Dogs maul Rangers

Premier Grade Cricket Publicity Round 3 Week 2 The Bankstown Sports Bulldogs defeated Northern District Rangers in convincing fashion at Mark Taylor Oval last Saturday. Following his score of 102 in Bankstown’s 9/295, Nathan McAndrew proved the total nemesis to the home side as when he ripped through their batting finishing with 4-32 in a devastating spell. Talented young speedster Liam Marshall, who last week was selected in the NSW Under 19 side to play at the National Championships in Perth in December, joined the rampage returning the wonderful figures of 4-26. His wickets were classical speedster’s dismissals with two caught behind by Cameron Middleton and a spectacular delivery which scattered the stumps. Ben Le Bas claimed a wicket and the Rangers were touted for 158. Middleton was a tyro behind the stumps with three catches and a run out and kept the Bulldogs fielders on their toes. Actually, the Rangers recovered from 7-12 and the tail at least made the Bulldogs work for the points. Middleton was always near the action with three smart catches and a crucial run out. In the NDs second innings Marshall claimed the only wicket as the home side finished with 1-37. Next Saturday Bankstown will take on the Mosman overt two weeks with the match commencing at 10.30 a.m. Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup On Sunday the Bankstown Sports Bulldogs travelled to Blacktown International Sports Stadium and defeated Blacktown Mounties in a superb display of T20 cricket. After losing Nick Carruthers (21) and Mitch Brown (0) it was skipper Daniel Solway who took control of proceeding smashing 75 not out off just 54 balls. Solway was helped by all-rounders Nathan McAndrew (21) and Aaron Bird (25) as the Dog’s posted a solid 5/156. The talented Jordan Gauchi (78 no) gave the home side a real chance of victory but the Bulldog bowlers stuck to their pre-match plans and restricted Mounties to 6/126 to remain undefeated after two rounds. Nathan McAndrew took 2/20, Liam Marshall 1/22, and left arm orthodox spinner Ben Taylor 2/23. Second Grade The Tony Clark led seconds were far too strong for the Rangers at Kelso Park North. Chasing the visitors 9-270 the Bulldogs were soon barking vociferously. They cruised along to 2-274 with some superb strokeplay. Talent laden Zeeshan Ahmed was indomitable as he raced to 138 in just over four and a half hours of total devastation. Ahmed hammered 14 delightful boundaries as the hapless Rangers wilted under the onslaught. Kelso is a new ground for the Bulldogs and understandably the batsmen are full of praise and quick to commend the Council on the excellent venue. Mitchell Hinds joined in the run spree and proved a spectator’s delight as he sent five sixes soaring out of the ground. He remained 105 not out in his blistering run spree. Third grade The Northern District side played well to notch first innings points against the Bulldogs at Asquith. Bankstown scored a healthy 296 but the home side cruised to 4-298 and victory. The bowlers tried hard but could not contain the Rangers who were most impressive wielding the willow Fourth Grade Bankstown’s 243 proved too many for the Rangers who capitulated for 211 at Grahame Thomas. Blake Pearson rattled the Rangers from the outset with a fiery spell which had their batsmen backpedalling. His 3-39 from 16 lively overs gave the Bulldogs just the start they needed and the Rangers never recovered. Ryan Freeman continued the good work and gave nothing away in his economical 10 over spell. Freeman claimed 3-47 and hammered home the advantage. Anthony Melnyk kept up the pressure with 3-22 which helped ensure victory. Melnyk showed excellent control and contained the Rangers at a crucial time. Fifth Grade At Storey Park it was a run spree with both sides scoring over 300. Subtain Shahid plundered a glorious 134 which enabled the Bulldogs to post a competitive 345. Shahid hammered the Rangers attack relentlessly in a great crowd-pleasing effort. When play finished for the second day the Rangers were 9–311 and able to hang on for a draw. Max Clissold bowled well to take 3-79 whilst Sanjiv Weerasingham claimed two poles and Prashanthan Sivrapasagam also captured a double.