R14 v Mosman

Premier Grade Cricket Round 14 2nd March 2019

First Grade

Bankstown batted first at Allan Border last Saturday and thanks to a 100 from majestic stroke maker Chris Ridley totalled 248.The Bankstown Sports Bulldogs we’re disadvantaged by a washout the previous weekend which made victory extremely difficult in the one day non-limited overs game. The rampaging Ridley harpooned the Whales with some savage strokeplay which left the home side floundering. He rattled the pickets 10 times and plundered 4 sixes which soared high over the fence. Superbly timed drives were was a feature of his knock which delighted the crowd and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Earlier stylish Peter Dignam scored a defiant 41 which gave the Doggies a great start whilst all-rounder Ben Taylor once again chimed in with a fighting 50 which kept the Bulldogs barking. Despite the sterling efforts of Ridley, Dignam and Taylor the Bulldogs lost but very narrowly. The Whales replied with 8-251 to grab the six points. Rhys Williams bowled with great pace and hostility to claim 3-49 and keep the Bulldogs in the game. Nathan McAndrew was his usual enthusiastic self and claimed 2 wickets as did fiery young tearaway Brad Simpson. Next week the Bulldogs take on the Bears at North Sydney Oval In a 2 day fixture.

Second grade

Tony Clark’s seconds have mixed their form in the New Year but came good on Saturday with a stunning ten points outright win. They beached the Whales who could only cobble together a paltry 63. In reply, at Jensen, Bankstown raced to 8-251 before declaring. Ben Le Bas hammered 62 in an enterprising innings with Niran Wijewardene chiming in with a stylish 36. Chris Stefanish completed a great match with 20 not out to go with his wonderful 5-21. The visitors fared a little better in the second dig but still totalled only 122. It was quite a recovery however as at one stage the Whales were harpooned at 5/5! The top 5 Mosman batsmen scored just one run each!! Dayne Heward once again proved the Mosman nemesis with 4-34 in a superb ten over spell. The big win by Tony Clark’s seconds has moved them up to equal second in the competition on 63 points equal with the Penrith Panthers but well behind Sydney Uni. As they move into the final round the seconds are making a spirited charge as premiership contenders and are a very good side indeed.

Third grade

Mosman’s 1-141 proved too strong for Bankstown who collapsed for 131 at Rawson. Daniel Slane tried valiantly to get the Bulldogs barking but was left 44 not out as his partners succumbed quickly. It was a little gem from Slane who showed true Bulldog spirit. The only batsman to give him some support was the defiant Wallace Marshall who showed up the higher order batsmen with fighting spirit.

Fourth grade

Bankstown’s 235 proved an easy target for Mosman at Grahame Thomas. The visitors raced to 3-239. Connor Wilkinson top scored for Bankstown with a superb 73 with Alex Kouventaris chiming in with 42 but the Bulldogs fell short of a decent total. Nathan Hebeston claimed 2-25 in an excellent 13 over spell which kept the pressure on all batsmen. Nathan looks a very talented bowler.

Fifth Grade

Bankstown’s 81 and 57 did not seriously challenge Mosman who won easily with 6 dec 119 and 1-22. Prashanthan Sivapragasam bowled very well to take 2-18 and Umair Khan chipped in with 2-36.