Seniors Match Report – Grand Final – 15 & 16 March 2025

Match Reports for the Grand Finals

Competition Tables (Final)

The Final table after Round 14, 22/02/2025) is:

• A1 (Cam #25) – 2^nd (64 points) – PREMIERS
• A2:
  • Blue (Ryan) – 4^th (52 points)
  • Red (Todd) – 6^th (26 points)
• B1:
  • Red (Warren) – 2^nd (58 points) – PREMIERS
  • Blue (Shomik) – 5^th (48 points)
• C1 (Indranil) – 2^nd (68 points)
• C2:
  • Red (Aniket) – 4^th (53 points) – RUNNERS UP
  • Blue (Hiresh) – 7^th (51 points)
• C3 (Mick) – 4^th (59 points)
• C4:
  • White (Agniva) – 1^st (69 points) – PREMIERS
  • Blue (Rob) – 3^rd (66 points)
  • Red (Ross S) – 6^th (53 points)
• D1:
  • Blue (Nirav) – 2^nd (64 points) – RUNNERS UP
  • Red (Diggers) – 7^th (49 points)
• D2 (Roger) – 4^th (48 points)

Match Reports

A1 Grade

WPHC (Cam #25) 7/185 defeated Berowra 184

Welcome readers to the Grand Final match report between the old titanic foes, WPHCCCCCC and Berowra. Let me be the first to say that plenty has been said online (and offline) in this masthead over the past decade – the reach of this dribble has no boundaries. So alas, for the final time with the stroke of my gold and onyx fountain pen, to the cricket we go – this glorious madness.

Day 1

WPHC Vs Berowra 6/171

K “Temu Griff” McBrien met Daggles at Berowra Oval bright eyed and bushy tailed to pull off the covers, the esteemed groundsman informing our fearless leader that a brand new pitch had been prepared for the final game of the season. “It’ll do a lot early” he barked. Combined with slight overcast conditions and 38 degree temperatures, that was enough for K to be convinced that bowling first was the right option. What he failed to realise, was that Daggles was about to roll the pitch for a good 45 mins straight, removing any chance for it to “do a lot early”. K kept the faith in what Daggles had promised him, he won the toss, and bowled.

K was forced to tamper with the side coming into the GF. Lichaaa was sensationally recalled for the injured Jack Hando, who was unfortunately injured in the Semi vs Hornsby Brown. Meiks was also unavailable for the full weekend, so K turned to Michael Gunn – who had virtually all but given up his dreams of playing finals. His attention firmly diverted to his upcoming soccer season, so much so that he made himself available to play two trial games on Saturday before coming to cricket. The rest of the side remained unchanged.

Despite the apocalyptic warnings from the media on how hot it was going to be for a March weekend, opposition captain Fiedler (Will, not Daniel) decided to enforce an MCC rule on substitute fielders. I wasn’t aware that MCC jurisdictions cascaded to whatever level of park cricket we play, but his quotation of the exact by-law and paragraph bamboozled the umpires and K. It was decided that no subs would be allowed, fielders would need to sweat in the heat. Assman was told to dress in his whites, not realising he wouldn’t be required to field for the first few sessions.

Without Jack Hando, K turned to Tiz and Crehorse P to open the bowling but it was evident within about three balls that Daggles had rolled the pitch to death. There wasn’t much in the wicket for the bowlers, so it was going to be a hard slog all day. Chances were going to be hard to come by – so when Wu dropped Dickie J when he was about 2 at square leg, many pondered whether that was the Hershell Gibbs moment. Fortunately, Dickie J had an awful record against us, so spirits were upbeat that he wouldn’t go on to get a score.

Without an early wicket, K turned to Lichaa and Gandis to try and break the opening stand. For reasons almost everyone still doesn’t understand, Gandis has a terrific record against Berowra – he was in their scouting report on players to watch. And for good reason, because he was able to dismiss Griff with a slow loosener that was spooned to mid-wicket. It just added to his mystery of success against the old enemy.

Watts joined Dickie J and Lichaaa smelt blood in the water. A couple of outswingers uncovered an opportunity to set Watts up for an edge – and that is exactly what happened. Except umpire Hasler didn’t hear the knick that was heard from space. Watts survived and a partnership formed.

