R1 v Gordon - match reports

Premier Grade Cricket Round 1 v Gordon 22/09/18

First Grade The Bankstown Sports Bulldogs started the season with a resounding win over the Gordon Stags at Bankstown Memorial Oval last Saturday. The visitors batted first and cobbled together a solid 7/270. Powerful paceman Rhys Williams beat the bat repeatedly in his lively spell to claim 2-41. Williams removed century-maker Axel Cahlin just when he looked most dangerous. Nathan McAndrew conceded just 39 runs in his splendid 10 overs whilst Liam Marshall celebrated his elevation to the top grade by claiming the first wicket. Skipper Michael Stretton was pleased with his bowlers who were supported by some brilliant fielding with the ever-alert Peter Dignam chiming in with two excellent run outs whilst Chris Ridley fired out one. The Stags struck early in reply and claimed two quick wickets. However, Nick Carruthers joined Daniel Solway and they quickly got the Bulldogs barking. Carruthers celebrated his return to the kennel with a fighting 49. All-rounder Nathan McAndrew added to the Stags' woes with a classic 73 in even time. The punishing all-rounder brought the crowd to its feet with 3 stunning sixes. Solway had a stellar season last year and his sensational 118 not out indicated he is right on track again. The stunning stroke-maker pounded 9 boundaries and a six to ensure the Bulldogs' victory with 5/271. McAndrew and Solway have been selected in the NSW T20 squad, a just reward for their efforts in recent seasons. Next Saturday the Bulldogs take on Sydney in a two-day fixture at Bankstown. Second Grade Second grade also had a fine win and defeated the Stags at Chatswood Oval. Bankstown struggled early and slumped to 5-42. However, the stylish Mitchell Hinds and versatile Ben Le Bas came to the rescue. Hinds looked completely at ease with an elegant 36 whilst Le Bas ran the Stags ragged with his masterly 90 in turning the game around. He faced just 119 balls and excited the crowd with three spectacular sixes and nine boundaries. This enabled Bankstown to battle to 196. The Stags were very confident of reaching the target but they reckoned without Brad Simpson and Jacob Malcolm. Simpson terrorised the top order and stunned the Stags with 6-25. He was tagged the fastest youngster in Green Shield last season and looks an outstanding talent. Jacob Malcolm helped Simpson finish off the Stags for just 124 and the Dogs were home. Third grade The thirds capitulated for just 106 and in reply Gordon took the points with 6-108. Cameron Cotter notched a stylish 25 whilst Daniel Lane added a defiant 21. However, the rest of the batting was poor. Daniel Slane was most economical with 2-22 whilst Alex Schipp bowled with plenty of swing to take 2-27. Fourth Grade The Fourths dismissed Gordon for a only 150 and replied with 3-151 to take the points. Jehan Bilimoria hurtled down some useful deliveries and earned 4-11 from a sensational 5.1 over spell. Daniel Carr was very much on target with 2-29 as the Stags struggled. In reply, the Bulldogs were untroubled with 3-151 with Mansukh Singh quickly snuffing out any chance of a Stags revival. He plundered 94 from just 60 deliveries and his whirlwind innings was fully appreciated by the Bulldogs. Ryan Malcolm was the perfect foil for Singh and contributed a stylish 31. Because of the very speedy run chase Bankstown also earned a bonus point. Fifth Grade Bankstown scored just 131 at Grahame Thomas last Saturday. In reply, the Stags compiled 5-132 and took the victory. Brendan Clark was in good touch with a fighting 27 whilst Blake Pearson tried to hold the middle order together with a determined 31.