IN WITH A SHOW – 16 November 2024
The Premier Men’s match against OBC at Elmwood Park was finely balanced after the first day, with OBC trailing Sydenham’s first-innings total of 166 by 45 runs but with three wickets still in hand. Young Michell Suddaby stood out, top-scoring in only his second Premier match as he steadied his team’s innings after early losses. The Championship side provided the standout performance of the weekend, rebounding strongly from their previous round’s first-day loss. The returning Daniel Watt and Connor Williams were instrumental with the ball, each claiming four wickets as OBC were skittled for just 49. However, Sydenham faced their own struggles with the bat, eventually eking out a 37-run first-innings lead heading into the second innings.
In Division 1, despite Samuel Prasad’s impressive 6-63, the team endured another challenging outing, conceding a daunting 157-run first-innings deficit and already losing four wickets in their second innings by the close of play.
The Show Day weekend posed significant selection challenges for clubs with player shortages, something that Metro Cricket may need to reconsider next season. Fortunately, women’s, Masters, and some youth grades were not scheduled to play, providing some respite.
In the afternoon grades, there were no victories across the four matches played. Division 5 Tamil’s Calvin Brinckmann impressed again with identical figures of 5-44 for the second consecutive week, although his efforts couldn’t prevent a loss to Halswell.
In the Youth section, the Colts claimed the sole victory among four matches, driven by Harry Durdin’s crucial 52 in their win over St Thomas’. Elsewhere, the 1st XI fell short despite Conway Andrew’s unbeaten 51* in their loss to CBHS 2nds. Ruan Diederik’s valiant 45* for the 9As also ended in disappointment as he ran out of partners against Christ’s College.
A number of the photos in this publication are also courtesy of Ash Hart’s Hartland Images.
Australian National Over 60’s Tournament
We should acknowledge that Sydenham Masters players Dave Fleming, Bruce Day and Ken Julain have just finished competing in the Australian Nationals Over 60’s in Brisbane. Although the team results weren’t great, with the only win coming on the last day, the three of them personally had a good tournament.
Dave Fleming, Ken Julian and Bruce Day (L-R)
Played in hot, humid conditions, Bruce was the team’s top run scorer, batting at number 4 with 94 runs in four innings with three not-out retirements. Ken scored 68 runs in two unbeaten innings batting in the tail, including a 43 ball 47 in the last game batting at nine.
The bowling honours between Dave and Ken for the top wicket-taker were fought tooth and nail, with both having taken eight wickets each, coming down to the #11 in the last game. But in the end, they had to settle for joint top wicket-takers for the team after several close calls to be number 1 was ended by another bowler picking up the final wicket.
A great week is now over, but all three will need to work on fixing their bodies to be back playing for their respective Masters teams and the upcoming derby game.
Scott Insurance Brokers Insurance Premier Men
Skipper Mitch Gardner’s lack of luck with important coin tosses continued when the Prem men took on OBC on Elmwood Park in the final 2-Day match before the format returns in late February – the day started with a bit of moisture around, primarily due to the council not recognising the earlier Friday match date and leaving the ground sprinklers on over Thursday night. Fortunately, it only resulted in a 30-minute delay to the start time, but unfortunately, OBC won that toss and took the opportunity to bowl first.
With the wicket assisting the bowlers initially, there was credit to Matt McCall and Nathaneal Paltridge in navigating the first ten overs to get their side to 40 before Nate was the first to go with his score at 14. Matt was gone for 27 a few balls later when Ben Breitmeyer, who, along with Aarush Bhagwat and delayed flights, had rushed back from Canterbury A’s match in Hamilton to sneer the first of his three wickets. Another two fell, and Sydenham’s 40-0 suddenly became 49-4.
Fortunately, Aarush was in form and amongst the runs in Hamilton but now had a middle-order revival job on his hands for the second successive week. Along with Srirag Harish, the pair got the score up to 95 before Aarush lost his stumps to an excellent in-swinger from Lewis to be out for 26. That loss was compounded two overs later when a misunderstanding saw Srirag run out for 28 at a time when he was looking very comfortable at the crease. His partner, Dylan McArdle, was out shortly after that, and at 115-7, Sydenham was in trouble again.
