Match Reports for the Semi Finals (Day 2)
Competition Tables
The Final table after Round 14, 22/02/2025) is:
- A1 (Cam #25) – 2nd (64 points)
- A2:
- Blue (Ryan) – 4th (52 points)
- Red (Todd) – 6th (26 points)
- B1:
- Red (Warren) – 2nd (58 points)
- Blue (Shomik) – 5th (48 points)
- C1 (Indranil) – 2nd (68 points)
- C2:
- Red (Aniket) – 4th (53 points)
- Blue (Hiresh) – 7th (51 points)
- C3 (Mick) – 4th (59 points)
- C4:
- White (Agniva) – 1st (69 points)
- Blue (Rob) – 3rd (66 points)
- Red (Ross S) – 6th (53 points)
- D1:
- Blue (Nirav) – 2nd (64 points)
- Red (Diggers) – 7th (49 points)
- D2 (Roger) – 4th (48 points)
Semi Finals – 1st & 8th March 2025
| Team | Opponent | Ground | Start time |
| A1 (Cameron #25) 2nd | Hornsby Green (3rd) | Turramurra | 11.00 am |
| A2 Blue (Birdcage) 4th | Kenthurst | Kenthurst Park | 11.00 |
| B1 Red (Warren) 2nd | Berowra (3rd) | Dural Park | 1.00 pm |
| C1 (Indranil) 3rd | Thornleigh (2nd) | Thornleigh Park | 1.00 pm |
| C2 Red (Aniket) 4th | Beecroft (1st) | Headen Park | 1.00 pm |
| C3 (Mick) 4th | Berowra (1st) | Warrina St | 1.00 pm |
| C4 White (Agniva) (1st) | Thornleigh (4th) | Greenway Park | 1.00 pm |
| C4 Blue (Rob) 3rd | Hornsby (2nd) | Mt Ku-ring-gai | 1.00 pm |
| D1 (Nirav) 2nd | Castle Hill (3rd) | Campbell Park | 1.00 pm |
| D2 (Roger) 4th | Casytle Hill (1st) | Northholm Grammar | 1.00 pm |
Match Reports
A1 Grade
WPHC (Cam #25) 122 & 120 defeated outright Hornsby Green 117 & 49
Hi guys, the main guy who does the match report is away but I am Rudd, Campbell or whatever you call me but I understand I’m boring. I work in politics but will try to make this upbeat.
Hey we made it !!!!yayy
Oh well, job at hand, wow we pulled it off. Well done boys, but not without anxiety will explain.
You got that ?
You got that ????
Thank God for Tisveer Mystery who just wouldn’t take no for an answer taking 5 and was just amazing. He is actually a foot model in his spare time.
To make a long story short, Hornsby needed 6 to win and were 9 down with one shot to send themselves into extravaganza pandemonium.
The ball was on its way for 6 but then the greatest fielder that ever lived in the history of WPCCCC jumped out of the bushes and one hander took an amazing catch to keep us alive into the finals.
WOW it was amazing. He caught it .
Photo: That catch – Andy Meikle (left) after taking a match winning catch off Jack Hando’s (right) bowling
Then we had to bat again, Billy Gaunt, man of the hour steadied the ship with a beautiful 70. Amazing and brilliant.
We lead by 120 with 25 overs to bowl and were able to finish Hornsby for less than 50 in the second innings as they were going for quick runs.
Well done to Hornsby for a great match. They are tough competitors.
Photo: The A1 boys after an Outyright win in the Semi Final at Turramurra Oval – 8 March 2025
A2 Grade
WPHC Blue (Ryan) 109 lost to Kenthurst 175
A warm welcome and hello to all long term readers of the A2 Blue Match Report and all those who have joined us for this enthralling Finals campaign
We arrived at Kenthurst to damp overcast conditions but with zero bushfire smoke in the air the first win of the day was on our side for not having to deal with that again
After a few times of placing the covers back on and back off again we finally begin 15 minutes late with the simple task : take the final 2 wickets and get to batting
Task achieved in absolutely no time – 2/2 off 22 balls from the mighty blues in fitting tribute to the sound of summer Richie Benaud – Absolutely Marvellous stuff that
We begun our tough task for chasing down 176 with 81 overs to spare, the wicket had a little more life in it this week (what a shock) and we found it tough early losing 4 quick wickets off the top for not many runs in true blue manner
Backs up against the wall and needing a top quality partnership Brent “nee Larkham” McKenzie and Cougar Lover Hira got to work fighting hard on a wicket that had some juice in it and a slow outfield with thick patches of cut grass left in the outfield this week (another shock)
30 overs had past and multiple breaks in play and we still were 4 down with 2 set batsmen and only needing under 100 runs to win hopes were high about our prospects of another famous victory for the cardiac blues and then…..