As the mercury hit 35+, K turned to Tiz to try and get a breakthrough – and he delivered, capturing Watts caught at point. Another breakthrough occurred shortly thereafter, K removing himself from first slip to have Lichaaa take his spot – Lichaaa taking a blinder that was sharply low to his right to dismiss Patel and Tiz had his second. Brilliant captaincy from K. It classic catch A for the match.

West joined Dickie J and time stood still for about 2 hours. Christ it was boring – but very disciplined cricket from Berowra. They didn’t need to win, a draw would suffice – and having us melt like candles out in the heat would drain us physically, mentally and sexually. Lots of things probably happened during this time, but I can’t remember much – all of my energy was directed in just trying to breathe and stand up straight. But if the MCC bible says that no subs are allowed, I know we must follow the letter of the law in our standard of cricket. I wonder what D2s did?

Anyway I am getting distracted because at some point, Dickie J loosened the shoulders and began to make something happen. Tired bowlers started to get looser and looser – we were so tired that even Assman got a bowl. We used ten bowlers – 10!!

Billy was licking his lips at one point thinking he might have a chance at rolling the arm over. But Dickie didn’t mind, he was beginning to up the run rate when – against all odds – Harry Hando took classic catch B for the match with a miraculous caught and bowled that was belted back low at him as he finished his bowling action. It was an unbelievable grab, and one that was desperately needed. Dickie had been incredibly disciplined, but was about to blow the game wide open and probably go on to make 200+. We were down on the canvas on the 8 count, and Harry had given us a pulse – we rose to our feet, gloves up and began to jab back.

I just remembered – Cooper Davenport also came and went during this time (blame the heat stroke for my memory loss), Harry Hando with another scalp. Fellow SF centurion Mitch Fullager was next to the crease – and thank you to St Ives for batting two of the premier batsmen into form for the big dance.

It didn’t work though, because Tiz was able to find the fishing edge through to Billy and the danger man was gone. A big final spell of bowling late in the day from Harry and Tiz had wrestled back momentum. We were behind the game, but not out of it.

The day closed 6/170 odd, Berowra to bat on in the morning. YOUR WPHCCCC had to recover quickly overnight. Assman was banned from going out. Wu kept saying that “I don’t think they have enough“.

He stopped by BWS and picked up a case on the way home.

Photo: The boys recovering during a break from the extreme heat.

Day 2

WPHC 7/185 defeated Berowra 184

Stiff bodies and warm conditions greeted the WPHCCCCC boys as they arrived before 9am to rip the covers off. The perfect antidote for recovery, coffee, was on the menu. Spirits were high, we knew that quick wickets would give us a chance to chase down a score on a batsman friendly wicket. But would the pitch have some early demons to help us with some of the dew overnight? You bet bottom dollar, not. Daggles was back on the roller for another 30 mins.

With Day 1/Day 2 players, Tiz and Gandis were unable to bowl – both were injured anyway from the day prior. Lichaa and Harry were tasked to get an early breakthrough, they built pressure at both ends and eventually Harry was able to snare the impenetrable West, caught by a juggling Campbell Rudd in the slips. The pressure continued when Lichaaa trapped Davenport in front and it seemed like momentum was shifting slightly. It needed a big Captain’s knock to wrestle back control. As per Berowra tradition, the non-bowling captain walked to crease at no 9 ready to make an impact.

But the impact was short lived, Harry getting the faintest of edges through to Billy – and Will had to walk. Wu offered his sympathies to Will by agreeing it was a tough decision, scolded by Captain K to stop with such antics. The slowest walk off in history was greeted at the top of the stairs by a smiling Gandis, “stop laughing you pea hearted lump of shit” Fiedler barked.

Tensions were high – and they were only going to escalate as Berowra fans kept drinking throughout the day.

But for what it is worth, and forgive me for this editorial, but I loved the sledge. It was raw, edgy – just the timing was unusual given he was telling his story walking but the theatrics, oh the theatrics!! 

To his defence, Gandis may be a lump of shit but he is certainly not pea-hearted, just remember that time he was hit in the face from Fullager and he bounced to his feet (not realising the thousands in dental bills he would face that week). He also seems to get most of the Berowra top order out each game, his chest pumped out like nobody’s business. 

Anyway unbeknownst to the team out on the park, focus turned to getting the final wicket.

Lichaaa delivered, picking Brad Fiedler caught at short cover by Campbell Adelaide Strikers Mascot Rudd. Ironic given Lichaaa has expressed vocally many times how little a catch is spooned to short cover. Berowra were bowled out for 184.

