PREMIER MEN CONTROL FIRST DAY – 1 NOVEMBER 2025
The Premier Men finished the first day of their match at Burwood Park in a strong position, leading East Shirley by 171 runs on the first innings and already having them two wickets down following on in the second. The day was built on a composed batting display led by the in-form Jackson Hemingway, before a sharp new-ball spell from skipper Mitch Gardner, and an excellent all-round performance from Matt Tromp, consolidated Sydenham’s dominance on the day.
Elsewhere in the morning grades, results were less encouraging. Despite Darcy Rose-Prasad’s fine 81, the Premier Women narrowly lost a thriller at Elmwood by two wickets. The Championship side also found themselves under pressure — despite Nathanael Paltridge’s 62, Halswell closed in on Sydenham’s first-innings 199 with six wickets still intact. In Division 2, Isaiah Prasad’s superb 5–50, which included a hat-trick, wasn’t enough to prevent the side falling 115 runs behind on the first innings and 58–2 in their second after being asked to follow on.
Div 2’s Isaiah Prasad with the hattrick ball
The afternoon grades fared much better. In the Division 4 local derby, the Goats came out on top against the Royal Challengers, thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Joe Taylor. Both Masters teams also recorded wins — the Cardinals benefiting from the late inclusion of Jacob Koster (61*), following an All-Stars default.
There was also plenty to celebrate in the Women’s Division 1 competition, with both Sydenham teams victorious. The Red team was led by a commanding 89 from the talented Elise Dill-Russell, while the Blues were lifted by an outstanding overall bowling effort, and a composed 51* from Lily Hayston.
Youth cricket produced mixed results. Whilst the 1st XI went down, the 2nd XI and Colts both recorded impressive wins. Cameron Fairhall’s superb 105 and Leif Kitto’s 63 set up the 2nd XI victory, while strong contributions from Jonty Rutherford (98), Braithan Davis (76) and Noah Green (61*) powered the Colts to a comfortable result. In a losing cause, there were still bright performances from Liam Kinzett (78) and Callum Walsh (4–69) for the 3rd XI.
Some of the photos in this publication are also courtesy of Ash Hart’s Hartland Images.
Premier Men
Sydenham 255-8 (60 overs)
East Shirley 84 (30.2 overs) & 28-2 (12 overs)
Sydenham’s Premier Men took control of their two-day match at Burwood Park on the opening day, thanks largely to a composed top-order performance followed by an impressive bowling display led by skipper Mitch Gardner.
After being asked to bat first, openers Michael Robinson and Akshan Gulati laid the foundation for the day with a patient 85-run stand that blunted East Shirley’s new-ball attack. Akshan was first to go for 25 after occupying the crease for 30 overs, while Robbo fell soon after for a well-crafted 49 from 116 deliveries — his innings anchoring the early effort.
Jackson Hemingway
Momentum was maintained through a fluent 75-run third-wicket partnership between Matt Tromp and the in-form Jackson Hemingway. Matt injected urgency into the innings with a run-a-ball 36 before falling with the score on 163–3. Two quick wickets briefly stalled progress, but Jackson continued to compile confidently, mixing big boundary strokes whilst still turning the strike over. His 70 from 73 balls was the backbone of the innings and his third consecutive score of substance.
Cullen Crowe
With only five overs remaining when Jackson departed at 214–6, Cullen Crowe provided the late flourish. He worked efficiently with the lower order to lift the total by another 40 runs, finishing unbeaten on 33 from just 24 balls as Sydenham declared at 255–8.
The wicket had played flat, but a bit on the slow side, so Mitch Gardner’s new-ball spell was all the more meritorious as he tore through East Shirley’s top order. In consecutive overs he removed Tim Hampton-Mathe and Kenny McClure — both caught behind — before snaring Leo Carter at slip to leave Easts struggling at 12–3.
Mitch Gardner
From there, the innings never truly recovered. Jeremy Duncan fought to hold things together, but Archie Goodrick struck twice in quick succession, and Matt Tromp capped an excellent all-round day with 3–23 as he cleaned up the tail. Fittingly, it was Jackson Hemingway again in the action — taking three sharp chances at slip and then claiming the final wicket of Duncan himself to wrap up the innings at 84.