Disaster stuck with cougar lover departing trying to up the run rate closely followed by Birdcage who said he wasn’t out (he was fucking plumb), our worse Hira and then the set batsmen Mr McKenzie after 144 balls at the crease, his longest innings ever according to some despite the fact he’s got a 200 (against 7 fielders)
With 2 wickets left it was only a matter of time before we slowly faded into the dark embrace of Finals defeat and within 2 overs it was over with Northrop and Carlin falling to the skipper of the opposition (less said about him the better) and we had fallen on our sword for the last time in the 24/25 season
A season of missed opportunities, missed weekends of cricket – a whopping 7 weekends out of 22 being washed out completely and missed runs and wickets
At times we were absolutely atrocious and awful at other times we were unstoppable and looked unbeatable on our quest to the premiership
One Word to sum up this season – Rollercoaster
Before we head off until next season a few honourable mentions about our Saturday
- Our Fearless Head of Propoganda Ross Anderson and his beautiful informative story about certain wayter loving animals, next time you see Rosco please ask and I’m sure he will oblige in regaling in this wonderful story
- Our Number 3 Shaan Bakshi who is undertaking Ramadan this month and still played for the mighty Blues despite no liquid or food intake since 4:30am, a true testament to his character and faith and what a man is our yokey – We Love you Shaan
We would like to congratulate all WPHCCC teams who have qualified for the grand final and encourage all players and supporters to get out in numbers for grand final weekend and show why our club has the greatest culture in the world
After all is said and done this humble match report writer will bid you a farewell and goodbye for the season
I’ll miss you all and I’ll miss the warm and loving spirit of putting on WPHCCC colours every single Saturday
What I absolutely won’t miss is standing in the stinking heat for 5 hours most Saturdays, rain every other weekend and the thing I’ll miss the least is Ironfist Anderson censoring me at every opportunity – disgusting influence
Thanks for the season and we will see you all next weekend supporting the club
Till Next Season
Viva La Blue!!
B1 Grade
WPHC Red (Warren) 4/TBA drew with Berowra 9/246
Good morning to all WPHCCCCCCC and Opposition readers.
Firstly I would like to make one thing very clear : if you’re up against the mighty Reds and you’re from North of the gorge, you are going to have a bad time. We simply refuse to lose against teams north of the gorge, especially at finals time.
Secondly I want to make note that our fearless leader Warren Schwartzel is in fact a good bloke for sending us in to field on a 34 degree day. Despite toiling away and conceding a cool 247 runs last week the boys stood up with the bat and made Warren look like the absolute cricketing mastermind that he is.
I’d like to take the opportunity to say win, lose or draw next week in the big dance it has been an absolute pleasure to play under Warren, a true gentlemen and scholar of the game. Thanks Waz
Ok now to the cricket….
We arrived at Dural Park with a very clear objective. If we bat 70 we would book ourselves into the big dance against St Ives next week. The vibes were positive.
The opening partnership had 2 absolute dead bat stalwarts in Ray ‘Rahul Dravid’ Khamis and Mathew ‘H’ Schwartzel at the crease. The big fella, known for his patient defence settled into a defensive mindset and blocked the first over out for a maiden, he looked set for one of his signature long innings. He was blocking away something severe. Unfortunately he got the ball of the day and was dismissed for a very very solid and contributive knock to the team’s effort to play out a draw. He left the crease on 1 (7).