Harry and Lichaaa had cleaned up the last 4 wickets for less than 20 runs in the first session – we held our chances and we were unbeat. K brought the troops in and delivered a Churchill like address. This was our time. We knew the score was below par given how good the wicket was. We bat well, we will win. Wu reminded us that he didn’t think they had enough.

Harry picked up 4/39 off 20, Tiz 3/31 off 16, Lichaaa 2/32 off 24.3, Gandis 1/18 off 10. An unbelievable effort from the fast bowling cartel in those conditions.

K and Wu opened us up – 185 to win, 75 overs to get them.

It was still very hot, but that didn’t deter the crowd from slowly building throughout the afternoon. Collier and Fullager were good early, nice and tight but the opening pair were determined to see off the new ball. They survived multiple LBW shouts, many of which were aggressively questioned by the opposition captain.

Umpire Williams was told he was “0/5 today” in his decisions. No disciplinary action was taken. Editorial again; I can’t even remind a batsman about their poor shot without getting a slap on the wrist from the officials – the leniency rope stretches in many ways clearly. Unfortunately K fell once again to his new arch nemesis – the full toss. LBW to Mitch for 2. 1/7 early in proceedings.

I have always said, you bat your best batsman at 3 – with Sav out, JA still missing and Billy too scared to bat higher, Jackson Preedy walked to the wicket with the game on his shoulders. We needed a partnership before lunch, we needed Wu and Preeds to get us there – and they did. A huge momentum driver for us leading into the main break.

We were only on about 15-20 through 15-20 overs, but we had 9 wickets in hand and 50 overs to get the runs.

Spirits were optimistic. Wu threw up a lung up on the hill, his coconut water failing to hydrate him adequately. He waved off the strong stuff and told L Mac to go to the servo and get him a coke. “How dare they make me field for 90 overs yesterday with no rest” he kept saying between vomits. He was determined to be carried off the field for victory. “I was always going to live until my mid-90s, but the stress of not beating these blokes has taken 15 years off my life, I will die in my 70s if we don’t beat them.”

Wu and Preeds returned after lunch but the partnership was quickly broken, Wu gone for 12 caught behind. 2/25 and still a long way off when Billy Gaunt was elevated to no4 to join Preeds in the centre. Billy has been a new man since a new flame arrived in his life – he has been quick witted, chirpy, confident. And he is scoring a lot of runs. Many of which were not in A Grade through the year. But two important knocks in the SF had him walking out with his chest pumped. That chest was quickly wound back to his body when he was dropped by Knox at point on 2.

For the next hour or so, Billy and Preeds began to build a foundation into chasing the target.

They were picking off singles and two’s all over the ground and we very quickly got to 50, then 60, then 70. The game seemed to be moving quickly but then it all came to a screeching halt. The over rate slowed. Berowra fielders were asked to swap positions mid-over.

Bowlers pulled out of their run-ups. There was a clear mindset shift from the Berrowra leadership. Defensive fields were set. Were they playing for the draw? Billy and Preeds were not concerned, they brought up the 100 and we were beginning to have a real sniff. That was until they ended up both at the same end in a huge mix-up but Berowra butchered a certain runout. They got to tea and the momentum was very much in the WPHCCCCC sails.

Tea time and for some unknown reason, catering was not provided…. but it didn’t matter, we were too nervous to eat. Billy and Preeds were looking good, but we all know that WPHCCCCC LOVE a collapse from a winnable position. Many of the senior players were pacing around, unable to sit still. Wu told me that he would jump off the Berowra change room roof if we lost the game from this spot. “And I don’t want you to revive me” he said. 

About 10-12 overs would need to be bowled before the final drinks break, so it was a good opportunity to put a good dent in the chase and have a partnership still going strong into the final hour. They kept going about their work until Billy, who had played the late cut so well throughout the day, chopped on off Griff for a well-made 67. He was disappointed but greeted back by respectful applause from the Berowra crowd. The applause quickly turned to sledging to Assman, who was next in. His red shoes were likened to traffic cones. It was fair to say the Berora boys were on to their second beer.

Now Assman doesn’t have many gears as we know. He is very black and white, mainly the former. We needed about 65 at this stage to win, off about 25 overs – plenty of time to knock the ball around and do it in singles. Assman had other ideas. His third ball, he decided to hit Griff over the Clubhouse – but he got too much underneath it, caught on the deep midwicket boundary for 0. From 2/125 to 4/129, it was a little wobble.