Mitchell Suddaby
Mitchell Suddaby, fresh out of school and playing only his second Premier match, then top scored with 37 off 48 balls in a partnership with his skipper Mitch Gardner that got the innings back on the rails. The pair got the score through to 154 before Gardner was the eighth wicket to fall. Nimble and quick on his feet, Mitchell Suddaby had grown in confidence as his innings progressed, but it was perhaps that confidence that was his eventual undoing. After earlier looking well set to extend the total towards 200, as it does so often, another slow percentage shot, the reverse sweep, undid the innings with Mitchell back in the pavilion with the score at 154-8, which soon folded all out for 166.
Mitchell Gardner
An excellent bowling performance from the ever-reliable Sydenham opening bowling combination of Tom Agnew (3-49) and Mitch Gardner (3-38) then resuscitated a somewhat sub-par 1st innings total. Mitch had a wicket with the first ball of the innings as the two bowlers worked their way through the OBC top order with only Scott Willoughby, with a hard-struck 45, able to establish himself. However, Breitmeyer was having a good day, and together with Lewis, the numbers 8 and 9 stymied the Sydenham momentum and got their side through to a more comfortable position of 121-7.
When the rain stopped play for the day in the late afternoon, OBC had those three wickets left and another 45 runs to try to get ahead of Sydenham.
Scott Insurance Brokers Championship
After a tough loss to BWU and a week off, the Championship side found redemption against OBC at Sydenham 1. Winning the toss proved crucial for the home side, who wasted no time opting to bowl on a helpful pitch.
The bowlers delivered immediately, with the returning Daniel Watt, and Connor Williams playing his first match of the season, making early inroads. Carl Hooper struck the first blow in his second over, and Daniel followed up with two quick wickets in successive overs, reducing OBC to 11-3. Another wicket from Daniel further destabilised the innings before a brief period of resistance from OBC.
Tom McDonald
The introduction of Connor Williams broke that stand with two wickets in his first over, leaving OBC reeling at 21-5. From there, it was a slow grind as the batters struggled to score runs while Sydenham’s bowlers chipped away at the wickets with OBC eventually bowled out for just 49 in the 41st over. Daniel Watt was outstanding, finishing with figures of 4-11, and Connor Williams matched him with an impressive 4-10. Carl Hooper also contributed with a tidy 2-19.
Shevron Perera
OBC had nine overs to negotiate in their second innings before stumps and finished the day unscathed at 9-0.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202425/mens-championship/game-centre/82c11dfa
Division 1
Match report courtesy of Richard Howe
Thankful for having 11 players as the Club’s usual Show Day challenge of finding enough players bit again, we welcomed back four players, Gourav Dudeja and Ollie Smith, both still recovering from serious injuries: Jim Simpson and recently retired James Stackhouse, all answering Belly’s desperate calls for players. Riccarton won the toss and unsurprisingly chose to bowl first on the very green pitch that screamed “bowl first”.
Mayhem followed as the pitch spat and reared off a fullish length around 4th to 5th stump, sending the ball through at helmet height. Their opening pace bowlers were consistent and took five between them quickly. Then the spinners came on, and the ball would still come through occasionally at helmet height from the northern end. It had settled a bit during the innings. Ultimately, there were still some poor shot selections and a lack of patience from too many of us, leading to the embarrassment of being all out for 57 in the 31st over. Only Manish Rawat (12) and Cam Spriggs (a patient 13 off 55) hitting double figures.
Cameron Spriggs
Our bowlers started well but didn’t get the same “pop” off the pitch and were not as consistent as Riccarton had been. There were a few close calls, but it was only when Sam Prasad was given his first bowl of the season that we picked up a wicket. A tall player who, when he is “on”, lands a good length just outside off stump and gets some bounce, this pitch looked like it could be ideal for Sam.