This brought Allan ‘John Farnham’ Raffel to the crease. He was making easy work of it. Looking solid in defence and putting away the bad balls with disdain. Unfortunately he momentarily thought he was playing soccer instead of cricket and kicked one off middle stump.
At 3/50 odd off 20 odd overs the game was truly in the balance. Whilst all this was unfolding however Mathew was slowly building his innings, getting his eye in and wearing down the bowlers. You could just tell H boy was set for a big one. With god on his side he batted and batted and batted and then batted some more.
Not even Ross saying things like ‘he is looking good’ and ‘ he’s going to bat all day’ was going to stop this young man today. As a sidebar can we just acknowledge that even after 1826 years of club cricket (source Ross Anderson) club president, minister of war, finance and propaganda is still stupid enough to say silly things like that.
Absolutely crazy ladies and gentlemen. Anyways we quickly exiled Ross and got back to our positive vibes.
Mathew and Cameron ended the day on 105* and 50 odd. Cameron decided red ink wasn’t for him and ran himself out on the very last ball of the day. Silly boy.
We now gear up for the Grand Final replay to end all Grand Final replays against St Ives.
C1 Grade
WPHC (Indranil) 117 lost to Thornleigh 3/146
No play Day 2 so the Match finished at the Day 1 result.
Photo: The C1 boys back at the Club after missing out in the Semi Final.
C2 Grade
WPHC Red (Aniket) 9/125 defeated Beecroft 124
A Battle of Nerves and Persistence
After a week of uncertain weather, the team was filled with anxiety as we approached the match day. Given the drama that unfolded during the first week, none of us were looking forward to another day of weather-related issues.
With brooms, blowers, rugs, and sawdust all at the ready, we were bracing for the worst. However, Saturday morning brought a pleasant surprise—perfect weather. The team arrived at the ground with a sense of relief, knowing we could finally get the game underway.
As we gathered, Ani told Chetan and Lakshya, “All we need is 108 runs. Let’s bat it out—we’ve got 70 overs to score those runs at 1.5 runs per over.” The plan was set, and the team was eager to get going.
The start was slow, but both Lakshya and Chetan looked solid at the crease, holding their ground well despite some tight bowling from Beecroft. However, the mood quickly shifted in the 19th over as we lost two quick wickets: Lakshya and Mustafa went down, leaving us at 4-19. In response, Ani sent Mohan in to steady the ship, with the same instruction, “Let’s bring it home.”
Mohan and Chetan frustrated the Beecroft bowlers, playing smart and patient cricket.
Unfortunately, after facing 80 balls, Chetan fell victim to a yorker, getting out LBW. Blake joined Mohan at the crease, and the two looked composed, defending well and running between the wickets with ease. But disaster struck again in the 31st over as we lost Blake and then Shakeel. Suddenly, we were 7-32, and the tension was noticeable.
Enter Hari.
He joined Mohan, and the two decided to take the game all the way. They stuck together for 22 overs, frustrating the Beecroft bowlers even further. The opposition began to resort to unnecessary tactics, calling names at the batsmen, and when a couple of their appeals against Hari were turned down, they even demanded a change of umpire. Unfortunately, Hari was run out after a brilliant direct hit from deep point, but together, he and Mohan had built a crucial 29-run partnership (Our first double digit partnership of the game).
At 8-61, with 64 runs still required and only two wickets in hand, the situation looked grim. But the team was not ready to give up yet. Ani joined Mohan and was determined to stay with Mohan till the end. Ani took on the responsibility of supporting Mohan, and his aggressive shots started to break the tension. Beecroft bowlers began losing confidence, opening up gaps in the field. Mohan and Ani took full advantage, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when possible.
Then came a pivotal moment.
Ani got a lifeline when Beecroft’s Captain, despite a valiant effort, could only get his fingertips on a catch, letting Ani off the hook. That dropped catch proved to be a turning point, Ani and Mohan went on to build a 62-run partnership. But soon, Ani was dismissed, leaving us just 2 runs shy of victory at 9-123.
With only one wicket left and the score at 125 required, the pressure was on. Amitava walked in under high pressure situation. But he held his nerve, defending next three deliveries with poise. After surviving those crucial balls, Amitava calmly gestured for Mohan to finish the game—and finish it, he did. Mohan, who had faced 156 balls, remained cool and composed throughout, never losing control of the situation.
