From the Convenor of Cricket, John McCallum
Last weekend saw some fantastic cricket, with many teams putting together their best performance with either their batting or bowling. Teams have continued to build their season’s momentum well, and this weekend will be a great challenge for boys against both Barker and Knox. The 1st XI narrowly missed out on their third consecutive win, with Trinity holding on to draw in a game yielding almost 600 runs. Mr Boyd claims this is the first non-rain-impacted draw he has seen in 25 seasons of CAS Cricket, and this keeps Waverley as joint front-runners with Trinity. A full match report appears later, but congratulations to Ben Donaldson, who continued a fantastic innings from last week to finish on 129 not out as Waverley declared at 7/324.
Other 2 day games saw fewer runs but similar tenacity from Waverley, with both the 2nds and 10As recovering after losing early wickets to finish with some pleasing partnerships. Oliver Ruse scored great 50 not out, and it was great to see Waverley make a bold declaration to set Trinity a target of 82 off the final 6 overs of the day. Despite the likeliness of a victory low – it is the attacking attitude to play the game to the end that counts; and Waverley having Trinity 2/20 in the end left the team feeling proud to be on top of their opponents.
The Waverley 9B, 8B and 8D sides scored their highest team batting totals for the season, so can be commended for developing stronger partnerships to achieve this. Joshua Psarros played some fantastic shots all around the ground scoring 76 for the 9Bs, sharing a big partnership of 65 with Tom Reithmuller with 21. Jackson Dodd continued his sensational season with 77 runs of power-hitting for the 8Bs in their team total of 214.
1st XI v Trinity Day 2
After morning rain cleared, Day 2 started with Waverley well placed at 6 for 285. Ben Donaldson and Ryan Connolly swiftly moved the total past the 300 mark and declared at 7 for 324, with Ben Donaldson remaining 129 not out. This left Trinity an hour and 25 minutes to bat before lunch. In just the 4th over, Tyler von der Heyden was successful with an lbw appeal to see Trinity 1 for 10. No further success saw Trinity go to lunch at 1 for 64.
Both Trinity batsmen looked settled and the score quickly past the hundred mark as both players passed 50. Ryan Connolly finally broke the partnership with a low catch taken by Mac Jenkins at slip to have the score at 2 for 123. It was a hard slog for the bowlers on a very flat and true wicket but with the total on 138, Tyler von der Heyden again hit the pads and was successful with the appeal. 20 minutes before the tea break Alex Ferrara executed a nice piece of fielding at mid-off and a direct hit found the batsman short of his ground and when Ryan Connolly accepted a caught and bowled making the total 5 for 159, a win seemed possible. After the tea break, with 2 hours play remaining, the Trinity pair dug in and it was 40 minutes before the next wicket fell, lbw to Harry Whiteman. The new ball was taken at the drinks break but again the Trinity lower order was defiant in keeping the bowling at bay until Mac Jenkins again gained the umpire’s approval to make the score 7 for 229.
As the final 20 minutes approached bowling changes were made in an attempt to break the partnership. A short ball from Ryan Connolly offered a sharp chance but unfortunately the ball slipped through on its way to the boundary. Just 4 overs remained in the days play when Alex Ferrara found a gap and hit off stump. Gallant efforts were made to take the ninth wicket and expose the number 11 but unfortunately all efforts failed and when stumps were drawn Trinity remained unconquered on 8 for 260. This meant a draw and 2 points to both teams in a game that produced 584 runs and 16 wickets. Waverley had been at the crease for 108 overs and Trinity 102 in what had proven to be a true top of the table clash.
This week starts the two Friday/Saturday rounds and the 1st XI play Barker this week at Queens Park starting at 2pm on Friday. Play continues until 7pm so it would be great to see a few supporters on the seats for some support.
Coaches Mr. Boyd / Mr. Elliott
