A1 Grade

WPHC 7/190 lost to Glenorie 9/192 – Jobbo subbing in as Captain this Round as our regular Skipper Jamaican was unfortunately sidelined due to a bung finger from last match.

Jobbo won the toss and decided to bat on a super hot afternoon at Turramurra Oval. But before any of that happened, Cam McBrien strained a neck muscle during warm up, attempting to lob a ball to a team mate. Plenty of green on the pitch but it played true throughout the entire game. The stand-out with the bat with Alex Robertson who smashed 4 sixes on his way to a season high 68. He was well supported by Josh Mathias (23) and we closed out the innings nicely with contributions from all, with Fat Connell making 36. Probably the best batting performance we have put together this year.

Runs came fast for Galston early on. We struggled to break their opening partnership until we changed things up and took our first scalp at 81. Darsh with the breakthrough. From there the runs slowed, as we were able to bowl tight and disciplined.

The introduction of JP and Lichaa through the middle overs meant we kept Galston at bay. They were 2/94 at the half-way mark, just 3 runs ahead of where we were at the same stage. We didn’t do a lot wrong for the next 20.

Bowlers were again on the spot and we started to take regular wickets. Galston needed 6 an over for the last 7 overs and managed to get there in the last, with 3 balls to spare. Another close loss for us, but we were simply out-played. No dropped catches, tight bowling and our batting was superb. A tough loss for the boys. Lichaa finished with 2 poles, Riley 2, JP 1 and Darsh 1 as well as a runout.

A2 Grade

WPHC Red (Simon) 124 lost to ARL 6/125 – it was the top of the table clash at Dural Park. The Reds Vs ARL. We won the toss (no that’s not a joke, Snump actually did it) and elected to bat, sending out 2 men with a combined total of 3 Achilles. Just like a 16 year old drinking at their first guy/girl party, we didn’t lose wickets consistently but binged them all at once. We lost 4/0…twice. We eventually passed out in a puddle of our own vomit and tears for 124.

With ball in hand we started strong and had them 3/21 after 13. It was at this point we realised our attendance at the Steve Smith’s School of ‘How to catch Alastair Cook on his way to a double ton’ – was a bad decision.

We proceeded to drop 6 sitters, 3 half chances and missed a stumping. We did agree later that we probably shouldn’t have eaten popcorn before coming out to field. And having feet for hands doesn’t help either.

We still managed to lose with just 6 balls to go. Probably our most winnable loss of the season. In other news, when did Mitch Marsh learn to bat? Can we buy some of whatever drugs he’s taking? Does Lance Armstrong run master-classes on avoiding drug allegations?

WPHC Blue (Rick) 9/138 lost to Kenthurst 3/140:

For reference:

• Rowan Keating = 23
• Chris Williamson = Willy
• Alex Turner = Hooch
• Jules Raffel = Sean Anthony
• Rick Turner = The Flair
• Nick Starr = Ivan
• Jackson Preedy = The Preedofile
• Taki Manolelis = Taki Manolelis
• Justin Edwards = Clive
• Peter Flook = Slender

It was hot, damn hot, at Kenthurst. Given the heat the umpire reduced the game to 35 overs per team to allow for extra drinks breaks. Flair won the toss (yes it was a miracle) and elected to bat on what proved to be an up and down Kenthurst wicket that was difficult to bat on.

Our innings didn’t start well and we slumped to 4/17 after the first 10 overs with nobody making a dent on the scorecard. This brought together Flair and Tux who had to set about re-starting the innings. A partnership off 33 got us to 50 where we lost Tux and Jobbie (suddenly 6/50). Bails joined Flair and with Bails batting well.

A partnership of 53 before we lost Bails at 103 for a well-made 27. Ivan (Starr) made a cameo at the end and we ended our 35 overs 9/138. This was a defendable total on the Kenthurst pitch. Best of the batting Flair 57*, Bails 27, Tux 16 and Ivan 11.

Our bowling didn’t start well with some loose deliveries giving Kenthurst opportunity to score easily. At drinks Kenthurst were 0/45 off 10. We took the opportunity to re-group at the drinks break and came out and bowled with much more discipline. The effort was well lead by Nick ‘Ivan’ Starr and Bails. The pitch was proving difficult to bat on if we bowled in good areas. We were unfortunately unable to close out the batting innings with Kenthurst scoring the winning runs after 33 overs. Best of the bowling Ivan 1/15 (7), Keats 1/15 (3), Jed 0/25 (7), Jobbie 0/24 (7) and Bails 0/20 (5).