The appeal is everything.
Ironically, it wasn’t the slips who took the catches, but all six were taken in the outfield with Riccarton looking to attack. Not often does a pacer who takes six wickets do this, and Sam was unlucky to have a couple dropped off this bowling, too; he ended up with 6 for 63 of 14 overs. Ivon Cheruvathoor was the pick of our bowlers, scoring 1 for 37, but he also had a couple of drops off his bowling and some other close misses. Jim Simpson picked up one on his return, as did Richard Howe Riccarton 214 for 9 off their 45. Rain was in the air, but unfortunately, it cleared enough for us to face 12 overs. The bad news continued as we ended up four down for 15, including one of our two night watchmen out. Plenty to do next week with the bat!
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-1/game-centre/af6b2f67
Division 4 Goats – LOST
Match report courtesy of Paddy Wickes
Goats rocked up to Sydenham Park for the time this season with a positive attitude and intent to take on Saint Alban’s buccaneers. Jon lost the toss, and we were sent into bat. This was an excellent move for the Saints, with them taking all their opportunities and having us 5 for 27 with one bowler picking up 4 for nine after eight overs. Andrew Douglas did his best to recover the innings after asking to come in at five this week. He was well supported by Kyle Clark, who got 14, and the two of them got us through 6 for 61 before Kyle hit one straight back at the bowler. Andrew was putting away any bad deliveries and was finally dismissed for 49 with the score at 80. The tail wagged and managed to be all out for 104. A memorable moment in the last few wickets was Paddy Wickes deciding to leave a ball on the leg stump and jumping over it to be bowled.
Paddy Wickes
Defending 104, the Goats knew we needed to take our chances and take a few early wickets. With a few big hits from Saints, Chris Douglas got the first breakthrough with the score at 27. Paddy Wickes, with a plan to bowl wide to the big hitter, bowled to his plan, and Joe Taylor took a catch at short cover with the score at 33. Jesse Marks got the third with the score at 45 this brought the hero from the first innings that got 4 for 9. He went on to make a very impressive 54 off 12 balls to win his team the game, including taking Jesse for 32 off an over, which included a 2 off a dropped catch and 5 6s. Once again, the letdown was the catching curse with us putting down 4. We move on to next week, where we play at Bradford Park for the first time this season.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-4/game-centre/b7341477
Division 5 All-Stars – LOST
Match report courtesy of Daniel Wright
In a match with its fair share of challenges, the Sydenham Division 5 All-Stars took on the Halswell Kabul Lions at Sydenham Park with more than just the usual obstacles to contend with. The pitch was wet and muddy, forcing both teams to repair the surface and cut the game to a 20-over format, and Sydenham also found themselves two players short. Fielding a team of only nine players, they faced an uphill battle from the start.
Sydenham’s Brave Innings – With the odds stacked against them, Sydenham’s innings began with grit and determination. Jaedyn Ward led from the front, scoring a solid 42 off 44 balls. His composed knock was the backbone of the innings, even as wickets fell around him. Chase Barnsley chipped in with an invaluable 29 off 33 balls, adding a touch of flair and aggression to Sydenham’s total. Without the luxury of a full team, Sydenham struggled to find the partnerships needed to put up a formidable score. They ultimately posted 8/106 in 19.3 overs, a total that, while modest, was a testament to their resilience under difficult circumstances. Qudratullah Miyakhel from Halswell played a crucial role in stifling Sydenham’s efforts, claiming 3 wickets with impressive precision.
