only the best timed stroke playing could go all the way today. Blues were finally bowled out in 58 overs almost at time, pleased they had recovered somewhat and had kept the golden oldies out in the heat for the whole afternoon - Gold came off the ground looking frustrated enough, that Blue thought maybe 131 was enough.
Picture: Leo Tarbox straight driving real low
Picture: Asher Tarbox sends one long
Sunday dawned just as perfect for cricket. Gold started brightly going at 3 an over on that paddock at a rate that would get the job done in 45 overs. Sid (1/17) picked up the first wicket and the game tightened when (Asher 1/6 off 5) and Luca (0/18 off 11) came on at first change. That spell from these two brought the pressure that changed the game and Gold’s run rate dropped to level pegging with Blue’s. Saikat and the stylish Dave Ward chipped away but could not get away. Those Tarbox boys then combined to remove an increasingly frustrated Saikat (22) caught Leo bowled Asher and at 2-46 Gold were the same score that Blue had been. Dave (17) kept at it but when the deceptive left arm of Leo (3/14 from 8) came on he fell to a brilliant diving catch by Simon behind the wicket. At the 30 over half way mark Gold were half way there at 3/66 and it was anyones game.
It’s not called the “premiership quarter” for nothing and the third session turned out to be exactly that. Rema was joined by Sarfraz both keen to pick up the scoring and bring Gold home. Leo continued to bowl beautifully bamboozling Rema who was overheard saying in Hindi “what was that”. In just 4 overs the match turned, with 4 key wickets falling. Owen Gibson (1/19 off 8), who is to Rema (13) what Stuart Broad is to Dave Warner on an English pitch, picked up the dangerous match winner, and Leo had Sarfaraz and Zeeshan caught in quick succession. The game shifted into Blue’s orbit with a run out all but snuffing out Golds assault, 8-83 at the last break, thanks to a lovely reflex catch by Asher at point.
While the indomitable Jim Bandas remained Blue knew we weren’t home yet. He was joined by Shishir who blasted some quick runs and life back into the chase. One crack too many was taken beautifully low down in the covers by Lachie for his second sharp catch to remove Shishir (11) with a sigh of relief from Blue. Jasper Cohen (2/7) strikes again. And as if Jim finally conceded the mountain was too big it took Rayhan (1-1) just 4 balls in his first over to close out the win with Leo taking a second skied catch.
It has been a 3 year journey for this young team, with a few older draught horses, to play to their potential and win their first final. This derby was a fitting fixture and really tough contest where neither team gave the other an inch. It was a truly great match, with the sparkling talent and tension befitting a Div 8 final. All credit to Gold who played their hearts out and could well have been the ones to go through. But it’s Blue who looks forward to their first Frand Final with a chance to win a premiership for the Summer Hill Cricket Club.
Picture: Blue celebrate their win
Best Batting Blue
36 Mark Gibson
Best Bowling Blue
3/14 Leo Tarbox
2/7 Jasper Cohen
Best Batting Gold
22 Hossain “Saikat” Bin Rashid
Best Bowling Gold
3/15 Zeeshan Zeeshan
3/41 Jim Bandas
2/39 Shishir Shrestha