Dogs in gritty win over Sydney

The Bankstown Sports Club Bulldogs scored 233 versus Sydney last Saturday in the 50 overs fixture with the irrepressible Daniel Solway continuing to be the scourge of bowlers with a typically attacking 54. The opener fought tenaciously as wickets tumbled all around him. Solway faced 105 deliveries and rattled the pickets five times in another top class knock. It came as quite a surprise when he was stumped on 54 just when he appeared all set to post yet another century.

Skipper Michael Stretton also kept the Bulldogs barking with 53 from an amazing 39 deliveries. His attacking stroke play brought the crowd to its feet with 4 hard hit boundaries and 2 stunning sixes. The indomitable captain certainly led by example and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Versatile Mitch Brown chimed in with a breezy 36 off just 43 deliveries which included 6 sparkling boundaries. Kyle Brockley was in top form with 22 not out and always seems to be in among the action and put together a vital last wicket stand of 30 with Rhys Williams who was 13 unconquered in his defiant knock. It proved more than just a useful partnership as the winning margin for Bankstown was also 30.

Sydney started off steadily in reply and looked a big chance at 3-137 however the Bulldogs attack knuckled down to the task enthusiastically. Mitch Brown, Nathan McAndrew, Kyle Brockley and Ben Taylor put in a concerted effort to dismiss the Tigers top order. Then as things started to tighten Aaron Bird used all his skill and guile to get Bankstown home. The man affectionately known as ‘Bird Dog’ played many first-class games for NSW and is still super competitive. He toppled the timbers of McClintock then had Felsch and Bills very well caught behind by golden gloves Stretton. Sydney slumped to be all out for 203 and the Doggies were home. Bird finished with 3-41 whilst Brockley was in ominous form taking 3-50 in his outstanding spell. Ben Taylor continues to impress and his 2-41 included clever flight variations.

Next Saturday the Bulldogs take on Randwick-Petersham in a one day fixture commencing at 10 a.m. at Petersham Oval.

Second grade

Sydney’s 8-268 proved too many for the Bulldogs who compiled 7-238. Wallace Marshall was on target as usual and took 2-45 in his handy spell. Tommie Sowden claimed 2-50 and spun the ball impressively. The Bankstown innings featured a magnificent 128 not out from run machine Chris Ridley. It took the stylish strokemaker just 110 deliveries and he plundered 13 boundaries as he cruised over the ton. Matt Dedes chimed in with a defiant 44 whilst Ben Le Bas scored a fighting 36.

Third grade

Sydney batted first and scored 9-181 at Ryde. Once again Dayne Heward was right on target and claimed 2-36 whilst off-spinner Matt Smith gave nothing away with 2-41. However, it was the deceptive swing of Alex Schipp that did most damage. The talented paceman was once again in full control and took 3-43 in his fine spell. Andrew Dietz battled hard for the Bulldogs with a defiant 45 and Iain Ridley once again batted well with 41 but the rest of the batting was disappointing. Bankstown finished with a meagre 142.

Fourth grade

Sydney scored just 119 and the Bulldogs replied with 3-120 to take the points. Niran Wijewardene beat the bat repeatedly and seems destined for higher honours. He claimed 4-31 in a great spell and was the Tigers nemesis. He found a great ally in Koby Layton who crashed through with 3-9 in a stunning five over spell. In passing the Tigers score captain Mat Kelly compiled 58 whilst Damien Loy finished 29 not out in a comprehensive performance.

Fifth grade

Bankstown’s 2-173 easily accounted for Sydney who could only total 170. Daniel Carr was in a devastating mood for the Dogs and totally tamed the toothless Tigers with 6-44. Carr beat the bat repeatedly in his superb spell and gave the Sydney batsmen no peace. Ian Schipp chimed in with 2-33 but the day belonged to Carr. Harry Brett led the Bulldogs run chase with an imposing 54. Isaac Schipp added a stylish 40 and their century stand had the Bulldogs barking vociferously. Alex Kouventaris compiled 34 not out to put the issue beyond doubt whilst Sanjiv Weerasingham added 30 not out and the Dogs were home.

Poidevin Gray Shield Under 21

The Bulldogs under 21 side capitulated meekly against the North Sydney Bears at Tunks Oval on Sunday. Bankstown batted first and compiled a meagre 173 in the 47th over. Tom Sowden continues to play well after his return from injury and put together a defiant 40. Brendan Smith who is also in very good form top scored with a delightful 48. It was a whirlwind knock off just 46 deliveries and raised the Bulldogs hopes. However, 173 was never going to be enough as the Bears cruised to 2-174 and victory in the 35th over.