PREMIER MEN LOSE LAST BALL THRILLER – 23 November 2024
Despite Tom Agnew’s excellent 6-74, and the Premier Men going within two wickets of a win at Elmwood Park, the side eventually went down to an agonising last-ball loss to OBC. However, the result of the round was at Sydenham, where the Championship boys completed a crushing 10-wicket win over OBC. Well placed after the first day, Carl Hooper was the second player on the day to get a 6fer, with his 6-9 ensuring that there was no 2nd day OBC recovery. There was another crushing win at Hagley 5 as well, but unfortunately, it was the Sydenham Division 1 lads who were on the receiving end of it as Riccarton routed the Sydenham batting for the second successive week.
The Premier Women had a win and a loss. They set their day up nicely with a good win first up against North West Women in the morning’s match but were then comprehensively outplayed by OBC in the afternoon one despite Felicity Robertson’s 59 off 49 balls.
The Masters’ Cardinals Paul Mathew’s unbeaten 77 played a large part in his side’s comfortable victory over Lancaster Park, but the Division 4 Tamils were the only other afternoon grade side to finish ahead.
The Colt’s Archie Nielsen’s 103 off 116 balls was the highlight in the youth section, where the First XI lost to Timaru Boys High, but the Colts and Year 10’s both had wins. Dylan Tullett’s 62 off 39 balls stood out in the latter match, while Isaac Tutt scored 60 in the Second XI’s loss to Christ’s College.
A number of the photos in this publication are also courtesy of Ash Hart’s Hartland Images.
Scott Insurance Brokers Insurance Premier Men
The second day of the Premier Men’s match at Elmwood started with OBC looking towards their remaining three 1st innings wickets to score the required 45 runs to take 1st innings points. However, Tom Agnew stymied that when he picked up Breitmeyer’s wicket in the third over of the morning and then had the other overnight batsman, Lewis, shortly after. Two balls later, Tom had his sixth wicket of the innings (6-74) when he enticed the remaining batsman, Sean Davey, to sky one to Mitch Gardner at mid-off – Sean would exact his revenge for that dismissal later in the day.
Tom Agnew
Armed with a modest 1st innings lead of 12 runs, Sydenham set out positively, putting on 44 for the first wicket before debutant Lucky Singh was out for 19 off 20 balls. Ryan Wallace, fresh back from safari and with just one net under his belt this season, struck his first delivery nicely for a straight two and looked like he’d hardly been away until he was unlucky to glove one down the legside and be out for 11. Nathaneal Paltridge was doing an admiral job in playing the anchor role, and together with Aarush Bhagwat, the pair got the score to 84-2 off 18 overs before Nate’s dismissal.
Nathaneal Paltridge
Aarush was the pick of the batsmen. He played positively with a run-a-ball 53 and, in a partnership of 66 with Richy Faust, took the score to 150-3, at which point possible declarations equations were on the table. On an excellent wicket, around 250 off 50 seemed about right, but the sudden loss of Aarush, followed by a runout and two other successive dismissals, had Sydenham at 162-7. However, the remaining three batsmen, Mitch Suddaby (22 off 32), Mitch Gardner (19 off 46) and Tom Agnew (21 off 22), got their side back on track and, at 230-9, declared leaving a target of 243 off 45 overs.
Aarush Bhagwat
OBC certainly didn’t get the start they wanted when Mitch Gardner had the first wicket with the score at 5-1, and then Tom Agnew, another two, leaving OBC at 31-3 into the 11th over. However, Clark and Davey got themselves well set and put their team back in that match with a 68-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Clarke was out after completing his half-century, at which point Davey took over and dominated the rest of the innings. It was anyone’s game when Ben Breitmeyer was out with 15 balls to go and OBC at 210-8 needing 34 off those balls. But then Davey took two sixes off the remaining three balls of that over; five came from the next over, leaving Graham in strike for the last over, needing 16 off it. A single got Davey in strike, followed by a dot ball, before Davey smashed the next two over the ropes. Three off two then became one off one, which Davey and Graham scrambled a single off the last ball to take the win. Davey finished on a magnificent 117 off just 96 balls.
