DROUGHT BROKEN – 1 FEBRUARY 2025
Although already out of contention for the 1-day finals, there was a sense of relief when the top two Men’s morning grade sides finally got their belated first wins in the competition when they took on their respective East Shirley opponents on Saturday. Led by a 5fer from Archie Goodrick and backed by an unbeaten 77 from Srirag Harish, the Premier Men finished ahead on Sydenham 1, and across at Burwood Park, the Championship side put the horrors of last week’s batting collapse behind them by completing a 10 wicket win after Tom Agnew and Carl Hooper again did the job with the ball first up.
The Prem Women lost their match to OBC in the 40-over competition; an interim competition played while the first-class players are away, providing opportunities for developing players, and Division 1 lost its match to Halswell at Sydenham.
There were some good results across the afternoon sides as well, with wins to the Div 4 Goats (their sixth on the trot), Div 5 Tamils, and Masters Cardinals, the latter where two half-centuries from Anthony Wild and Grant Ross saw the Cardinals home. But the match of the round was at Barrington Park, where the Div 5 All-Stars’ result ended in a tie with Tom Elliott heading the All-Stars’ effort with a 63, followed up with a 4-33, and then a stunning catch off the final ball for the result.
Some of the photos in this publication are also courtesy of Ash Hart’s Hartland Images.
Scott Insurance Brokers Insurance Premier Men
The 1-Day competition has not been a great experience for Sydenham or East Shirley when they meet in the 5th round of the competition on Saturday in a dead rubber match where both sides would have been mainly looking for a result to get some positive momentum back into their respective seasons.
Easts won the toss, elected to bat first, and started well as their two openers, Tim Hampton-Matehe and Landon Neal, putting on 50 for the first wicket. After Mitch Gardner bowled Neal at that score, two oves later, Archie Goodrick took the first of his five wickets before the two spinners, Makenzie Thomson and Srirag Harish, took one each. That left Easts delicately poised at 85-4 in the 26th over. However, Hampton-Matehe was again playing a great captain’s knock and anchoring the Easts innings as he often does.
Archie Goodrick
He and Moore batted the next 20 overs in an 84-run partnership for the 5th wicket, which, at 169-5 with wickets in hand, had set up the innings for a punishing finish and a score above 200. However, Mitch and Archie bowled some excellent final overs, picking up five wickets in those overs and holding Easts to a final score of 185 all out off the penultimate ball. Mitch finished with 3-28, with Archie an excellent 5-34, which included Hampton-Matehe, who has guided the East’s innings with an 88.
Whilst Archie and Mitchell took the plaudits with the bulk of the wickets, the other four did a great job in support. Sydenham had gone into this match backing its youngest bowling attack in recent memory with three youngsters, across 17 & 18 years old, in Potiki Hamilton-Morrison, Makenzie Thomas and Josh Wedlake. All bowled and fielded beautifully, capped by Makenzie’s catch, running back over his shoulder to take the final wicket. It was an impressive fielding effort, with Ryan Wallace in particular being outstanding.
Richy Faust
Although not quite finishing off their innings as they would have liked, Easts had something to bowl to and got early success when they had their first Sydenham wicket in the third over at 4-1. There was further encouragement a few overs later when they picked up a key wicket in Ryan Wallace at 27-2. Aarush Bhagat and opener Richy Faust batted through to the 12th over before Richy was out for 31 off 38 balls with the score at 59-3. Arguably a batsman short in this match, it was a key moment, but Aarush was again displaying his excellent form with the bat this season and was joined by Srirag Harish.
Srirag Harish
The pair put on 44 for the 4th wicket before Aarush was out for 29 off 39 balls, and then Srirag, playing the Hampton-Matehe type anchor role, put on another 44 for the 6th wicket with Josh McArdle. This was Josh’s first bat in more than a year and a key one in support of Srirag that slowly started to put Sydenham into the driver’s seat. When Josh was finally out at 144-5 with 10 overs to go, the experience of Mitch Gardner and Srirag saw the home side through to the total at 186-5 with four overs remaining. An experienced player who knows how to craft a run chase, Srirag finished unbeaten on 77 from 93 balls.
Thanks to umpires Darren Thomason and David Stuthridge
The side’s next match is away playing one of the competition leaders, BWU, at Burnside Park.
Full scoreboard & video highlights: https://live.nvplay.com/nz?tab=m_scorecard#m2f620484-dc9d-4bcd-962c-e14dd8619b6d
Birdwood Café Premier Women
Sydenham played OBC on Elmwood 1. Sent into bat, Sydenham had a shaky start, finding themselves two down for 14 after five overs. Julia Manton then joined opener Rachel Davidson, who had done well to see out the OBC openers. Julia looked comfortable at the crease, hitting the ball well and scoring quickly before being caught out on 12 runs.