Photo: Mohan (44*) and Aniket (38) after their Match winning partnership
Thanks to the unwavering efforts of Mohan, Chetan, and Hari, who together faced 50 overs of the 71 bowled, we were able to frustrate the Beecroft bowlers and ultimately seal the win.
It was a thrilling match, and Ross Anderson, along with the rest of the team, had the privilege of witnessing not only Mohan’s match-winning innings but also the drama that has become a hallmark of our encounters with Beecroft.
Despite all the tension and distractions, our team remained strong, focused and in good spirits, never losing their composure or sportsmanship.
A massive thank you to everyone involved—your teamwork and resilience were key to this victory. Let’s take this momentum into next week and finish the season on a high!
Photos: 1) The C2 Red’s after the close win 2) Back at the Sports Club
C3 Grade
WPHC (Mick) 206 Vs Berowra
Match Report and scores not received.
C4 Grade
WPHC White (Agniva) 142 defeated Thornleigh 65
Throughout the week our dear Captain was sending us motivational messages – at one point we thought he was standing in the upcoming elections and would ask us to vote for him .. jokes aside, he made sure he kept the spirits high!
And high they were as we went in for day 2 with a clear aim of wrapping up the “Thorn”(Leigh) that stood between us and the grand final.
Picking up from where we left off, the responsibility was given to Mridul. As he set his field, Arun screamed from mid-wicket “c’mmon Mridul, 1st ball wicket” … #nopressure thought Mridul in his mind.
Steaming down, he bowled what can only be described as the perfect first ball, pitching at a good length and just moving away, off the outside edge, into Suf’s waiting hands!! A dream start – and Arun had his wish fulfilled.
Pritam wasted no time in joining the party and clean bowled the most talkative player we’ve ever come across, in the very next over.
6 down now, and we could more than sniff victory on our hands (some were already talking about going back to the Club for beers at Tea – talk about being overconfident :D)
Mridul struck again in the next over and 7 down now.
The next 2 wickets fell in quick succession as well and Thornleigh were reeling at 39/9.
The last wicket bothered us for quite some time and their captain scored a few runs taking them to 65, until a quick reflex catch by Agni off Chintan’s bowling sealed the deal for us.
Special shout out to Suf, who in-spite of fasting was at the top of his wicket keeping game, and to Sayan, for coming on to field for 3 overs ;) only joking brother – you know we love you.
Onwards and upwards from here fellas – let’s gooooooo !!!!
Photos: 1). post game at Greenway Park; 2) afterwards celebrfating at the Sports Club.
WPHC Blue (Rob) 8/183 drew with Hornsby 253
Match Report not received.
D1 Grade
WPHC Blue (Nirav) 169 defeated Castle Hill 167
The second day of the D1 Semi-final saw West Penno take on Castle Hill in a crucial clash, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.
Despite the late start due to rain, the West Penno players were focused and prepared for the challenge ahead.
Ravi was the standout bowler early in the innings, making an immediate impact with the first wicket of the day, reducing Castle Hill to 1-1. He struck again soon after, removing another batsman and leaving the visitors at 2-28. By the drinks break, Castle Hill had stumbled to 3-36, with Vikrant picking up a vital wicket.
After the break, Castle Hill tried to settle in, but Jaques provided another breakthrough, making it 4-54. Amit then produced a brilliant spell, taking two wickets in a remarkable maiden over. At tea, Castle Hill were precariously placed at 6-73.
The period between tea and the final break saw Castle Hill mount a brief resistance, reaching 6-103, but Ravi returned to the attack to strike once again, removing two more batsmen and leaving the score at 8-103.
Captain Nirav then came into the attack and picked up a crucial wicket, leaving Castle Hill on the verge at 9-112. However, the final pair of Castle Hill batsmen put up a determined fight, adding 55 runs for the last wicket, making things tense for the West Penno side.
In a dramatic finish, a brilliant run-out on the last ball of the innings sealed the win for West Penno, sending them through to the Final.