Credit to both sides: OBC never let up at any point during their run chase, and equally, Sydenham refused to bowl negatively right to the end, thus making the final overs an exciting finish for the neutral observer.
Thanks to umpires Matthew Hill and Jake Haskett
The two-day competition now hibernates until late February, with the T20 competition starting next week. Sydenham plays Heathcote at home in the morning and, then in the afternoon, plays St Albans over at Burnside Park.
The Birdwood Premier Women
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
Sydenham 128/7 beat North West 111/8
After losing the toss, Sydenham was sent into bat against North West at Burnside Park. Sydenham made a slow start with Felicity Robertson, who is in great form at the moment, out in the second over with the score at 2/1. The change brought Megan Meltzer to the crease with Emma Irwin. Both Emma and Megan did well, scoring 49 before Emma departed on 22. Megan departed soon after for 20. Beth Dodd and Darcy Rose Prasad, in her first match of the season for Sydenham, kept the momentum going with Beth working a tidy 23. Kate Craig also made it into the 20’s with 20*. Sydenham had 128 runs in the bank at the completion of 20 overs. A handy total that’d be a tough chase.
Felicity Robertson
Sydenham had a great start with Molly Loe bowling a maiden in the first over. The game was evenly poised at the half way mark, with the North West innings following a similar pattern to Sydenham. Economic bowling by Elsie Duncan (3.66) and Felicity Robertson (2.5) in the middle overs placed pressure on the opposition who lost 5 wickets in the last 3 overs.
Best bowling figures were Felicity 3/10 and Lizzy Cohr 2/23. Darcy took two stumpings in her return.
Elizabeth Cohr
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/ev-power-premier-women/game-centre/ea3508f8
Sydenham 114/7 lost to Old Boys Collegians 117/2 (17.4)
Sydenham elected to bat after winning the toss. Openers Felicity Robertson and Emma Irwin made a solid start pushing through to 31 for the loss of the first wicket. Felicity kept the score moving with regular boundaries before being dismissed in the 13th over for 59. After Felicity’s departure the runs slowed with no other batter able to reach the boundary. Sydenham finished their overs for 114.
Sydenham struggled to halt OBC openers with both openers making over 40 runs before being removed from the crease. With 105 on the board the damage was already done. OBC chased the total in 17.4 overs.
The Premier Women have a break next week due to Domestic and U19 duties, returning for the last round of T20 matches on 7 December. These will be crucial matches with at least one win, maybe two, required to be in the running for the final on 21 December.
Thanks to umpires David Miller and Kishore Pauly
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/ev-power-premier-women/game-centre/2bd30829
Scott Insurance Brokers Championship
It was a shortened day for the Championship side when they managed to press home their modest first advantage that had earned them a 1st innings lead of 39, with OBC 9-0 in their 2nd innings at the close.
They had Carl Hooper to thank for their 1pm finish on the second day after Carl claimed the first six OBC wickets to fall to finish the day with the club’s best figures so far this season of 6-9 off eight overs.
Backed by a series of excellent catches, OBC was never able to recover, with the run rate barely rising above one per over and the batting side capitulating for 45 off 40 overs. That left Sydenham with the task of scoring 12 to win, which they did off two overs without the loss of a wicket, thus claiming maximum points.
With less than 200 runs scored in total in the match, it was one where neither side batted well, and the bowlers dominated throughout.
The Championship grade also starts its T20 competition next week, with Sydenham drawn to play Heathcote and then St Albans, both on Sydenham 1.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-championship/game-centre/82c11dfa
Division 1
Match report courtesy of Richard Howe
Well behind in our “Home” game at 15 for 4, we needed a few significant partnerships and some long innings.