We just had to get to the final break unscathed and Harry Hando was tasked to get us there. He walked down the stairs to the ground, the Berowra crowd had clearly moved onto their third beer as they delivered some choice words to Harry for not closing the gate. Harry is such a gentle soul, he wouldn’t hurt a fly – so when Preeds heard those words from out in the middle, he was PISSED OFF.

He dropped his bat and helmet and walked directly to the crowd and told them to rack off. And boy didn’t the crowd whimper back into their burrow like little pussycats. I have never seen P like that before, he was like Rambo. I don’t think we realised it at the time, but that show of solidarity to a teammate was huge – it got us up and about. I told Scott Reid to get the crowd to pull their heads in. “You should be the responsible one” I yelled. Jamaican then told me that it was Grant Reid.

Harry and Preeds got us to the final break and the equation couldn’t have been simpler. 20 overs. 56 runs to get. 6 wickets in hand. It was less than 3 an over, you would back us from this position to get the job done. But remember loyal readers, WPHCCCC love to collapse like deck chairs. It has happened so often through the years. But would it happen again today?

A solid start to the final 20 turned bad when Harry skied a ball off Griff straight to the keeper. 5/151 chasing 185 for victory. Rudd joined Preeds to put on another 6 runs before he was bowled by Griff. 6/157. Tom Hando was elevated in the order but departed two balls later. 7/157. Remember that little simile you read before about deck chairs?????

Preeds screamed out to K, he wasn’t going to be left to die at the other end. “GET LICHAAA IN”. K turned to Lichaaa. Lichaaa wasn’t dressed, had no pads on, no gloves and no bat. He scrambled, got ready, screamed at K to ask where his kit was to steal his gloves and picked up a random bat. He copped abuse on the way down to the ground which levelled him – Wu spotting his shoulders pulling back as he walked past the Berowra crowd and gave a wry smile to the words. Lichaaa had scored a grand total of approx. 10 runs for the year. Griff has dismissed him at least the last 8 times in a row. But Preeds wanted him in and together, they HAD to get the job done. 26 runs to get off 42 balls.

After a couple of sighters and a flukey two around the corner, Lichaaa took the first risk against Griff and lofted him over mid-on for a couple. Will Fiedler collected and there was some jeers from the sidelines on whether it was four as his legs hit the fence to collect. The crowd tensions were at an all time high – many of the lower graders from both clubs had come to witness this titanic finish. In a rare occurrence for A Grade, there was some atmosphere. 20 runs to get, 5 overs left.

Despite the equation, there was a unique level of calmness between Preeds and Lichaaa. Preeds had batted for hours in the heat, yet looked as fresh as daisy – he was locked in and in the zone. He was being given the single to get Lichaaa on strike, but despite that, he punished the bad balls to the boundary too. It was a sterling knock, but the job had to be finished.

Davenport bowled the 4^th to last over and this turned out to be the straw that broke the camels back – in more ways than one. Lichaaa punched one to Fiedler at mid-on and called for a quick single, Fiedler misfielded and so WPH were able to double up and keep Lichaaa on strike. Lower grade folk legend, Rockin’ Ray Khamis acted on the earlier jeers to the Berowra captain and yelled out to remind him of the mid-field.

The Berowra crowd lept to defend and squared up against RRK and his team of disciples, including one Matt “Diggers” (note Gas, that is with a D) Digby. Pushing and shoving commenced and many of the crowd rushed to defuse the situation. 

It was all getting a bit too heated with just 5 runs needed to win. Lichaaa decided to cool it off a little, belting a Davenport full toss to the rope for 4.

One run to get for victory, 3 overs left in the day.

Regardless of the outcome, this was test cricket at its finest. Two full days in a see-sawing battle had come down to the final 20 mins of play. Preeds was on strike, his knock the cornerstone of the run chase. Griff was looking to keep it tight but P had other ideas, he smashed a length ball over the heads of the infield for 4. 

Chaos ensued. We had done it. We had actually done it. Preeds and Lichaaa embraced in the middle – they had put on 30 runs for the 8^th wicket to get the team home. Preeds 86 not out, his highest A Grade score and crowning moment. The team raced out to greet them, radiating smiles and relief. A decade of gut wrenching losses had been washed away. K becoming the 4th captain in WPHCCCC history to lead an A Grade side to victory. 