Abby Laird
Izzy Fox and Beth Dodd then had brief impacts with Beth top scoring on 18 and Izzy looking good with her 17 runs. Sydenham finished all out for 95.
OBC chased down the total just two down in the 15th over.
Scott Insurance Brokers Championship
The Championship team travelled across town to take on East at Burwood no 1. The pitch on the far side of the block looked a little bit soft at one end, so after winning the toss, Tom McDonald decided to have a bowl first, knowing he had a great pace attack to put Easts on the backfoot with some early wickets. Tom Agnew (4-35 off 10 overs) delivered as usual with an early wicket and, in combination with Carl Hooper (3-19 off 10 overs, including 4 maidens), applied the pressure.
Tom Agnew (bowler) and Mitch Suddaby appeal for first wicket
The champs continued to pile on the pressure with the return of Braden Gardner (1-7 off 5), who bowled with good pace and swing, along with (Charlie Finnie 2-20 off 5 overs), who bustled in and hit great lines and lengths. The bowlers were backed up with some excellent fielding, with PK Bhagat doing some excellent groundwork at point while Matt Bell took three catches at 2nd slip and Charlie with a brilliant running boundary catch summed up a dominant bowling and fielding display to roll East all out for 85 runs.
Carl Hooper
There was to be no repeat of the previous week when the team just missed out on chasing down a small total against Merivale Papanui. The experience Matt McCall, 42 not out, opening with Akshan Gulati, 29* not out, expertly negotiated the new ball and accumulated the runs through strong drives and quick running between the wickets.
Matt McCall
It was a comprehensive win for the team, rattling off the runs inside 18 overs to capture a bonus point victory and gaining some much-needed confidence and form heading into the last 8 weeks of the competition
Akshan Gulati
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-championship/game-centre/af91b203
Division 1
Match report courtesy of Todd Ward
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Sydenham struck early. Kasey removed their opener in the third over, and Isaiah, the number 3 in the 6th, both to sharp catches. From there, we tightened the screws with Zack operating at one end for his 2 for 30 from 9. After drinks, we continued to bowl well and took 3 for 1 in the space of 2 overs courtesy of Isaiah (3 for 37 off 9) and Gaurav (2 for 53 off 9) to leave Halswell 160 for 8 after 37 overs. Unfortunately for us, despite a tidy spell from Kasey (2 for 33 off 9), there was some quality hitting in the last few overs, which set us 226 to win.
Isaiah Prasad
Our batting innings did not get off to a good start with a runout in the third over. From there we attempted to steady the innings with Isaiah starting patiently and playing very nicely for his 45. Unfortunately, we were losing too many wickets and were 7 for 85 after 30 overs. From there Zack and Conway put on a decent partnership and both contributed with good scores. But by that point it was too little too late and we were bowled out around 80 runs short.
Sam Johns run out by a slick bit of fielding from Halswell
So, our batting let us down this week and gives us individually things to work on. But we can be proud of how we bowled and fielded, especially the catching.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-1/game-centre/61b78114
Division 4 Goats – WON
Match report courtesy of George Wigley
On Saturday, the 1st of February 2025, the mighty Goats took on the Marist Harewood Everest Warriors in a crucial bowl semi-final of the EV knockout competition. Chasing a majestic six wins in a row after a slow start to the season, the Sydenham Goats strike bowler, Christopher (white lightening) Douglas, bowled an epic spell of out swing bowling, bagging 7, 6, 6, 3. He was backed up by (slightly less) big Paddy Wickes who took 6.3 1 24 2. Young Trent Boult esk Noah and George (wake up Jeff) Wiggles maintained the pressure taking one wicket each after a rusty Dan Loughton come back over. Skipper Ollie was again unplayable at times taking one wicket. 7 dropped catches plagued the Goats fielding but ‘catch it Sameer’ was solid under the high ball taking 2.
Marist’s 102 would always be a tricky chase on the infamous Bradford Park oval. This was compounded when Jake the muss received a cooked egg on his toes on the first ball of the innings. Sameer, George, Dougy, Kyle, Dan and Ollie. all got starts without being able to get settled on a Bradford pitch that had plenty of lateral movement with seam and spin, although the bounce was surprisingly consistent, murmurs of a roller being used may have helped this. It wasn’t until Chris Douglas came in and carried the Goats home with precision and some epic cut shots, finishing 22 not out and top scoring. He was backed up by a patient but crucial Noah who showed great mental toughness in blocking it out before unleashing a few hefty blows to help finish things off with 16. MOM Chris Douglas deservedly hit the winning runs with another excellent cut shot off the back foot. The Goats getting home and into the final of the bowl with overs to spare and 7 wickets down.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/ev-power-knockout/game-centre/c11d962c
Division 5 All-Stars – TIE
Match report courtesy of Abe Atherton
The Sydenham Allstars faced off against OBC SNCC at Barrington Park #2 in a matchup that never fails to deliver high drama. These two teams have a history of nail-biting finishes, with past encounters often decided by a single run or wicket. This match proved no different.