We couldn’t manage either, with no one getting to double figures. The 17-run partnership of our 10th wicket pair of James Stackhouse (8*) and Jim Simpson (6) was the closest we got to a highlight in our sad total of 43. It’s fair to say we were completely outplayed, losing by an Innings and 114 runs.
Roll on white-ball cricket!
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 Ollie Philpott
The writing may have been on the wall as early as Friday night (quite literally for this report!). When regular captain Jon Bennett, aka the Bull of Bradford, pulled out of the game. Much to my personal dismay – as I had pre-written several paragraphs about the man, the myth, the legend, picking up yet another 5 for what he had turned into many a visiting batsman’s graveyard over the years.
Nonetheless, the goats had many a fond memory of victories on this spicy wee deck and were confident of getting some points on the board, especially after winning the toss and inserting Burnside – much to their captain’s dismay. (turns out he had an ace up his sleeve the whole time – which we will get to shortly.)
Things could not have gone more to plan to begin with. Chris Douglas using ample seam movement to start with two wicket maidens and great support from Paddy Wickes, also with two quick wickets Burnside were looking grim at 7 for 4. When the 5th wicket fell at 27 an unheralded turn of events halted our rampant dismantling of their innings…
J.Marks at the top of his run up turns bemused to see a topless skinhead march stoically towards the pitch. Screaming “Jooohhhnnnyyyyyyy, Joooooohhhnnnnny!” If he were wielding an axe my childhood traumas from watching Stanley Kubrick’s the shining far too early would have come flooding back. Luckily those horrors were expelled from my mind as he was followed by a lankish brute wearing a pink tutu and a somewhat fetching lime mesh singlet. Turns out the opposing captain who had just arrived at the crease had missed a bucks do, and apparently this would not stand for the party.
Halting play with attempts to field, cause disruption and refusal to leave the field things mildly escalated to “I’m gonna have to fight a whole cricket team!” when Joe Taylor made his immense presence felt by strolling up from gully to assert his dominance. By this time we had decided to bore the intruders to death by taking an early drinks break. In a desperate attempt to gain attention and relevance – topless Timmy pinched a stump and ran off. Dougie, ever the defender of all that is just and true in this world would not stand for this outrage, and whilst the rest of us enjoyed an early refreshment, he disappeared into the fray. Fighting the good fight and ultimately returned victorious and unscathed. Stump in hand.
Play resumed. It soon became clear this was a deliberate and deceitful orchestrated attack from the opposition captain. With our minds obviously guided off task, burnside began their counter attack. Some lusty blows, questionable bowling changes, dropped catches and missed run outs all lead to burnside pushing their score up towards 100. With wickets shared between Taylor, Marks, Wickes and Douglas with 2 a piece it was a decent performance, but we knew all too well the horrors of Bradford, and we would need some luck to hunt down a hundy.
Luck sadly did not befall us. And as has been the case for the entire season so far – every chance we offered up was snaffled. A good start from tony and Marty saw us to 22 and looking like a few moderate partnerships would get us home. Sadly, 22 for none was quickly 22/3, both openers nicking off, and Andrew Douglas, playing one of the most exquisite on drives I have ever seen, plucked inches off the deck by a tumbling mid-on. No luck. Still, Wickes had been promoted to smash the game beyond hope and he and Taylor looked to right the ship until Taylor, again gifted no luck this season, chopped an attempted pull onto his stumps after looking super solid. Wickes followed soon after when he tricked himself into thinking he was a batsman (he did actually top score!), trying to guide a full ball fine through third man instead on nonchalantly blasting it over cow corner was bowled. Our aggressive lefties George and Karl again gifted us hope with a glorious ramp (Clark) and small partnership but again wickets in clumps. Our tail, that wags more often than not, all fell with the score on 61 to end the game. Jesus bloody wept. A score more along the lines of what we should have been chasing had the malicious and quite frankly scandalous injection of a bucks rent a crowd had not derailed our right to a first win of the season.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-4/game-centre/364fb8cb
Division 5 All-Stars – LOST
Match report courtesy of Abe Atherton
The Allstars suffered their third consecutive loss – this week against the Marist Harewood Purple Goannas at Garrick Park #2.