There was a lot to like about this performance. We didn’t start our batting or bowling well but fought our way back into the game. 25 sundries also hurt (17 byes) due to unavailability of a regular wicketkeeper. We were right in this game but couldn’t close it out at the end. On-wards and up-wards to our game next week.

B1 Grade

WPHC 8/233 lost to Kissing Point 5/282 – match report not yet received.

B2 Grade

WPHC Red (Rob) 137 defeated Normanhurst-Warrawee 130 – the day started well with Naps winning the toss and sending the Opposition out to field on a warm Greenway. Things then took a turn as we lost a wicket in the first over. Another couple of wickets fell and we found ourselves 3/45. Eric Junkkari (35) continued his good form with the bat as he held one end working the ball around, and running well between the wickets.

Eric was joined at the crease by Ray Khamis (37) who blasted the ball all around the park in a quick fire knock. Ryan Gunn (10) and Aaron Hawkins (20) put on an important late partnership to see us all out for 137 from 37 overs.

The Opposition came out with intent and looked to chase the runs quickly. Kyle Townsend came on as second change and got the breakthrough with his first delivery. Matt Digby (1/16) followed up the next over with another wicket in his best spell of the season. Eric Junkkari (0/19) bowled without luck, but tied the batsmen down. The pressure brought about a run out with some great fielding by Aaron Hawkins. Dean Carlin (2/29) came back with a great 2nd spell picking up 2 important wickets. The Opposition were 6/108 with 10 overs remaining. Kyle Townsend came on for his 2nd spell and took the last 3 wickets, all bowled. Kyle finished with 5/19.

While we weren’t at our best today, we really showed a lot of grit in a tough match. A great effort against the competition leaders, who we now join on equal points at the top of the ladder.

WPHC Blue (Tim) 87 lost to ARL 6/92 – today was greeted with a smack in the face (weather!). Wortho won the toss and we proceeded to bat. ARL bowled some tight lines & so Zac Turner (2) and Wortho (7) opened the batting setting a cracking pace.

Our middle order shone with contributions of Ollie Maybury (12) & Ruben Alexander (42), our next batsmen hit a combined 14 all out 87 (27 overs)

In reply ARL came out and smacked 1/69 off 11 then lost 5/17 – limping over the line in the 17th over. Best of our bowling was as follows Matt Rashleigh 2/1(3), Raghu Chary 2/10 (3), 21st birthday today Nick Duck 1/24(3), Wortho 1/6(2). Blue team onward and upward!

C1 Grade

WPHC 137 lost to Normanhurst-Warrawee 5/216 – once again Tarun lost the toss and we were sent in to field on a scorching Normanhurst Oval. The opening bowlers Richard Makin and Ryan ‘Birdcage’ Loveridge bowled us into a solid start with a wicket each in the opening spell. James Mielnik took the 2nd best catch of the day with a great outstretched grab off a fierce Birdcage bouncer.

Not to be outdone, the bowling of Everest Matross with good pace brought about a sharp edge to the gully area, which was majestically caught by a fully outstretched Birdcage low to his right. As the temperatures rose fielding efforts naturally dwindled and Normanhurst picked up the run rate to finish with a high total of 216.

Our turn to bat and the combination of Pratah (15) and Asees (17) saw a solid start to the innings. James (21) and Richard Hughes (30) chipped in with valuable runs, while Richard Makin (19) and Stuart Fielder (5*) made good cameos in the back end of the innings; Stuart hitting the 2nd best boundary of his career. In the end our scoring wasn’t quick enough and we fell 80 runs short. A long day all in all and some improvement needed next game.

C2 Grade

WPHC 6/149 defeated Kissing Point 131 – a good day to win the toss and we didn’t hesitate to bat first.

After an early wicket, Gian Gill (55) and Nick Colley (54) put on a great partnership of 116 weathering some very tight bowling from KP. Both set batsmen fell in the 31 & 32 overs so it was a bit of a scramble for the incoming batsmen to add any real impetus in the last few overs, but we pieced together another 30 odd to take us to 149.