OBC won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Allstars welcomed back Dan Linden, who opened the innings alongside Jacob Koster. The duo negotiated the new ball well, putting together a solid 50-run partnership before Linden fell for 13 off 43 deliveries. In-form batter Tom Elliott then joined Koster and immediately stamped his authority on the game. Despite a slow outfield, Elliott’s impeccable timing and power saw him find the boundary with ease.
Koster was eventually dismissed for a well-made 29 from 51 balls, with the score at 93. Elliott, however, continued his onslaught despite wickets falling around him. A crucial 53-run stand with Jason Ungerer steadied the innings. Elliott reached his second half-century of the season before finally departing for a brilliant 63 from 74 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes.
At 155/5, the Allstars were poised for a strong finish, but OBC’s disciplined bowling curtailed their late charge. The lower order fought hard, with Jason Ungerer contributing 15 (39) and Abraham Atherton finishing unbeaten on 16 (13). Jordan McCormick added valuable runs as well, helping push the final total to a competitive 173/8 in 40 overs.
Chasing 174, top-of-the-table OBC faced immediate pressure as Mark Flowerday struck early, clean bowling an opener. Koster found the edge a few times through gully, but luck wasn’t on his side. The introduction of Jordan McCormick and Tom Elliott, however, changed the game dramatically.
Elliott produced a devastating spell, tearing through OBC’s lineup with four quick wickets in his first four overs. McCormick provided excellent support, claiming two wickets in his opening burst. Within no time, OBC were reeling at 7 down. Sumedha Seranatha and Chase Barnsley bowled a few overs before drinks, with Sumedha capturing his first wicket of the season—quickly followed by his second. At 86/9 in the 21st over, an Allstars victory seemed inevitable.
Despite being nine down, OBC refused to surrender. Their last-wicket pair capitalized on any loose deliveries, steadily chipping away at the target. As the required runs dwindled, tension grew in the Allstars’ camp. The once-vocal fielding unit had gone quiet, while OBC sensed an improbable comeback.
Suddenly, with 24 runs needed from 11 overs, the match was back in the balance. The equation came down to 2 runs required for victory with McCormick returning for his second spell. The first ball of the over was guided away for a single, scores tied. Any extra would mean a heartbreaking loss.
With the game on the line, McCormick kept his nerve. The fifth delivery was struck firmly into the gap between cover and point, seemingly destined for glory. But Elliott, already the standout performer of the day, produced one final moment of magic—sprinting from cover, diving full-stretch, and holding onto a stunning catch to secure a dramatic tie.
The Allstars took most of their chances in the field, with key catches held by Dan Linden (2 as wicketkeeper), Atherton, Koster, McCormick, and Elliott. Elliott, despite narrowly missing out on a five-wicket haul, finished with incredible figures of 4/33 from 8 overs. His match-winning effort—63 runs, 4 wickets, and the decisive catch—was undoubtedly a performance to remember.
The game had everything: twists, turns, and a dramatic finish. A fitting result for two teams that continue to produce cricketing classics.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/ff42594f
Division 5 Tamils XI– WON
Match report courtesy of Chidambaram Palaniappan
Sydenham Tamils played the Richmond Rhinos at Richmond Park where the Tamils won the toss and opted to bat first. At first glance, the pitch looked like a 200+ wicket, but it turned out to be quite slow with uneven bounce. The openers fell cheaply, leaving us struggling at 9/2. However, Jagannath Radhakrishnan (Jags) played a brilliant knock, scoring 40 runs with seven boundaries and a six. He built a crucial partnership with Arun Ravindranathan, who played a patient innings of 13, adapting well to the tricky pitch. Their stand rescued us from early trouble and provided a solid foundation.
Just before the break, Jags walked off after a faint edge, despite very minimal appeal from the fielding side, an act of sportsmanship that Richmond Rhinos greatly appreciated. At the break, we were in a decent position at 67/3. Unfortunately, things unravelled quickly after the interval, with three wickets falling in no time, including two ducks. John contributed 14 runs, forming a brief partnership with Chidambaram. However, it was the tailenders, Ashok Kumar and Vignesh Balan, who brought energy back to the dugout with some cracking shots. Their late contributions proved invaluable as we managed to set a target of 121.