After winning the toss, the Allstars opted to bowl and delivered disciplined spells, keeping most bowlers’ economy under 3. Standout performances included J Ward (3/14) and C Hatcher (2/23), with Atherton and Flowerday claiming one wicket each. Excellent fielding saw catches by B Nixon and J Koster, along with runouts by Koster and H McClelland. The Purple Goannas posted 109/9 in 40 overs.
In reply, the Allstars started strong with contributions from J Koster (22) and J Ward (26), but the batting collapsed, with only B Nixon (18) providing some resistance. The Allstars were all out for 86, falling short by 23 runs.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/a7348a62
Division 5 Tamils XI– WON
Match report courtesy of Chidambaram Palaniappan
OBC won the toss and put us to bat which went on to become really good for us. As usual Monty started positive putting the bowlers under pressure along with Jags (13). After Jags got out Niranjan and Monty (38) continued the good start and kept the scoreboard ticking. After departure of Monty 2 more wickets fell of and we were 101 for 4 during break. Niranjan (38) and David (16) took us to about 145 runs. There was some pretty useful contribution from John (22) at the bottom taking us to 182/10 in 39.1. It did seem like a decent target, but we had to be on.
OBC’s batting started with their openers scoring a bit freely for the first few overs. Their partnership crossed 50, and Kella brought the first breakthrough, leaving the team at 53-1. Bowled a very disciplined spell with 1/19 of his 8 overs. This dried up the runs on one end, and there was very good support from other bowlers, Niranjan (1/31 of 8), Vignesh (4/35 of 7), and Jags (3/23 of 5). After a free start they could manage only 61 in 20 overs with loss of 1 wicket. They ramped up a gear in the next 10, scoring at a good pace and added another 60 runs but also losing another 5 wickets. They need 60 in the last 10. Their number 7 and 8 seem to be swinging the bat and added some runs. But in the end, they bundled out for 144. This was a very good win for us against the table toppers until now and has been a good confidence booster. Vignesh is the player of the match for his 4 wickets
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/9f2a34a6
Cavaliers Cardinals – LOST
Match report courtesy of Luke Woolf
The Cardinals made their way down to Nunweek Park for the first edition of the Jimmy Gallagher Memorial Trophy against Marist Gerihatricks. This tale about a promising cricketer who betray his team, finally came to a head and an intense battle for the trophy (and Jimmy’s respect) ensued.
The Gerihatricks chose to bat first and we opened the bowling with some tight bowling from Woolfy (ending with 2-22 off 4 overs) and Larts (1-9 off 4). With regular wickets at the start, the Cardinals were placed well until they got a good partnership going and the runs started to flow with some unfortunate drop catches to boot. Geo came into bowl and ended with 1-18 off 4 which restricted the opposition to a gettable score of 141. Dave also chipped in with a wicket and there were some great catches from Geo x2, Larts and Stokesy (including a sharp run out).
Our turn to bat! Larts, who was suffering from FOMO and also wanted a run out like Stokesy, decided to get one at the cost of Camo (3) who fell to a great direct hit. Off to a sluggish start due to some good, tight bowling, saw Larts try to mimic his great bowling effort, but with his batting, scoring 4 off 24, before a ball jumped up and cut his eyebrow. this jolted him into the old Larts we all know and love, where he proceeded to smash a couple 6’s and 4’s to retire on 44* (47). Smithson 32 (32) and Stokesy 21 (20) continued to up the tempo and inch us closer however we continued to lose batsmen along the way. Needing 28 off the last over, the trophy was pretty much in Jimmy’s bag already. What Jimmy didn’t know is we had an agreement with his (new) team behind his back that whoever won, kept Jimmy. I’m not a believer in match fixing but the Cardinals fell short by 19 runs
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/cavaliers-section-red-t20/game-centre/94b7d93d
Masters Cardinals – WON
Match report courtesy of Ammar Yousef
We had an overcast start to yesterday’s game, and we had welcome returns to our Senior National Representatives in Flem & Ralphy. We were yet to see Kelvin represent the Cardinals this season, however, he did send a West Coast Representative in Barry (has now registered as a squad player for the Cardinals). Skip won the toss and asked Lancaster Park to bat. Chris’O & Ralphy got into their work with early joy for Ralphy on his return in getting one of the openers to play on. This brought in Corry (apologies if that is misspelt) to the crease and he began smashing the ball with his usual gusto.