Bowler Matt Tromp
With 12 overs still remaining, Sydenham pressed home their advantage. Tom Agnew and Archie Goodrick both picked up a wicket each as East Shirley closed a bruising day on 28–2, still trailing by 143 runs.
A word of thanks to umpire Matthew Hill, who stood solo through the day in a biting easterly.
Birdwood Café Premier Women
Sydenham 189 (47.2 overs)
OBC 192=-8 (45.3 overs)
Our Premier women were pipped at the post by North West. Sydenham were off to a great start with Darcy Rose Prasad setting the standard working through to 165/5 with support from opener Emma McLeod (12) and Kate Craig (15). Unfortunately Darcy’s departure took the sting out of the line up and saw Sydenham all out for 189 in the 48th over.
Darcy Rose Prasad
Sydenham started well with the first 4 wickets being picked up easily and NW dropping to 60/4. NW then steadied and accumulated through to 192/8 with Sydenham falling 2 wickets short of the win. Sam Petherick was the pick of the bowlers with 3/39. Molly Loe (2.6 eco) and Shizuka Miyaji (3.12 eco) were economical.
Shizuka Miyaji
This sees the end of the first half of the one-day competition. Next week is the start of the T20 campaign.
Thanks to umpires David Miller & Alan Hill
Championship
Sydenham 199 (57.5 overs)
Halswell 196-4 (42 overs)
Sydenham played Halswell out at Halswell, Domain, and for the first time this season, managed to get a start on time. Sydenham won the toss and elected to bat first. They got a good start with openers Nathanael Paltridge and Jack Smith putting on 31 for the 1st wicket before Jack fell first for 15. Nate carried on keeping up a good strike rate and turning over the strike to the new batters.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-championship/game-centre/05dbaa2e
Division 2
Match report courtesy of Richard Howe
OBC 206 (44.3 overs)
Sydenham 91 (27 overs) & 58-2 (15 overs)
Sydenham played OBC on Sydenham 2. OBC lost the toss and we choose to field. Udi Upadhyay and Ivon Bobby opened the bowling, with Udi picking up both openers cheaply, good catches by Isaiah Prasad and then Fred Winsor. Isaiah replaced Ivon and broke a promising partnership for OBC. At that stage, our bowling had been tight, and after 18 overs, OBC were 53-3. However, as the ball lost its shine, batting got easier and OBC accelerated. Wickets were coming but so were runs. There were a couple of catches missed, including two sharp caught and bowled chances, and a couple of throws that just missed giving us run outs. OBC were 6 down and attempting to smash the last few overs, but Udi, Ivon and Isaiah bowled well.
Two highlights of the day, both for the one man – Isaiah adding a hattrick to his 2 earlier wickets to finish OBC’s innings in the 45th over, not only a hattrick but a 5-fer (and two catches). OBC all out for 206. Wicket takers: Isaiah 5-50, Udy 2-27, Ivon 1 -27, Richard 1-31 & Adi 1-35
Ajith Shetty
Our innings started in a similar fashion to theirs, with early wickets and a slow run rate. We were basically the same score (54) after 18 overs, but six down with only Ajith Shetty getting to double figures, with 10. The lower order fared slightly better with fill-ins Sameer Bhandwalkar and Shubh Kalathiiya making 12 and 16 respectively in partnerships with Richard Howe 20no. Sydenham all out for an embarrassing 91 and put back into bat.
Shubh Kalathiya
Adi Suganthi and Fred Winsor opened up again. Both players played positively and looked good until Adi was taken out. Richard joined Fred, who was playing exceptionally well. A blooming partnership was undone as Richard hit one straight down long-on’s throat with 13 of the 15 overs played already done. Fortunately, AJ supported Fred through to the end of play. Fred on 37no, Syd 58-2. Hopefully, Fred will cancel his plans for a bike race next week and come back to chase a big score for himself and the team! Some disciplined batting is needed as we are still 57 runs behind their first innings.