A huge thank you to all our fans for coming to support us over the weekend, there are too many of you to name but a huge huge, huge thank you. Special shout to Mary and Phill Hando, our number 1 ticket holders for everything that they did for us to set us up for success – they are the unsung heroes of this team.

And finally from me, one last personal editorial. I’ve had the pleasure to write this column for many years, serving loyally in the Makin, Paterson, Wurth and McBrien administrations over the better part of eight years. 

The weekend was special for two reasons:

1). It validated years of hard work to be in a position to win a grand final. We finally cracked the code as a team in scoring runs, fielding well and building pressure collectively with the ball and;

2). It was special to do it with such a great group of close mates. We have been playing together for a long period of time and the culture is something incredibly rare and special. We clearly aren’t as serious as other teams, we rely on our talent more than anything else – but that talent, willingness to work together and have fun doing so paid dividends in the end. We had our backs against the wall so many times this year and we fought hard to put ourselves in a winning position.

For now, I am passing the baton onto someone else (maybe the actual journalist in the team). To everyone that had read this crap each week, please know that there is no bad blood or malice ever intended – I’ve always tried to make the recap as entertaining as possible. 

From this point on, you will no longer need a note.

Goodbye.

Photo: A1 Premiers – 2024-125

Photo: 1) Cameron McBrien receiving the Rofe Shield from Geoff Hasler 2) Jackson ‘The Warrior’ Preedy after his match winning 86* 3) Billy Gaunt (67) and Jackson Preedy (86*) with the Rofe Shield.

Photo: A1 Premiers 2024-25 (Family & Friends)

B1 Grade

WPHC Red (Warren) 2nd Vs St Ives (1st) 214

Day 1

Another short report with the match half-way through.

The wicket was flat and it was hot – 35 degrees +. We won the toss and normally we would bat but decided to bowl so that we could have as much time as possible to bowl out the Minor Premiers.

Despite getting a wicket 1^st ball, it was always going to be  a hard slog but our bowlers did an amazing job. In tough conditions our best bowlers were Daniel Schwartzel 2/28 (18), Nathaniel Chidgey 2/31 (14), Matt Schwartzel 1/25 (9), Rob Knapman 3/41 (16), Rowan Keating 1/35 (13) and Warren Schwartzel 1/19 (4).

We how have all day to get a sub-par score on a wicket that will only get better on a hot day. We now have the chance to control our own destiny.

Day 2

WPHC 6/218 defeated St Ives-Wahroonga 214

Fresh from our overnight ice baths and team recovery we arrived at the home of cricket (Parklands Oval) to remove the covers.

After this the pitch looked FLAT AS A TACK. Having not surpassed 200 once in the season before the penultimate game of the season I think the nerve levels were genuinely high. You could feel the tension in the air.

Once the covers were removed and the pitch was repaired the boys rewarded themselves with ‘barista’ coffee. We were absolutely shocked that barista coffee had made its way all the way to Mt Ku ring-gai but it was a decent coffee nonetheless. Anyways now to the cricket (boring). 

The equation was simple – we had 215 to chase in 90 overs. A draw would not cut it.

The hero of the Semi final Mathew ‘H’ Schwartzel apparently left it all out there in the Semi-final, chopping one onto the stumps after a very very solid 1.

Unfortunately this dismissal comes with a heavy amount of controversy.

Reports have just come in from the ICC that a sizeable bet came in from Club legend and local degenerate Steve ‘Degenerate’ Quanborough for big Ray Khamis to outlast Matt Schwartzel in the opening partnership for the first time ever at whopping odds of 1-292729229261718 (Source ICC Ross Anderson and The ICC).

Mathew was reportedly seen getting out of his Ferrari California arriving to kick-ons wearing a brand new gold rolex submariner. More on that to follow. 

With a whopping 215 to chase, 1/16 was not a very good way to get things going. Enter club legend and resident big fella Ray ‘big fella’ Khamis. Ray went into absolute beast mode despatching their opening for 1/67 off his 8 overs. Ray knuckled down despatching the bad balls and blocking the good balls to bring up the fastest 50 odd (37) in B grade grand final history (source Ross Anderson).

The vibes were momentarily up before being way, way down after Ray and Keats gave their wickets away after getting very good starts. This left us with an absolute mountain to climb at 4/87. Cameron ‘Jane’s son Bishy’ Bish then got to rebuilding but missed a straight one to leave us 5/100.