Chris’O had the other opener out with a gorgeous yorker, and after the first change Weapon (Phil Walker) had Corry (44) caught out in the deep at Long On by Grant, who watched the ball into his hands like a hawk!
We thought that might be the game, but Wayne Berham (41) had other ideas and came out pulling & hooking like there was no tomorrow, until Ralphy had him smartly caught at mid-wicket by the Salmon-like Paul Matthews.
LP were all out for 112 with the wickets shared between all our bowlers: Winder 2, O’Connell 2, Walker 3, Fleming 1 and Barry (Rosche?) 1
We had plenty of time to chase the 113 required, so Skip generously allowed Ammario to face the first ball, and he hung around for 15 overs to support Paul ‘Stumps’ Matthews and help the team get to 57 before holing out to a good yorker.
This brought in the calm and collected Paul Rapley who carried on where Ammario had left, in supporting Stumps to get over the line with another partnership of 57. Stumps’s patience and focus was a sight to behold, and they led to an entertaining and effective innings.
I must say that this was a very professional team display & effort, and we gained a 9-wicket victory.
- Ammario – 13 runs
- Stumps – 77* runs
- Paul R – 14*
Special mention to Gail for ongoing scoring support, and to Spency for popping down to support the team.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/joes-garage-masters/game-centre/f1b27b21
Masters Hospital – LOST
Match report courtesy of Bruce Day
Hospital play Ohoka on Sydenham 2, toss and put the visitors in on a new green looking wicket. Happy to have them 68/4 at 15 overs. Enter Stephen de Villers who then proceeded to hit 118 in the next 20 overs including 11 6’s. Ohoka finishing 270/6. All bowlers got smashed the last 20 overs, although Matt picked up 2 for 36.
Jinto Mathew
Chasing a big total we needed a fast start, which we got but after 3 wickets were lost things quietened down and we were eventually all out for 160 in the 38th over. Best of the batting was Richard McKinley with 41.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/joes-garage-masters/game-centre/6509cd83
Women Division 1 – LOST
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
OBC Gold 90 beat Sydenham 56
Winning the toss, Sydenham elected to bowl first at Barrington Park. With 3 players still making their way to the ground this was, in hindsight, the wrong decision. Starting the game with 6 players and two substitutes, OBC got off to a good start, exploiting gaps and injured substitutes in the field for 10 runs off the first over. After the rough start Rachel Davidson and Charlotte Clatworthy did a wonderful job of slowing the run rate, with Rachel picking up a wicket at the start of the second over and 11 runs coming off the next 6 overs.
A bowling change brought Dakoda Potter and Kyla Tilson on to take the team through to drinks. Kyla picked up both a wicket and a run out assist with Dakoda to take the team to drinks with OBC 64/4.
After drinks Linda Pettigrew and Catelin Walker picked up the bowling with keeping duties changing to Hannah Morrissey. Catelin, bowling really well in her first match of the season, picked up two wickets, with Linda taking the last wicket with the score at 90. Hannah was amazing as keeper, picking up two catches behind stumps.
With 91 the target Sydenham thought they were in with a good chance. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, with the pitch playing very differently to last week’s match at Nursery. Sydenham’s batters, caught out by the inconsistent bounce, struggled to score with top scorer Linda on 15. Sydenham all out on 56.