Cam Hatcher
Halswell’s Chase: A Battle on a Tricky Pitch – Chasing 107 runs, Halswell seemed poised for a straightforward victory, but Sydenham’s bowlers had other plans. Even with only nine players, Sydenham fought tooth and nail to defend their total. The spirited fielding and strategic bowling made every run hard-earned for Halswell. Halswell’s Asadullah Baura stepped up to break the tension, smashing an exhilarating 51 off 27 balls. His innings, studded with 3 fours and 4 towering sixes, were a masterclass in power hitting and helped Halswell close in on the target. However, Sydenham didn’t give up without a fight. Cameron Hatcher, their standout bowler, took 4 wickets for 24 runs in his 3.3 overs, trying to tilt the game back in Sydenham’s favour. As Halswell edged closer, Sydenham continued to claw back, taking crucial wickets to keep their hopes alive. But with just two players short, gaps in the field became harder to cover. Ultimately, Halswell reached the target in 14.3 overs, ending at 6/107 and winning by 4 wickets.
Jacob Koster
A Heroic Effort in the Face of Adversity – Final Score:
Sydenham All Stars – 8/106 (19.3 overs)
Halswell Kabul Lions – 6/107 (14.3 overs)
Result: Halswell Kabul Lions won by 4 wickets
Sydenham’s nine players walked off the field with their heads held high despite the result. They showcased an inspiring display of resilience and teamwork against a challenging pitch, a strong opposition, and the absence of two teammates. This was more than just a cricket match – it was a testament to the fighting spirit of the Sydenham Division 5 All-Stars
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/013c1655
Division 5 Tamils XI – LOST
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/bb7d22cd
Cavaliers Cardinals – LOST
Match report courtesy of Ben Larter
Cardinals scrambled down to Sydenham Park at 5.30 for a “twilight” scheduled game.
Pitch #3 was moister than we would have liked. We migrated across to pitch #2 which was surprisingly dry and played well. It was an important toss to win, and we lost, being asked to bowl first and bat 2nd in the dying light. We bowled well and had them relatively on the ropes.
This was despite some absolutely plumb lbw’s being turned down right in front. This would explain their confidence in planting their foot in front and having a swipe….roughly a 25% chance you will be given. Manny had an awesome spell taking 3 for 14 off 3 and much to our delight bowled a rapid bouncer out of the blue that made them think twice about planting the front foot. Unfortunately, they had their best batsmen hiding down at #7 who boomed 57* of 20 balls taking the game away as they apparently scored 150.
We struggled to dominate early as their bowlers tied us down.
AB (11), Kez (26), Geo (11), Bam (17) all made starts, while Camo (40*) did his best to get us across the line. Sadly, it wasn’t to be as we limped through to 129/7 off our 20. Unlikely we will be adding this team to our Xmas card list.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/cavaliers-section-red-t20/game-centre/e5ce9b65
First XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Daniel Herd
The Sydenham Youth 1st XI met Christchurch Boys High School 2nd XI and were asked to bat on a slow wicket. Finlay Hill, on his Youth 1st XI debut, opened and led the batting effort scoring 23 off 40 balls. Unfortunately, he was the 3rd wicket to fall with 39 runs on the board. From there, the Sydenham batters struggled to get set and the team found themselves 7 wickets down for 65 runs. Conway Andrews (51 not out) and William Herd (15) worked to rebuild the innings with a 29 run partnership. Sydenham was 9/99, before Andrews (with the support of Noah Dean who scored 11) fought hard to eventually set 147.
Alistair Derry
The Sydenham bowlers worked hard to make the most of friendly conditions. Potiki Hamilton-Morrison (1/28) delivered the early breakthrough. This was followed by a sharp piece of fielding from Henry Hood for a run out, to have Boys High 2/46. Sydenham struggled for wickets for the next period, then the match got interesting. From 2/83, Boys High were reduced to 6/118 thanks to wickets from Noah Dean (1/23), Josh Chapman (1/29), Thisum Lawrance (1/17) and Hood.(1/22).
Unfortunately, Sydenham wasn’t able to press for the win, despite a very competitive display.