Whilst all this carnage was taking place Nicholas ‘Dickolas’ Duck was building the innings of a lifetime. Nick got dropped and went on to fully capitalise with one of the greatest innings in B grade grand final history (source Ross Anderson).

Dickolas has been one of our most consistent batsmen for 2 seasons straight so it was fitting that he stood up in the big Daaaaaansee (Source Adam Van Saarlooser) to set up the game for us. When Dickolas departed at 6/140 odd we were much, much more hopeful however the game was still well and truly in the balance. 

Enter Warren ‘ice in his South African veins’ Schwartzel.

Warren absorbed the pressure like a Shamwow absorbs a puddle of water. From this point on we never looked like losing. Warren and his seed Daniel ‘pastor’ Schwartzel took the game by the balls and won it. We chased the 215 with 20 overs to spare. Absolutely pissed it in!!! 

This makes us back to back premiers in 2 different grades. We look forward to going 3 in a row next season. 

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our excellent supporters who created the atmosphere at the home of cricket. A special, special shout out to all the WAGS who hung around in the disgusting heat to support their boys and give them the love and support needed to win a grand final , special mention to the following :

Mama digs ; Belle ( diggers); Tiarnna (Ray’s Mrs); Mrs Todd (Todd’s Mrs); Dean Carlin; Trudy; The boys from Berowra (James Fordham, Clint Robinson and his son); Jamaican; Rick; Wortho; Zazu; Pope Francis; Mother Theresa; Jesus ‘H’ Christ.

Now to the name and shame list , the people who should have been there to support but egregiously weren’t :

Ryan Gunn; Brent Larkham; Billy Gaunt; Disco Larkham; Robin Larkham; Sammy Larkham; DJ; TORI; Jasmin; Nick Starr; Renee; Ryan Birdcage Loveridge; All of A Grade; shout out to Sagneet and Motion who wanted to be there but could not make it.

As we reflect on the season that’s been it’s important to mention the off field moments as well as the on field efforts:

A special shout out to the St Ives lads if you get the chance to read.

We have been the two best teams over the last two years and they are all an excellent bunch of blokes. They fought extremely hard over the two days and made us work extremely hard.

Thanks boys for giving us a great contest and a really fun game at the same time.

A true bunch of gentlemen we look forward to going toe to toe again next season

Photo: B1 Premiers 2024-25

Photo: 1) Bruce Wood (left), Warren Schwartzel & Simon Moore at trophy presentation 2) Daniel, Warren and Matt Schwartzel 3) Supporters at Parklands Oval.

Photo: B1 Premiers 2024-25 – celebrating

C2 Grade

WPHC Red (Aniket) 4th 184 lost to Hornsby Green (2nd) 6/118

Day 1

It wasn’t the start we had hoped for in the grand final. Ani was keen to win the toss and bowl first, but the luck didn’t fall our way as Hornsby won the toss and opted to send us in to bat.

The mood was high after our last win, but the early wickets brought us back to reality.

Saurabh and Chetan opened the innings, and our plan was for them to anchor the batting for at least the first 10 overs. Unfortunately, disaster struck early. Chetan was dismissed in the 3^rd over, and by the 7^th, Saurabh was also on his way back to the pavilion. To make matters worse, Shakeel followed shortly after in the 11^th over.

Suddenly, we found ourselves at 3-33, with the scoreboard looking grim.

However, Hari and Lakshya weren’t ready to give up.

They put together an outstanding partnership, batting for 32 overs and adding 115 runs. Both reached half-centuries during this vital stand. But the intense heat began to take its toll, and Lakshya was eventually dismissed after a superb catch at midwicket.

As per our season’s trend, we lost Hari soon after leaving us at 5-148. We were still in a reasonable position, but a series of quick wickets followed, and we were all out for 184.

With 10 overs remaining in the day, Ani made the decision to open the bowling with Shakeel. That choice paid off, as both Shakeel and Ani took a wicket each, leaving Hornsby at 2-18 by the end of the day.

We go into Day 2 with the game still in the balance.

The team is fired up, and we’ll be giving it our all with the sole intention of bringing the trophy.

Photo: Hari and Lakshya after their big partnership.

Day 2

WPHC 184 lost to Hornsby 6/188

It was a perfect day to cap off the season. Despite the high temperatures, a pleasant breeze made the conditions more favorable for the bowlers. In fact, many began to think that losing the toss wasn’t such a bad thing after all. We found ourselves bowling in much better conditions than the day before.