We knew this score would require disciplined bowling and fielding and with a team full of youngsters we were able to put in an excellent display and keep wickets falling at regular intervals. Short sharp spells were the order of the day in the heat and Mahir Khan picked up the first wicket, then Gian and Varun bowled quick probing spells and had the batsmen in trouble.

They were ably backed up with tight bowling from Dave B and George. Great ground fielding and some excellent catching (Nick x2 and Will x2) plus a direct hit run out from Nick to dismiss the Opposition’s top batsman kept us right in the game and increased the pressure on our opponents.

Dan Schwartzel then showed us what pace and accuracy he had in an excellent spell before the game was won with a second run out to Nick to end proceedings in the 37th over.

Best bowling from Gian (6.2 overs 3 maidens 1/6), Dan 2/14, Dave 2/32, Varun 1/11, Mahir 1/12 and Buzz 1/24.

An absolutely fantastic win against the Competition front runners with great contributions from all players. Many thanks to Varun, Dan and Matt (who kept excellently) for filling in, always a pleasure to have such fine Juniors to step up and each of them showed they will be more than capable when they hit the senior ranks full time.

Just have to keep this winning feeling for the next few rounds to give us a shot at the semis!

C3 Grade

WPHC 6/213 lost to Kissing Point 6/222 – the New Year wish came true when we won the toss finally on this hot day and did not hesitate to bat first. With only 6 players available from core team it was an opportunity to welcome some of our junior and casual players.

The Captain’s loss of form in batting was not over yet, falling early to a good catch in the outfield. Some partnerships was built in the middle, Anthony Kwok returning from injury showed his talent making a quick fire 27. The most notable partnership was between Ramil De Silva and Xander Vink (Jr player) who put on 96 runs stand for the 3^rd wicket.

Both players going on to score half centuries but falling eventually at the score of 61 runs. Some late hitting by Sreeni 19* and Varinder 11* (new player) pushed the total to 213 losing just 6 wickets.

We considered the target set to be at par and there was wonderful swing bowling in action from the opening bowlers Louis Maison-Hanlon and Paul Vink.

KP continued to push ahead with some good partnerships in the middle and even though bowlers were changed regularly, we got the break through quite late. The missed chances and mis-fields did not help our cause and KP chased down the target with 4 wickets in hand and 2 overs remaining.

The bowlers who were amongst the wickets were Louis 2/24, Paul Vink 1/23, Cliff Greenhalgh 2/26 and Xander Vink 1/25.

Special mention about Avi Lath (U14 Jr) who bowled his heart out in his 5 overs spell causing many opportunities and good out swing deliveries including an intimidating stare to one of the KP Junior batters. Thanks again for all the players who filled in this round to make a competitive day’s play.

D1 Grade

WPHC 9/145 lost to Castle Hill 1/148 – winning the toss and electing to bat, the innings started off poorly losing an early wicket before Aden (24) and Jude (37) consolidated to help increase our total. Further contributions from Rob (22*) and Dylan (22) helped, but a sudden collapse of 6 wickets for 23 runs meant that Castle Hill needed only 145 to win.

An early wicket from Roshan (1/14) in the second over increased our confidences, but a strong second wicket partnership carried Castle Hill easily to victory reaching the total only 1 down.

D2 Grade

WPHC 176 lost to Thornleigh 223 – we lost the toss and had to bowl in very hot temperatures which did effect our bowlers. We started with 8 fielders for about 10 overs which left some big gaps in the field. In the first 10 overs they hit 47 runs. By the 20 over mark they were 117 runs. We dropped 3 vital catches and their two openers went on to score 70 or so runs each. Thornleigh were 1 for 174 runs after 27 overs. John Rose took 3 wickets for 26 off 7 overs & Nirav Desai took 2 for 24 off 6 overs. We eventually finished our bowling with 7 wickets for 223.

We knew that we had to hit about 6 runs an over to have a chance. We started well with our opening pair Mike and Ben Kinchington hitting 62 runs before losing our first wicket. Ben Kinchington eventually hit 49 runs. Thornleigh had a restricted bowler who took 4/17 off 8 overs including two of our better batters for ducks in two consecutive balls.

John Rose hit 38 runs and was not out at the end of 40 overs. We were 6/176 runs at the end of our innings but managed to bat the whole 40 overs which was a plus.

The fact that we can’t seem to hold our catches is a problem when it comes to winning matches. We need to improve this aspect more than any other.