Division 3 Tamils XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Niranjan Mani
OBC 177 (33.5 overs)
Sydenham 150 (37.1 overs)
Sydenham played OBC at Bradford Park. On a gloomy afternoon, Sydenham Tamils won the toss and elected to bowl first, looking to make early inroads and restrict OBC Cornered Tigers to a modest total. The atmosphere was tense, with both sides aware that a place in the next round was on the line. The OBC openers got off to a shaky start as Tamil bowlers Chidambaram and Jaganath struck early with disciplined spells. Chidambaram’s sharp line and movement with the new ball earned him two crucial wickets in his 8-over spell, leaving OBC struggling at 27-3.
However, Yasir Amin and Davinder Gill rebuilt the innings with patience and aggression. Yasir played a composed knock of 50 runs, anchoring the middle order, while Davinder’s explosive 45 runs changed the momentum in OBC’s favour. Vignesh was the standout bowler for the Tamils, producing a fine spell of swing bowling — 4 wickets for 38 runs in 8 overs — that kept the opposition under pressure. Despite his efforts, OBC managed to post a competitive total of 177 all out in 33.5 overs.
Chasing 178 for victory, openers Dinesh and Monty started confidently, finding gaps and rotating the strike to give the Tamils a solid start. The first wicket fell at 33 runs, after which Parthiban joined Dinesh for a brief but steady partnership. However, once Parthiban was dismissed, a middle-order collapse followed. Dinesh once again stood firm, displaying class and composure to top-score with a well-made 48 runs. Niranjan provided valuable support before being dismissed after the drinks break, which proved to be a turning point. OBC’s Yasir continued his fine all-round performance, claiming key wickets at crucial moments and tightening the run chase. Despite some resistance from the tail, the Tamils were bowled out for 150 in 37.1 overs, falling short by 27 runs.
Highlights for Sydenham Tamils
Vignesh: 8–1–38–4 – a superb display of swing and control
Dinesh: 48 runs – anchored the innings with composure
Chidambaram: 2 early wickets to set the tone with the new ball
The Tamils showed strong intent and discipline with the ball early on, led by Vignesh’s spell and tight bowling from Chidambaram and Jaganath. The batting, however, lacked partnerships in the middle overs, which proved costly in an otherwise well-contested game. Captain Jags praised the bowling effort and emphasised the importance of converting good starts into match-winning partnerships. Fielding and middle-order consistency remain key focus areas moving forward.
Player of the Match (Tamils): Vignesh – 4-38, for his outstanding bowling performance
Division 4 Goats – WON
Division 4 Royal Challengers – LOST
Match report courtesy of Kyle Clark
Sydenham Royal Challengers 86 (26.5 overs)
Sydenham Goats 88-3 (22.5 overs)
The Div 3-4 EV power knockout competition kicked off this weekend with The Goats taking on another Sydenham team, Royal Challengers, at Syd 3. No relocation needed this week the pitch looked to be a road. Then it happened, Jon unbelievably lost the flick, unheard of this year. The Goats were sent in to bowl on a track that didn’t look to offer much at all. Chris Douglas (2-10 off 7) led the attack, not giving the batsman anything. Following a dubious call, the Royal Challengers’ innings began to crumble with a sharp runout by Dan Loughton and a good bit of bowling by Zac. They tried to rally behind Amrinder Singh but Ollie (2-21 off 6) ended his innings with the first ball of his spell. From there, wickets fell regularly, ending the innings after 26.5 overs with a target of 87 to chase.
Amrinder Singh
Regular programming resumed for the Goats with the tried-and-true duo of Joe Taylor and Tony Danenburg opening the batting again. Both began hot, running quick singles and picking off loose, wide deliveries with ease until one ball snuck through and Tony’s stint at the crease came to an end. Geordie, looking to continue the momentum, tried to pick off a loose delivery after a few overs, but he was caught at Long on falling just short of clearing the rope.