Backed by our strong bowling attack, we were confident of putting up a fight. Ashok Kumar set the tone early, striking twice in his first two overs. Runs were hard to come by for the Rhinos, and Ashok soon picked up a third wicket, putting them under immense pressure. Two of their batters showed patience and managed to take their total to 61/3 by the break, a similar position to where we had been earlier.
After the break, spinner Niranjan Mani provided the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing both set batters. Jags supported him with two outstanding catches. Niranjan finished with impressive figures of 3/13 (8 overs). His spin partner, Bhalaji Skandamurthy, kept the pressure on from the other end, wrapping up the Rhinos’ innings with figures of 3/8 (6.2 overs). Ashok Kumar was the star of the show, ending with incredible figures of 4/6 (8 overs). The last seven Rhinos wickets tumbled for just 15 runs, and they were bowled out for 76. With this dominant victory, we continue to remain 2nd on the standings table.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/mens-division-5/game-centre/c321561d
Cavaliers Cardinals – LOST
Match report courtesy of Jamie Livingstone
The Cardinals Played Riccarton on the Yaldhust domain. A delayed Hawaiian shirt day rolled around for the Cardinals, with the team looking resplendent in their multi-coloured outfits. Jeremy took top prize for best dressed, only to undo his good work by missing that he was on beer duties. The Cardinals knew they needed a win to finish in the top eight of the grade. The only issue was that the perennial bogey team, the Hogs, stood in the way. With the pitch looking ridiculously green, Stokesy took the Senior management-endorsed decision to stick the Hogs in. The pitch, however, played Incredibly true, and the Hogs made hay, smashing their way to an imposing 200. Bowling highlights for the Cardinals saw Jez picking up a wicket and the skipper grabbing a couple.
The Cardinal’s reply got off to a decent start, with Geo smashing a quick-fire forty and Bam and Wolfy seeing the boys through to 100 for the first 10 and an unlikely chase in sight. Unfortunately, that was as good as things got with the rest of the order folding in quite spectacular style, seeing us skittled for 119. The Hogs Hoodoo struck again, and the Cardinals find themselves chasing the Div 2 title to finish the season.
Cocktails at our Sponsor, the Wigram Good Home, will no doubt ease the disappointment.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/cavaliers-section-red-t20/game-centre/106952a9
Masters Cardinals – WON
Match report courtesy of Dave Hardy
The Cardinals played Ohoka Originals on Sydenham 3. After last week’s efforts chasing leather all over Barnett Park, things returned to normal this week on Syds 3. Tight Bowling, very good catching, and good energy throughout put Ohoka under pressure most of the afternoon. Wild junior and Hardy junior bowled very good spells, following on from the reliable Flem and O’Connell up front.
Ohoka made a very good recovery from 25-6 to post a competitive 149 all out on a slow outfield but good wicket. All bowlers contributed and were hard to get away. Paul Mathews catching deserves a mention at 1st slip although I’m reluctant to add this to the report!!
Dave Fleming
The Cardinals chase started cautiously with Mathews holding his runs back for the next game, out for 1. O’Connell didn’t find the lack of pace from the bowlers to his liking but to his credit rained himself in and in partnership with Ross (50) made the game relatively comfortable, when he was dismissed for 26 enter Wild senior to finish proceedings with a typically aggressive 50.
Chris O’Connell
Not very often in any grade but particularly Masters do you see 2 all run 4s but the long side boundaries made well timed quality shots pull up well Inside the rope. Everyone played their part in some way today in what was a good team effort, now we await other results to see what division we are in for the next round.
Anthony Wild
As always, the game was played in great spirits. All the best to Ohoka for the remainder of the season.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/joes-garage-masters/game-centre/089854db
Masters Hospital – LOST
Match report courtesy of Matt Gilling
Sydenham Hospital Master faced Heathcote Tunnel Rats on a good surface with a fast outfield at Woolston Park. Heathcote batted first and got to 115 after 20 overs with the loss of just two wickets. John Garry who was getting some practice in before playing against Sri Lanka continued the steady flow of runs, getting his team to 287 after 40, and his own score to 195* having carried his bat.
Matt Gilling 7-0-60-3; Tim Suddaby 5-0-34-2
Hospital’s innings saw a regular loss of wickets, spread around all the bowlers, 42/5 after 15 overs. Then, we saw a 108-run partnership between Bryan Bunz and John Hampton but was unable to match the run rate required and ended the innings 159/6.
A good game, in an excellent spirit by both teams with most of the sledging being by the Rats towards the Rats. John Hampton 56* & Bryan Bunz 52
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202425/joes-garage-masters/game-centre/404b71da
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