Mufi picked up right where Shakeel had left off, finishing his over, while Ani continued to bowl a tight line and length.

Runs were hard to come by, and those maiden overs created immense pressure on the Hornsby batsmen.

The strategy paid off when Mufi dismissed one of their key players in the 16^th over, leaving Hornsby at 3-27.

Just six runs later, Amit sent their Captain packing without allowing him to make an impact.

The next few batsmen managed to build small partnerships, but we kept the pressure on, and by Lunch, Hornsby was struggling at 6-82 after 31 overs. We were in a commanding position – bowling figures: Amitava 2-14, Mufi 2-54, Shakeel 1-12, Ani 1-44).

Everyone was pumped and eager to get the remaining two batsmen out—these were their last line of defenc. But those two batted fearlessly. We had a couple of tough chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them. On days like today, that worked in their favour. Despite trying a variety of bowlers, we couldn’t claim any more wickets. Hornsby managed to chase down the target in the 45^th over.

It was a day filled with highs and lows.

We were in control up until Lunch, but the session after saw the game slip away from us. Despite the result, every player gave 100% in tough conditions, and the fight was admirable.

While the season has come to an end, this isn’t the end for us. We’ll come back next season stronger and more determined. A big thank you to everyone for the incredible time we shared on and off the field, and for the great Saturdays spent playing the game we all love. We’ll see you all soon at the presentation night! Special thanks to Direin who help us in the field for about 1.5 hrs when couple of our players were running late.

Photo: C2 Red (Aniket) – Runners up 2024-25

C4 Grade

WPHC White (Agniva) 1st 6/205 defeated Hornsby (2nd) 204

Day 1

WPHC Vs Hornsby 204

In our prior 2 outings with Hornsby (both one-dayers), we had finished on top so we knew the squad pretty well. Agniva our skip thankfully won this all-important toss, and put Hornsby in to bat first.

Starting off with our ever reliable pair Mridul and Pritam, the Hornsby openers did not trouble the scorecard much for the first 15 overs. But that is when the all important job of seeing the new ball through was done – and they started to play quite a few free flowing shots.

At the second drinks break, they were at ~50 odd for the loss of no wickets, and looking confident. We knew we had to strike, and strike quick. 70/0 and we were thinking in our heads, this is going to be a big total. Enter Agniva, who really troubled them with his top spin deliveries.

Soon enough, their opening batsman top edged  pull shot towards leg slip. Mridul had very little time to react and after getting a quick head-start, outstretched his hand to grab the ball and it was all over for the opening partnership. We had our foot in the door!

Sayan was then brought in and in no time had a wicket via a sharp catch by Chintan at first slip, to the perfect leg spinning delivery. Agniva continued to bother the Hornsby batsman, and in no time, in almost a repeat of the first wicket, picked up another one straight to Mridul.

Adi then struck very soon in what can be described as the catch of the match by Chintan at first slip. 4 wickets in a span of 20 runs – we were back in the game.

We never really let them settle post this, and the father-son duo of Vinod and Adi bowled beautifully to pick up another 3 wickets. Talk about a ‘family contribution’. Chintan and Mridul picked up a wicket each shortly, and soon they were 150/9.

This is when things really slipped out of our grasp, when their no.10 batsman came in and had a 52+ run-partnership, of which he scored 50, before he had to retire due to a dispensation. The score stood at 204, a hard day’s toil. The team had toiled hard on a sunny 34 degree day, but we knew our batting had the depth to get this total the next day.

Photo: The C4 White Agniva) with the Hornsby Team before the GF.

Day 2:

WPHC 6/205 defeated Hornsby 204

Replenished and well rested, Chintan and Arun strode out to the middle, with a clear goal of going for the win.

If only everything came so easy. Hornsby opening bowlers brought their A-Game to the final a well, and soon we had lost Chintan, Anubhav, Adi and Suf.

We really were struggling at 17/4. The sight of Arun on his knees with his head down echoed all of our sentiment – were we going to just let Hornsby win so easily ??

What I am about to write about next is the stuff of fairytales, and something we only witness on rare occasions – thankfully this was one of them.

Enter to the crease, the iron-willed Praneel.

Before I go into what happens next, let me give you a little bit of a background of this young lad.