Sam Johns
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-youth-boys-2024/cricket-express-1st-xi-championship-bottom-6/game-centre/40149442
Second XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Allen Hill
On Canterbury anniversary day Sydenham 2nd XI took on Northwest 2nd XI at Burnside Park. With rain predicted and some damp patches on the pitch we decided to bowl first after winning the first toss of the season. With a stiff southerly breeze blowing, our bowlers again found it difficult to effectively find their rhythm. Unfortunately, our opening bowling spells were expensive, not help by a high number of extras. For the second week in a row, we turned to the off spin of Isaac Tutt to make a breakthrough, taking the first two wickets, both very well stumped by stand-in wicketkeeper, Sam McDonald. With our usual keepers not available, Sam stepped in and did a fantastic job.
Throughout our bowling innings, we struggled to maintain momentum and pressure, again giving away more than 60 extras for the third week in a row. We ended up bowling out Northwest in the 46th over for 295. Pick of our bowlers were Isaac Tutt (2-54 off 10), Nathan Blake (2-41 off 9), Zac Nicholson (1-14 off 3) and Jacob Hickman (2-31 off 4.1). A special mention to Charlie Crang with three fine catches in the field.
Chasing a large score was always going to be challenging. Opening the batting, Isaac Tutt anchored our innings with 33 off 63 balls. At #5, Sam Macdonald played some excellent attacking shots before being caught on the boundary for 26 off 27 balls. Unfortunately, we lost regular wickets which meant it was always going to be difficult to get to 296. In the end we were dismissed for 215 in the 44th over. The highlight of our batting innings was a 10th wicket partnership of 64 runs between Zac Nicholson and Jacob Hickman, with Jacob hitting seven boundaries on his way to his highest ever score of 43 off 38 balls.
Hopefully next week we can improve our accuracy against Christ’s College and look for our first win this half of the season.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-1st-xi-bowl-one-day/game-centre/673ea46f
Colts – WON
Match report courtesy of Paul Durdin
The Colts faced off against St Thomas’s, looking to make it three wins on the bounce. The toss looked like an important one to win, with bowling first being the clear preference. However, that was not to be, and Sydenham was sent into bat. St Thomas’ didn’t take long to strike, picking up two early wickets. Harry Durdin then combined with Cameron Fairhall for a 27-run partnership before Cameron was dismissed for 10. Another wicket fell shortly after that, and the Colts were reduced to 58 for 4. This brought Oscar van Onselen to the wicket, and he and Harry Durdin made batting look much easier than it was, putting on 44 before Oscar was dismissed for a quickfire 21 from 20 balls. Another three wickets fell in quick succession, but Harry was still going strong and brought up his 50 with a boundary. He was dismissed also immediately after for an excellent captain’s knock of 52 in challenging conditions. A valuable 17-run partnership for the final wicket between Bayley Gardner (6) and Lachie Smith (9 not out) helped the Colts through to a respectable 141 all out.
Harry Durdin
Sydenham needed early and regular wickets to win the game, so handing the ball to Lachie Smith, who was sitting on a hat-trick, having taken two wickets in the final two balls of last week’s game, seemed a good decision. And with laser-like precision, Lachie knocked the opener over with his very first delivery to huge cheers from the Colts and supporters. Fellow opening bowler Bayley Gardner kept up the momentum, picking up 2 for 26 from 5, including dismissing St Thomas’ key danger man, who was starting to strike the ball very powerfully. Quinn Helms picked up another wicket shortly before drinks, which saw St Thomas’ 70 for 4 – halfway to the target with six wickets in hand. Shortly after drinks, Quinn (2 for 18 from 5) grabbed a nice catch and bowled, reducing St Thomas’s to 76 for 5.
The game always looked poised for a close finish, with St Thomas scoring runs but also losing wickets. The introduction of medium-pace Cameron Fairhall (4 overs 0 for 7) and the spin of Liam Beck showed that scoring was more difficult with the pace off the ball. Liam Beck picked up 3 for 12 from 5, including a great catch from keeper Daniel Barclay. Archie Nielsen was brought into the attack, and he picked up the final wicket with his leg spin (1 for 5 from 1.2). Sydenham won a close game by 16 runs.