Special mention to Morgan Smith from Selwyn Wahine who joined us for the game.
First XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Andy Winsor
The First XI played Timaru Boys High on a new wicket on the Sydenham no 3 block. It was a good toss to win by the captain Freddie Winsor who decided to bowl first after the rain overnight. Sydenham managed to take the early wicket of Lachlan Buckingham from the bowling of Potiki Hamilton-Morrison (1-44 off 10 overs) from a leading edge which required the keeper Alistair Derry to run backwards 15 metres to take a superb diving catch. Timaru then launched into a counterattack and quickly accelerated into the 40’s before Cadell Durdin, Josh Chapman and Noah Dean (1/17 off 6) all picked up a wicket each to halt proceedings as Boys High found themselves at 4/58. Timaru looked to rebuild and did so nicely between their captain, Harry Elliotte, and Hamish Peck. They did this successfully until Thisum Lawrence (3/49 off 7 overs) picked up the wickets of Peck and Hamish Caird; the latter was taken by an excellent boundary catch at long-on by Josh Chapman. Josh (3/32 off 10 overs) then came back to the bowling crease to collect the key wicket of Elliotte with an outstanding caught & bowled and with the return of Cadell (3/32 off 10 overs) were able to bowl Boys High out for 187 inside 45 overs.
William Herd
The start of the chase was going to define how the game was going to be decided. After a steady start between the openers of Finlay Hill & Sam Johns, the wheels fell off all too quickly once Hill departed, and Sydenham found themselves in quicksand at 5/36. Potiki (16 off 12 balls) batting at no 7 counter punched with a big 6 and hard flat 4 off Timaru’s leg spinner Jacob Gilkison in one over but was caught trying to repeat the hitting off the pace bowling of Reuben McKeown from the other end to the short straight boundary.
Alastair Derry
The biggest partnership of the innings of 21 came between Jaxson Moynihan (14 from 38 balls) and Sam Johns (22 from 69 balls) for the 8th wicket and this was followed by the 2nd biggest of 18 runs for the 9th wicket by Moynihan and Cadell (15 from 23 balls). Unfortunately, the damage was done earlier, and Sydenham was eventually bowled out for 103 from 33 overs. Timaru will now go on to play in the final against CBHS 2nd XI while Sydenham will play for 5th & 6th against Christ College 2nd XI who they have beaten early in the round robin.
Second XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Allen Hill
This week the 2nds played Christ’s Junior Development XI. After losing yet another toss, we were put into bat on Christ’s number 4 pitch. A cautious opening stand was undone when we lost our first wicket with 20 runs on the board. Opener Isaac Tutt and number three, Lief Kitto put on a 40-run partnership for the second wicket, and we were still well placed at 60/2. Unfortunately, our batting order couldn’t kick on and we lost wickets at regular intervals, mostly to poor shot selection. We ended up all out in the 44th over for 143. Isaac Tutt was excellent, scoring a patient 60 off 132 balls to anchor our innings.
Our bowing innings started well with Nathan Blake picking up an early wicket and bowling fast. Issac Tutt also took a wicket, but our bowling struggled to trouble the Christs batters as they cruised to the total of 144 in 34 overs with only the loss of two wickets. A positive with our bowling was giving away only 14 wides after struggling with extras conceded in previous weeks.
A big thanks to Brad McDonald for managing the team on Saturday.
Next week we make the long trip to Methven to play our final game.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-1st-xi-bowl-one-day/game-centre/692edfd8
Third XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Debbie Boulton
Our 3rd XI had another wee road trip, this time out to Rolleston. We lost the toss and were put out to field. We chatted in the field and fielded well. Some great bowling, with Callum Walsh and Ismail Sharifazi each taking 3 wickets and Nishchay Singh taking two. Some tidy bowling also with Hirun Clements 6 overs for 22 and a wicket, Ollie Jones 3 overs for 6 runs and a wicket, and Abdul Mateen 3 overs for 7 runs. We bowled them out in the 30th over for 208.