Those who have played with him before know all too well how “patient” he is, whether it is on the field or in the nets. I don’t think I remember him ever not throwing his bat after he got out, or missing a single session in the nets in previous years. This season though, we got to witness an entirely different Praneel Singh.

Never turned up for any training session, and was extremely patient. As Anubhav put it in the semis “ Praneel, you have to leave behind your beauty and become a beast again”.

Now, where were we …. Ah yes, 17/4. 

Arun then started to play some beautiful shots and really got the scoreboard ticking. His innings formed the core of what was to come. A solid foundation. Praneel got into it as well, seeing the ball as large as a watermelon, he could do no wrong. Patiently respecting the good balls and punishing the bad. These 2 put on an all important MUCH NEEDED partnership of 82, until Arun was bowled falling just 1 run short of what would have been a very well deserved half century.

With still over 100 runs to get, it was anyone’s game. Sayan went in the middle but was back in no time without troubling the scorers. Praneel needed some solid support – support which came in the form of Sitabja.

With 6 wickets down, Praneel decided it was time to cut loose.

Hornsby tried everything, pace, spin, loopy deliveries, but Praneel played like a man possessed. Nothing could stop him. He hit the ball all over the ground. I think he had the song by the great Freddy Mercury playing in his head… “Don’t stop me now…coz I’m having a good time, having a good time….”.

(Ok Praneel I know you’re too young for a Freddy Mercury/Queen reference, so look it up). He played like a tiger – his shots defying the laws of gravity… Sitabja joined in the action too and put away 2 short deliveries for 6’s on the leg side, steadying the innings alongside Praneel. 

Just like that we were 10 runs away from victory, a few quick singles, and Praneel had the honour of putting away a loose delivery for a boundary, the 98* run partnership coming to an end with VICTORY, and what a day for Praneel to get his maiden career century. Unbeaten at 111, with 12 x 4’s and 3 x 6’s.

The cherry on top was to have Praneel’s parents and younger brother witness this magical innings. The family joining in the celebrations on the pitch. 

Cometh the hour, cometh the man!

And just like that, we were premiers again! 2 years in a row – well done skip Agniva and to the entire unit!

This unit is more than just a team, we’re a Band of Brothers, and we intend on keeping it this way!

Up the C4 Whites!!!

Photo: C4 White Premiers 2024-25

Photo: 1) Arun playing his signature late cut shot 2) Agniva Chakraborty thinking about bigger things 3). Praneel (111 No) & Arun Chadhuri (49) during their 82 run 5th wicket partnership).

Photo: Praneel after scoring his 111*

D1 Grade

WPHC Blue (Nirav) 110 (2nd) lost to Hornsby (1st ) 253

Day 1

WPHC Vs Hornsby 253

A short report as we are part way through the GF that continues today.

We won the toss and elected to bowl first

+ Hornsby was dismissed in the 77^th over for 253.

+ All eleven bowlers were utilized due to the hot weather

+ Ravi, Tushar, Nirav, and Jacques took two wickets each

+ Parin and Amith took one wicket each

Day 2

WPHC 110 lost to Hornsby 253

Day 2

WPHC 110 lost to Hornsby 253

We understand that chasing 254 runs in the finals is an arduous task.

However, having defeated Hornsby in the league, scoring 230 runs in a one-dayer, and after two consecutive wins, we were confident in the character we had built throughout the season. We believed that we could win the third premiership for our Captain, Nirav.

We commenced our chase cautiously, with Vikram and Sahil performing exceptionally well as they had throughout the season.

Unfortunately, we were unable to form a strong partnership, and once the openers were dismissed, the rest of the top order collapsed. Credit must be given to the opposition, who bowled exceptionally well in the high temperatures, with a pleasant breeze making the conditions more favourable to their bowlers.

On a positive note, Tushar and Mihir made significant contributions to the innings. They valiantly attempted to draw the match but ultimately fell short, managing to score a three-figure team score.

Although we lost the Grand Finals, it was a substantial victory in building up this new team. Each player displayed phenomenal effort, filled with passion, commitment, and teamwork on the field. This is a brand-new team, and it requires a tremendous amount of effort to come together and perform well in a team game. Remarkably, each player excelled in their respective roles, and we all emerged as winners.

The best aspect of this team is that we had new star performers in each game.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to C4 White Team, our brothers from another team, our extended family, and the rest of the Club for their unwavering support.

We will emerge stronger next season!