Joe Taylor
Jesse came back just as fast as he went out, if you ask him, he “smashed it.” Umps disagreed and sent him packing without too much thought. Joe and Kyle saw the innings home with Joe notching a smart 56*, including a glorious flick off the pads for six that Will Young could only dream of playing.
Bowling: Ollie Philpott 2-21 (6), Chris Douglas 2-10 (7), Jon Bennet 2-10 (3.5), Zac 2-25 (6)
Batting: Joe Taylor 56*, Tony Danenburg 12, Kyle Clark 10*
Division 5 All-Stars – LOST
Unfortunately, the side was forced to default this week
T20 Cavaliers Cardinals – WON
Match report courtesy of Colin Paintin
Halswell 169-4 (20 overs)
Sydenham 170-3 (19)
The Cardinals rolled up to the Polo grounds for the second week in a row in search of their first win of the season. With a strong nine in place and opposition that hasn’t regularly featured towards the top end of the table, confidence was relatively high.
Returning captain Stokes lost the toss and the Cardinals were invited into the field. Fynn and Donnie got things rolling, with Donnie in particular firing down some testing stuff. The Halswell openers were up to the challenge, however, and regularly found the boundary. Keza and Larts came on and it was Larts who made the breakthrough and possibly should have had two in a two with a strong lbw shout turned down. Midway through the Cardinals’ bowling performance, another captain, Stokes, joined the sideline support, and his presence seemed to impact the Cardinals’ fielding. Three chances were put down, with the sole English Cardinal on the field fluffing his chance for a late Ashes call-up, dropping a sitter. Halswell made the most of these let-offs, steering themselves to an imposing 170 target.
Larts and Camo rekindled their opening partnership from the previous week and were looking in good touch before Camo got cleaned up. Larts, backing up from a 21km indoor row for charity in the morning, played well before hitting the accelerator, booming some huge sixes to retire on 40. Bam and Stokesy continued the good work of keeping on top of the rate. Stokesy, in particular, put the hammer to the floor, which saw him retire on 45. After the departure of Bam, Keza was left to see the chase home. The Cardinals getting it done with 8 balls to spare.
So a first W of the season on the board and the post-game beer certainly tasted better for it. Time now for the lads to kick on and make some headway back up the table.
T20 Gujarat Kings – WON
Match report courtesy of Yash Patel
Sydenham 164-7 (20 overs)
Parklands 148-5 (20 overs)
Sydenham T20 Gujarat Kings with another impressive 16-run victory over Parklands Patriots in an entertaining T20 clash at Parklands Reserve. Batting first, the Kings posted a strong total of 164-7 on the board. Arya Baxi led the innings with a powerful 40 (25) not out, and with the ball, shone brightly, taking two key wickets for just 19 runs. Yash Patel anchored the top order with a well-compiled 33 (28), while Ankit Patel added a valuable 25 (19) to keep the momentum going.
With the ball, Yash Patel and Milind Thakkar claimed a wicket each. Dhaval Patel’s tight spell of 4 overs for just 18 runs played a major role in maintaining control during the chase.
In response, the Patriots managed 148-5, falling short by 16 runs.
It was a superb all-round effort from the team — disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and a composed batting performance ensured another memorable win for the Kings.
Masters Cardinals – WON
Match report courtesy of James McKay
Sydenham 176-7 (40 overs)
Lancaster Park-Heathcote 113-6 (40 overs)
A stiff easterly on a tired Sydenham #1 was the setting against the newly combine Lancaster Heathcote team. Having won the toss and electing to bat Dave Fleming was eager to “take the shine off the ball” alongside Wildy. Unfortunately for Flem (1) he was sharply caught by Gingles at slip off Wayne Derham. This brought the in-form Phil Walker to the crease where he began cautiously. The outfield early on was not giving good value for money as many well struck shots could not make the boundary. After a typical swashbuckling innings from Wildy (26) All Stars super ring in Jacob Koster joined Phil in the 15th over. They got through to drinks at 66-2.