We went into the 2nd half very positive. Unfortunately, we were not expecting their opening bowler, who was phenomenal. His speed was incredibly quick. He bowled 5 overs for 12 runs, taking 7 wickets. Hirun was our best batsman on 11, and full credit to Alex Barnes who managed to last a wee while, while our batsmen were falling around him. We were all out for 50 in the 16th over
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-2nd-grade/game-centre/cbb6b7e7
Colts – WON
Match report courtesy of Paul Durdin
The Colts faced Christ’s College at the Polo Grounds and were looking to extend their winning streak to 4 games. Winning the toss, the boys elected to bat first, which has proven a successful formula in the past three games. After a delayed start due to slippery patches at the bowling crease, Sydenham made a solid start as Archie Nielsen and Cameron Fairhall negotiated the first few overs. Archie was looking in fine touch from early on, putting good and poor balls away to the boundary on a lightning-fast outfield. A 100-run opening partnership ticked over in the 20th over with Archie being on 63 and Cameron ably supporting on 28. The 138 opening partnership came to an end in the 27th over when Cameron was caught for a fine 41. Oscar van Onselen joined Archie in the centre and the pair accelerated before Oscar was caught for a rapid fire 29 from 23 balls. Liam Beck joined Archie in the middle and were together when Archie pushed a single to bring up a superb century. Archie fell shortly after for 103 from 116 balls. It was so good to see Archie back in form with the bat! Liam and Harry Durdin kept the momentum going before Liam was caught for 21. Louie Harris (8 not out from 9) and Harry (29 not out from 24) scored rapidly in the final couple of overs to bring Sydenham through to 264 for 4 from the shortened 45 over game.
Century maker Archie Nielsen
In reply, Christ’s made a sound start before Oscar van Onselen produced a fine direct-hit run out. The other opener fell shortly after from the bowling of Reuben Williamson (9 overs 2 for 47). Christ’s re-established before Oscar van Onselen took a nice catch off the bowling of Louie Harris (7 overs 3 for 41), Archie Nielsen did the same off the bowling of Quinn Helms (8 overs 1 for 45) and Liam Kinzett grabbed another catch from the bowling of Louie Harris. At 102 for 5, Sydenham were well and truly on top. However, the Christ’s lower middle order batted well and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Harry Durdin took a catch for Sydenham from the bowling of Reuben Williamson to have Christ’s at 152 for 6. An excellent partnership was eventually broken by the leg-spin of Archie Nielsen who was having a day to remember.
At 216 for 7 Sydenham had the advantage with Christ’s needing another 49 runs from the final 4 overs. 8 runs off the next over following by 7 runs and wicket in the next saw Christ’s needing 34 from the final 2 overs with 2 wickets in hand. Another wicket in the penultimate over thanks to a good catch from Liam Kinzett saw Christ’s needing 23 from the final over with 1 wicket in hand. But cricket is a funny game, and the first ball of the final over was a no ball that was pounded for 6 and the following free hit also went to the boundary. Christ’s needing only 12 from 5. Next ball 2 followed by another boundary meant Christ’s only needed 6 from 3 giving the Sydenham supporters a massive fright. However, a moment of brilliance from keeper Daniel Barclay ended the Christ’s charge as he back-flicked a ball that had popped out to short leg onto the stumps, running out the Christ’s batsman! A thrilling finish to a game played in terrific spirit.
