Dogs v NDs and LO QF victory
Premier Grade Cricket: Bankstown v Northern Districts
Round 13.
16th Feb 2019 + LO QF 17/02/19
Bankstown scored a resounding victory over Northern Districts at Memorial last Saturday. The visitors surprisingly declared at 8-260 which proved an easy target for the Bankstown Bulldogs. All season Nick Carruthers and Daniel Solway have both been in outstanding form and led the home sides’ run spree. The pair carried on the great work to keep the team’s charge to the finals right on track. Spectators were rewarded with an aggressive display from the two which was highlighted by some marvellous running between the wickets. The runs flowed freely as the duo posted a century before lunch to give Bankstown the best of starts. Lively left handed Carruthers took charge of the stressed ND’s attack as he plundered 16 boundaries and a massive six which kept the score moving along. It was a superb century from the rampaging Carruthers and his flamboyant 120 ensured a Bankstown victory. Solway was a tad more subdued but he did go the aerial route for three huge sixes, driving and cutting with the aplomb of a rep player and left NDs struggling in his wake. He finished with a 106 not out which ensured the locals prevailed. Solway has plundered 679 runs this season while Carruthers has 582 - way ahead of the next with 323. Bankstown will take on Mosman next Saturday in a two-day fixture starting at 10.30 at Allan Border Oval, Mosman.
Second Grade
The seconds lost to Northern Districts last Saturday when the Bulldogs could only muster 238 when chasing 8-305. Peter Dignam again got a good start and compiled a delightful 41. However, Joel Brockley took the batting honours with a majestic 92 after a classy two hour stay at the crease rattling the pickets 13 times and hitting two sixes being the mainstay of the batting as others capitulated. Cameron Middleton was unfortunately run out for a fighting 21. Skipper Tony Clark chimed in with a defiant 34 not out but it was nowhere near enough.
Third grade
Bankstown batted first at Mark Taylor Oval and scored 286 and it ended up being too many for NDs, who could only cobble together a paltry 153. Swing bowler Alex Schipp once again was the nemesis of batsmen with 3-37 in his excellent spell. Daniel Slane captured 3-35 to keep ND’s struggling in a great bowling effort. Matt Smith claimed two wickets to complete a fine match. However Niran Wijewardene won the man of the match honours with his devastating century last Saturday.
Fourth Grade
Northern Districts cobbled together just 174 but it was still too many for the Bulldogs who collapsed for just 114. It was great to see James Bourne, the hard hitting stroke maker, back for the Bulldogs and he compiled a defiant 28. Connor Wilkinson looked good with a fighting 22 but no one else really troubled the scorers.
Fifth grade
NDs scored 192 but it was no challenge to the Bulldogs who scored 5-193. NDs were in dire straits at 6-67 but a lower order revival enabled them to post a reasonable total. Bryan Handunnethithi scored 29 at the top of the order. However, Kane Grove took the batting honours with 58 which included 7 boundaries and a six ripping into NDs with great gusto and guided the Dogs into calmer waters. Skipper Alex Kouventaris once again made scoring look easy with a commanding 36 that included six boundaries. Manoj Weerasingham added 28 to complete Bankstown’s victory in style.
First Grade Limited Overs Quarter Final
The Bulldogs continued their great work on Sunday when they tamed the Bears at North Sydney Oval. The home side scored a useful 237 but Bankstown overhauled this target with six wickets and plenty of overs to spare. Englishman Matt Waite claimed 3-35 in yet another useful spell and has been great value. All-rounder Mitch Brown claimed two crucial top order wickets whilst Nathan McAndrew also chimed in with two poles. Brown captured the man of the match award with 116 including 3 savage sixes and 14 belligerent boundaries. He crushed the Bears who simply had no answer to his stellar stroke play. Daniel Solway added 31 in typical fashion and McAndrew blazed away for his 64 in a stunning hour at the crease. With the finals just around the corner, it is great to see so many Bankstown bats wielding the willow to great effect. The Bulldogs will play Sydney in the semi-final at Drummoyne Oval next Sunday.