With the wicket dying but the outfield drying out the pair accumulated nicely with very quick running putting pressure on the field, before Phil (45) was caught by Dowds. A brief stay by Hardy brought in Sagar who scored quickly and supported Jacob with more quick singles. Sagar (25) was well caught on the boundary. The last 5 overs saw a flurry of batsmen come and go, Skipper McKay (7), Hannan (2) and Paul Smith 2 n.o. while Jacob (61 n.o.) brought us home for a very competitive 176-7. Best of the bowlers was Rich Howard 2-26 off 8 with all other bowlers getting 1 wicket each.
Jacob Koster
As reward for filling in and top scoring Koster opened the Cardinals bowling from the Pavillon end, complimented by Brownie at the other end. Both team’s scores were pretty even after 10 overs with no initial breakthrough. Gandhi was brought on and with his 3rd ball induced McLaughlin (12) to loft a good catch to Zulu in the covers. Next over a running mix up saw McBride (2) run out by Koster and Brownie. Scott McEwan (24) started to club us about the park before Flem set a trap and had him caught on the cow boundary by guess who? Jacob Koster. Lancaster Heathcote 61-2 at drinks.
Now spin was employed at each end with Flem from the Pavilion end and Tim Hannon into the unabating breeze. Runs were now very hard to come by with Dowd generally given a single and Gingles (3) unable to score from the remainder of the over. Flem had Gingles caught by a diving and outstretched Tim Hannan at slip. The chase petered out against excellent bowling and fielding. Dowds (53 n.o.) carried his bat. Lancaster Heathcote 113-6 off 40. Best of our bowlers Flem 3-15.
Man of the match Jacob Koster. The Jules won by Dave Hardy.
Dave Fleming
Match played in fantastic spirits, of particular note a run out not taken after a collision by Cardinals batsman and fielder, thank you Lancaster Heathcote. Well supported by a cohort of injured Cardinals who appeared to enjoy drinking in the park.
Masters Hospital – WON
Match report courtesy of Bruce Day
Ohoka 64 (31.2 overs)
Sydenham 65-7 (27.1 overs)
Hospital got the pleasure of playing Ohoka on Centennial no.3 for the first time. A beautiful outfield ruined by a terrible pitch. Ohoka batted first, Rahul’s 2nd ball of the innings short and wide smashed over point for 4, 3rd ball cut back a mile and knocked over the middle stump. Next Jinto got a ball to climb of a length to get the other opener caught smartly at slip by John Hampton, 2 for 10. Jinto swapped ends and clean bowled the dangerous Hamilton, John got Johnson next 29-4. Drinks taken at 42-4. Enter Tristan Pettit, bowling from the Pioneer Stadium end, bowling 6 overs and claiming the next 3 wickets. Jinto came back to clean bowl another and Matt got a couple from the other end. Ohoka all out for 64. Rahul 1-11 off 5 Jinto 3-7 off 7 Tristan 3-21 off 6 John 1-10 off 8 Matt 2-11 off 3.
Chasing 65, off to terrible start with Jinto trying to drive in 2nd over, something that hadn’t worked the previous 2 hours and lobbing it straight to mid off. 25 overs later after 2 played on, 1 clean bowled, a lbw, a run out, and a stumping, we passed their total 7 down…. early finish like the other games at Centennial Park, a couple of drinks with the Ohoka boys and off home with first win after 2 games of a very stop-start early part of the season.
Women’s Division 1 Red – WON
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
Sydenham 179-6 (35 overs)
OBC 176-4 (35 overs)
Div 1 Red had a very close match against OBC, with Sydenham getting over the line by keeping it steady in the last over to restrict OBC 3 runs short.
Sydenham’s stars with the bat were Willow Ewing (32) and Elise Dill-Russell who scored a stunning 89. Liv McKenzie also supported well with a very handy 13 runs. Sydenham completed their overs with 179/6.
OBC were very competitive in their reply but Sydenham held their nerve highlighted by great all round fielding. highlights in the field were Charlotte Clatworthy 2/29 from 8 overs and Ella Dear taking 2 run outs.