The Colts remain 2= on the ladder with one game remaining.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-colts-one-day/game-centre/019c4f20
Year 10 – WON
Match report courtesy of Nicoll O’Donnell
What a nail biter of a game for Sydenham Year 10 against STAC. Although Sydenham won the toss, we offered the STAC team to bat first as they were short on players. Sydenham started strong with the bowling attack of pace bowlers of Louis Southworth and Zarnder O’Donnell. We were awarded a wicket in the 6th over C&B by Zarnder O’Donnell. The bowlers continued to dominate and although the 2nd wicket bowled by Dylan Tullet wasn’t taken until the 14th over STAC was only on 56 runs at that point. However STAC then had a strong pair through to the 30th over and piled on the runs. Sydenham needed to change things up and so the captain and vice-captain duo of Louis and Zarnder came back to close the bowling, awarding Sydenham 4 wickets in the last 3 overs. STAC finished their first full 40 over game 7/195.
Oliver Hedges
Chasing 195 was going to be a tall order for Sydenham, however Sydenham started strong with Will Thorpe hitting 2 boundaries in the first over. This was short lived with an unlucky shot that saw Will dismissing himself with a sweep shot onto his wicket in the 6th over (17 runs off 19 balls). Sydenham then embarked on a very slow scoring journey with the bat, but the extras kept the score ticking up. The arrival of Dylan Tullet in the 13th over gave Sydenham the hope of a chase and he delivered hitting 11 boundaries before being dismissed LBW, scoring 62 runs off 39 balls. Sydenham were 6/156 with 16 overs to go. We had plenty of time, the extras were rolling in and Luke Griffith arrived to the crease. Strategy changed to keep Luke on strike and provide enough batsmen to support him and bring the win home. Sydenham was 9/186 when Dylan Eberhard joined Luke Griffith at the crease in 32nd over and he delivered. Dylan defended his wicket over the next 3 overs and got Luke on strike at every opportunity, Sydenham winning on a boundary shot from Luke Griffith (17* not out) 9/197.
Louis Southworth
We thank Blake Winter, an injured Sydenham Year 10 player, who umpired half of the game for his team. What a game!
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-year-10/game-centre/b7fa5f68
Year 9A – LOST
Match report courtesy of Callum Green
Sydenham’s 5th game of the season vs CBHS Black was played at Polo grounds 5. Winning the toss, Sydenham’s captain Will Johns chose to bowl.
Will Johns picked up the 1st wicket with the score on 11, then another was captured with the score on 26 by Joe Wilke. At this stage the catching was going well, but this wasn’t to last. Very disappointingly, the team failed to take the many catching opportunities that were given to them. CBHS rode their luck through the middle stages without getting away scoring wise, but with catches being dropped left, right and centre, it was only a matter of time before CBHS fully cashed in. They did, and in the last 7 overs scored 70 runs to finish on 220 of 40 overs. As has been the case in the last few weeks, the pick of the bowlers were our spinners with Benji Williams and Kahn Stanbury snaring 3 wickets between them. Also Will Johns was miserly only going for 7 runs off his 3 overs.
Noah Green and Jonty Rutherford opened and quicky Sydenham was on the back foot with Rutherford out with the score on 2. Green dug in whilst James Gross and Austen Grant came and went. Stanbury was next in at 5 and he and Green had a partnership of 44 before Green went for 18. Ruan Diedriks joined Stanbury and for a small period of time there was a chance of Sydenham occupying the crease, but this was a dream with Diedriks departing shortly for 11. From this point it was a procession with poor shot making hampering Sydenham’s progress. The bright point throughout was Stanbury, who played majestically and looked at ease at the crease. His pull and hook shots were superb, but he ran out of partners and he was the last to fall for 45 with the score on 132 in the 30th over.
Overall, another very poor batting performance. We have players in the team who must take far more responsibility for their decision making whilst batting. Mentally, we are not tough enough at the moment. But, on the bright side we bowled well and were let down by catching (as we could have bowled them out if we hadn’t dropped 7 catches).
Thanks to CBHS for the game. Big thanks to Marty Wilke for scoring and to the rest of our fantastic parents who support our boys each Saturday. We have St Thomas’s next week.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2024/cricket-express-year-9-a/game-centre/562698ad
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