Photo: The C2 Red (Aniket), C4 Blue (Agniva) & D1 Blue (Nirav) boys at the Club after great wins.
D2 Grade
WPHC (Roger) 85 lost to Castle Hill 99
Unfortunately after struggling all afternoon on the very slow and large Fred Caterson 2/3 we fell short and lost this Semi by 14 runs.
A close game with the result in doubt right to the end.
It was a slightly disappointing way to finish the season that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the team.
John Hayne Cup
WPHC (C4 Red & D1 Red) 7/246 (35) defeated Kissing Point 8/174 (35 + 30 bonus points)
After a first up win, we headed to a fast looking Auluba oval for a clash against KP. Boundaries were set at the extremities giving us a huge ground to play on at 3 of the sides.
Ross won the toss and asked KP to bat first. KP with a 30 run advantage to start off.
Ram and Anand started with lightening spells, with the KP batters just intent on surviving. First wicket a viscous bouncer from Anand, hooked for almost 6 on the largest boundary, but the batter fell on his wicket….KP 1/11 off 6.
For the next 10 overs the KP batters just pushed the ball around until a rush of blood in Sandeep’s first over cut to point where Gihan took a good catch. Drinks KP 2/54.
Higham’s bowling from both ends after the break, so bragging rights up for grabs. 1st wicket to Alex hitting the top of off stump, then a good catch to Sandeep off Paul….KP 4/78 off 23 overs. A wicket . Another bowling change and a wicket to Zac, Catch to Anand. Kp 5/88, with 10 overs to go.
Unfortunately we let it slide a little in the last 10 overs with a couple of dropped catches and way too many wides. A wicket to Ram in the 31st over and two runouts saw KP 8/144 at close. With 30 run advantage 175 to win. 29 extras hurt.
Special mention to Zac for the fielding play of the day….Zac bowling, batter hits to short cover and sets off for a suicide single, underarm return from Alex to Zac, he takes the ball , 1 step in front of the bowlers end stumps from the return, with the batter ½ way down the pitch, Decides to throw the ball at the stumps and misses 😖even worse an extra run……lucky a redemption not long after with a wicket.
9 bowlers today, with Wickets to Ram 1/16(5), Anand 1/18(5), Paul 1/18(3), Alex 1/12(3), Sandeep 1/11(4), zac 1/13(3). Catches to Anand, sandeep(first catch of the season) and Gihan.
Our turn to bat with Raynaldo and Sandeep to open. 28 off the first 3 overs. Raynaldo on fire…2 huge 6’s and 2*4’s. Then the unthinkable. Goes to hit a short one out of the ground, then stops mid stroke (reasons still unknown to everyone), and bunts the ball back to the bowler. A quick fire 23.
As with last week we then lost another 2 quick wickets 3/34 after 8, but Ram and Gihan together. Thats when fireworks began, bowling too short, both taking advantage. Ram hitting 2 massive 6’s and 6*4’s before retiring on 52. More importantly a 95 run partnership off just 13 overs with Gihan. Reds 3/129 at the 21 over mark.
Unfortunately we lost Ross and Alex trying to hit out, then Gihan just 1 short of his 50.. Reds 6/153, 21 needed 9 overs left, Mridal at the crease, Zac to join him.
After last weeks heroics with Zac hitting his first seniors 50, he was determined to prove it was not a fluke. So, Right from the start clean hitting to all parts of the ground. 5*4’s, and 3 * 6’s, including 1 to the longest part of the field and another to bring up his second seniors 50. More importantly Zac scored 50 out of a partnership 65 with Mridal of just 6 overs, taking our score to 6/218, with 3 overs left. Congrats to Zac (an almost 100) with 2 * 50no over his last 2 innings.
Unfortunately we lost Mridal not long after hitting out…With 2 overs left and quotient really important after our second win, Anand and Manraj were able to put on another 16 runs off the last 2 overs. At our innings completion Reds 7/246. A good win.
So after 2 rounds of the JH cup we have had 2 good wins and a healthy quotient, so we now rely on other results to see where we finished in the table.
No more cricket so time for the injuries to heal….before we start again in 5 months time.