Well done on your 50 Elise!
Women’s Division 1 Blue– Won
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
Halswell 102-8 (27.1 overs)
Sydenham 104-2 (12.4 overs)
Sydenham lost the toss and were sent into the field Sydenham started well with a caught behind by Sandy Mitchell off Millie Kinzett’s bowling. Regular wickets saw Sydenham stay on top with highlights being Linda Pettigrew 2/2 bowling, 2 catches by Kate Brietmeyer and a clinical run out from Cosette Major and Sandy Mitchell. Halswell were all out for 102 in the 28th over.
Lily Hayston made short work of the reply, working through to 51* with 9 fours and chasing the total in 12.4 overs.
Well done on your 50 Lily!
Youth First XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Allan Hill
St Andrew’s College 324-8 (50 overs)
Sydenham 159 (39.2 overs)
After playing some excellent cricket in October and starting the season well, our 1st XI had a hiccup as we entered November. Playing St Andrews 1st XI at St Andrews, we lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. After some excellent bowling performances in earlier games, unfortunately, we were not up to our usual standards, as St Andrews punished anything dropped short, and our inaccuracy gifted them too many extras. Despite a couple of early wickets from Quinn Helms, both clean bowled, and economical spells from Henry Hood and Conway Andrews, St Andrews were able to put on 324-8 in their 50 overs.
Henry Hood
After making 257 chasing at the Willows, we were confident we could give the chase a good crack. An excellent 2nd wicket partnership by Isaac Tutt (31) and Sam Johns (35) took us through to the first drinks break reasonably well placed at 70-1. Despite a useful middle order partnership from Harry Durdin (29) and Jaxson Moinyhan (26), we struggled to put on runs at the required rate, and chasing down over 300 became very difficult. Trying to push the scoring rate, we lost a series of middle and lower-order wickets quickly and were bowled out for 159 in the 40th over.
Louie Harris
As a team we need to keep developing and back each other as we continue learning the craft of cricket against top teams in championship grade.
Youth 2nd XI – WON
Match report courtesy of Brad Macdonald
Sydenham 287-7 (50 overs)
North Canterbury Youth 164 (36.2 overs)
Sydenham played North Canterbury CC. The Sydenham Youth 2nd XI dominated in their match against NCYCC 1st XI, winning by 123 runs on a wind-swept Rangiora High field. After being asked to bat first, Sydenham started strongly with an assured opening partnership that flowed through the remainder of the innings. The team scored an impressive 287-7 in their 50 overs – opener Cameron Fairhall leading from the front with a commanding 105 off 116 balls, striking twelve fours and one six on his way to the milestone. He found support from fellow opener Archie Neilsen (28 off 24), then vice-captains Leif Kitto (63 off 90) and Sam Macdonald (26 off 14). Consistent partnerships throughout the innings helped the team put together the formidable total as the ground conditions dried.
Defending the imposing total, the bowlers showed real fight in the stiff easterly breeze. Bayley Gardner (2-18 off 6) bowled tightly and was rewarded initially with the opening stand break-through. Yahya Shahawar increased the pressure (2-10 off 6), and Lucky Lasiyal turned the screws on the middle order (2-23 off 4).
A significantly improved fielding effort this week (helped by the confidence of a big score to defend) saw the whole team play a hand in the win – proving to themselves that consistent effort and concentration pays off in this game. A match played with confidence, with the team’s self-belief growing as the season progresses.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-youth-boys-2025/cricket-express-1st-xi-bowl-one-day/game-centre/1f4b469b
Youth 3rd XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Dayle Kinzett
St Thomas 290-9 (50 overs)
Sydenham 198-8 (42 overs)
Sydenham took on St Thomas at St Thomas College. It was a beautiful Saturday when the two captains strode to the centre for the toss. St Thomas won the toss and decided to bat. Sydenham had the much-vaunted batting line-up of St Thomas at 3-72 early on, and at the first drinks break, we were happy with our position and confident. Unfortunately, confidence doesn’t always prevail, as 2-3 of the St Thomas Batsmen managed to put another 100 odd runs on the board before the next drinks break. During this drinks break, there were some stern words spoken and some valid finger pointing. Our boys came out firing after the break and managed to take the remaining 7 wickets very cheaply, but unfortunately the damage had already been done. At lunch, a conversation with the opposing coach on our slow over rate, 4 hours and 10 minutes, resulted in a reduction of available overs for us to 42 overs total. Totally sucks, but totally fair. Lesson learned I believe.