Lachie Smith with his hat trick ball
That win takes the Colts to three wins from four games, proving they are a very good team in the competitive Colts grade.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-colts-one-day/game-centre/eb310007
Year 9A – LOST
Match report courtesy of David Williams
Cricket constantly asks us questions, but we had some of our own. Chief among them on Show Day for the 9A youth team was: how quickly would we adjust to batting on a grass wicket after consecutive weeks on artificials? Standing on the wicket in Hagley Park, we also wondered: which team would cash in on the relatively short boundaries square? Captain Kahn Stanbury won the toss and put Christ’s College Black into bat. Rupert Nielsen opened the bowling, and his outswing on a nagging length had a surprising result. His second ball was nicked for four, and the ball plunged into a tangle of hedges and leaves, never to be seen again.
Ruan Diederiks
When play resumed, Nielsen, paired with Joe Wilke, had the opposition playing and missing often. Nielsen produced the first wicket to put the home team at 35/1. Change bowlers William Johns and James Scott were steady, with Scott particularly miserly with six runs off his three overs.
It was time for spin. Benji Williams continued a knack of taking a wicket in his first over – a good catch, taken above the head, at mid on. A catch by Stanbury gave leg-spinner Williams his second – the dangerous opener Sam Coles. Pace bowlers Ruan Diederiks and Benny Wilkinson challenged the batters, but it was left-armer Reuben Peterson, a spin convert, who helped change the innings, bamboozling several batters and taking three wickets – including the key scalp of Reg Markham, four runs short of 50.
Between them, Peterson and Williams took six wickets for 34 runs, with two maidens. The other spinner, Stanbury, also chipped in with a wicket. Christ’s reached 193/8 off their 40 overs.
Sydenham openers Joe Wilke and James Scott soaked up the new ball, swinging past the outstretched bat, especially from Christ’s bowler Sam Scott, who snared Wilke for 2. James Scott and Peterson fell in quick succession, leaving us in trouble at 10/3. Jonty Rutherford (known as “The Wall” for his prowess as a keeper) made 12, but it was Nielsen and Diederiks who put us back in the game. Before chopping on, Nielsen hit eight powerful fours in his 35, off 25 balls. Diederiks mixed respectful defence with power-hitting, including a six, which caused the scorers to take evasive action. They took full advantage of the short boundaries square of the wicket.
At 78-6 all seemed lost, but contributions from Stanbury (11), Johns (8) and Benji Williams (10) took us close as Diederiks swashbuckled more balls to the boundary. Sydenham needed about four an over – without losing a wicket, however. A swinging ball from Markham skittled Benny Wilkinson’s stumps, leaving Diederiks stranded on 45 not out and the team 31 runs short.
Thanks to Christ for lending us a fielder and their spare match ball; Craig Scott for scoring; parents and whānau for their support; and roving photographer Ash Hart for calling in. Next up for 9A: CBHS Black on Saturday at the Polo Grounds.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-year-9-a/game-centre/d820d5e4
3rd XI and Year 10
Match report courtesy of Nicol O’Donnell
With no matches scheduled for their respective grades, the year 10 team enjoyed a friendly game against the 3rd XI at Cashmere High School, which the 3rd XI won by 31 runs (10/246). Both teams were evenly matched in the season’s highest-scoring game for the Year 10s 10/215 in the 37th over. Most of the players scored in double digits, but wides and no balls scored the highest, with 69.
The team scored 24 boundaries (2 x 6s, 22 x 4s) and the top 5 players for Year 10 were:
Benjamin Tullet 37 with the bat and 0-9 in his 6 overs
Will Thorpe 26 with the bat and 0-6 in his 3 overs
Dylan Tullet 19 with the bat and 2-25 in his 6 overs
Oliver Hedges 18 with the bat and 1-13 in his 3 overs
Daniel Brown 15 with the bat and 3-16 in his 4 overs.
We would like to thank the siblings of our players who filled in for our injuries and the scorers who returned to or learnt the good old-fashioned paper and pen scoring method. Overall it was a great day of cricket.
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