Our run chase started very well, with Liam Kinzett taking it on his own shoulders to do the impossible. I must commend Liam, who is a very young man, on his poise and how he went about building his innings. He knew we needed a good run rate, but he took the time to get his eye in and then launched a fantastic attack against what was at times a lack lustre bowling attack from St Thomas.
He had some help from Nishcay, Eli, Uti, and Neil, who all tried valiantly to stay with him, but when he tried to lift on his own when it was down to Liam and the bowlers, he was dismissed for a fantastic knock of 78. Callum, Blake, Daniel, and Louis all tried their best to finish but we were just too short on overs to get there. Learnings: Hustle more between overs.
I strongly believe that if we had had the full complement of 50 overs and not been under pressure to go faster, we would have been very close to winning this game. I want to comment on how our boys didn’t drop lip on the reduced overs and just tried to get the job done. Very proud of all of you boys!!!!
Youth Colts – WON
Match report courtesy of Callum Green
Sydenham 299-7 (50 overs)
Christ’s College 282-7 (50 overs)
It was a run fest at the polo grounds on Saturday as Sydenham posted 299 and defended well in the field. Standout performance was 98 by our wicket keeper opening batter Jonty Rutherford.
With nearly 600 runs scored, cricket was the winner on the day and many learnings were had from the game.
Winning the toss and batting, Sydenham’s openers Rutherford and Braithan Davies put on a 164 opening stand. Exemplified by some outstanding pulling and cutting and good running between the wickets. Davies was out in the 31st over for a fantastic 76 from 86 balls, highlighted by some beautiful leg side shots. Next in was Ruan Diederiks. Usually in down the order, he was moved up to accelerate the run rate…and he did. A couple of big sixes got the run rate going, before he was bowled for a quick 22. Ruper Nielsen was in next, but unfortunately didn’t help add to the score board. Meanwhile, Rutherford continued to accumulate, picking his shots incredibly well. Noah Green came in at number 5 with the score on 200 in the 37th over and looked comfortable from the outset. Green accelerated the run rate more, whilst Rutherford continued to accumulate. After a partnership of 67, Rutherford was caught in the 46th over for superb 98 with the score at 267. A great innings. The next couple of batsman came and went, whilst Green continued to punish the bowlers. Sydenham ended up making 299 off 50 overs with Green 61* not out of 38 balls.
Sydenham knew that 299 was definitely chaseable and Christs had some very good batsman in their lineup. Opening with Will Johns and Joe Wilke, Wilke snared the first wicket in over number 1 and then Johns got one in over 4. Sydenham’s bowlers bowled good lengths, but the radar was consistently off, with far too many wides being bowled and our fielding was lacklustre. We were not putting the batsman under pressure. Christs were cruising, with the odd edge, but not enough consistency from our bowlers and our fielding lacked intensity. At drinks (17 overs) they were 2-99 and looking on target. After drinks Sydenham’s fielding vastly improved. Christs continued to bat well though and the game was in the balance. Austen Grant’s spell was excellent and he bowled very good lengths. A sharp chance taken by Nielsen at mid-wicket off Grant halted some momentum for a while, but Christs no4 Sam Coles batted really well for 83. Another couple of quick wickets fell, but Christs were still on pace to chase the score down. Kahn Stanbury and Reuben Peterson’s spin slowed the run rate and with some intensity in the field, the run rate started to get higher and higher.
In the end it was a bit too much for Christs and Sydenham prevailed by 17 runs. Stand out bowlers were Grant and Peterson, supported well by Stanbury and Johns.
Overall, a very good batting performance, but we are bowling far too may extras and it is putting the team under too much pressure. We will need to be at our best vs a very good CBHS team next week
Youth Yr 10 – LOST
Match report courtesy of Askash Patel
Sydenham 78 (29.5 overs)
North Canty 79-9 (33.3 overs)
This week’s game was a very close loss. Sydenham Year 10 lost the toss and NCYCC chose to bowl first. Sadly, our team did not bat super well, and we’re all out for 78 runs off 29.5 overs. Well played, Angus Ferguson, who got 13 off 30 not out, and Luke Griffith, who got 12 off 23. Even though we couldn’t bat well, our bowling went off to a flying start, with our team getting five wickets in a row. Angus took a magnificent hattrick. We took some great catches in the field, especially Om Patel, who made a great diving catch, and Luke Griffith, who took an impressive one-handed catch. We did very well in restricting them, but sadly, we lost in the end by one wicket. It was an excellent comeback from the boys.
Youth Yr 9 – LOST
Match report courtesy of Mark Williams
North West Youth 207-6 (35 overs)
Sydenham 179-9 (35 overs)
Sydenham played Northwest Youth at Cashmere High School. Sydenham won the toss and chose to field, in overcast conditions, on a pitch that promised inconsistent bounce.
Our bowlers had the upper hand early on with tight lines and good length, tying batters down. The pitch misbehaving added more uncertainty for batters. One opener was sent back for 0 with Guy taking a cracking catch, a very well struck shot, clasped above his head. 1 for 5 became 2 for 16, and then 3 for 32, as Will and Jono delivered a good spell. At this point, we took the foot off the throat, as a succession of bowlers pitched too many short, allowing batters to get starts. The diet of short deliveries was feasted on, and by the time we eventually bagged wicket number 4 the total was 126. We continued to allow the middle order free runs, with bowlers not adjusting their lines and feeding into the hitting zones. Three batters who essentially played one agricultural shot each managed to go past 30. Dropped catches did not help us either. Our extras tally was high, albeit we did manage to drop those below 50, just, with the tally amounting to 49.
An innings that started well had been allowed to stretch the full 35 overs, and it meant a chase of over 200 for us. Will and Jono bowled well upfront, and Tristan and Guy did well with the keeper’s gloves on. Many bowlers battled with control as the wind strengthened.
As we prepared to bat, the wind picked up further, becoming colder as well. Our start mirrored that of the first innings, with batters under lock and key. At 3 for 34 the chase was looking like a steep one. Will and Adi steadied things, and batted intelligently to move the score past 100 in decent time, looking to have restored parity. With mandatory retirement pending, Adi fell, well caught. 4 for 122. Still game on. We consolidated and prepared to pick up the pace again. However, when the 6th wicket fell at 147, and with Will having to retire, the asking rate was climbing. Wickets fell fast. 6 for 147 soon became 8 for 158 as runs off the bat dried up, the total being moved along mainly by extras. Too often our batters played around straight deliveries or mistimed short balls, and failed take toll of leg side lines. The extras tally made our total higher than it probably should have been, ending at 67. Ultimately, we ran out of overs, and almost light, with the final total being 9 for 176, and the clock past 18:30. Our visitors had started batting over 20 minutes late due to their late arrivals, but both teams were guilty of slow over rates.
This game will go down as one that probably should have been won. Early dominance with the ball was not backed up by our middle and late innings bowling and fielding. Dropped catches, some of which were absolute sitters, were punished by opposing batters, who fed well on our short pitched bowling. Bowlers need to work on their control, to allow them to work away from batters strengths, in particular being able to bowl better to batters who are camped on the back foot looking to heave over the leg side.
The positive to come out of this game was running between the wickets, this was much improved. I was also impressed by the wicket keepers. With strong gusty winds, a pitch that bounced lots or rolled along the ground, and bowlers battling with control, the keepers really got a work out. By the end of the day we were all glad to be out of the cold wind. Our skipper delivered a well deserved tune up at the end of the game. We definitely have plenty of work ons still. Thank you to Pete for scoring.
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