Carruthers' Century Sinks Sharks

Bankstown v Sutherland. Round 2 2020-21


The Bankstown Sports Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Sharks in a thriller at the picturesque Memorial Oval last Saturday. Bankstown eventually wound up the Sutherland innings for 294 with ex Bulldog Tushaar Garg providing stubborn resistance with 33 not out. Express paceman Liam Marshall snaring the last wicket to set off the Bulldogs run chase. 

Opener Nick Carruthers is renowned for his explosive batting but his 112 was a classic and a very, very polished performance. The accomplished lefthander's magnificent knock laid the foundation for victory which thwarted the circling Sharks. The prolific run scorer hammered 13 sparkling boundaries and three superb sixes with one powerful pull shot soaring high over the square leg fence as he asserted his authority. Fellow opener Zeeshaan Ahmed unleashed some elegant drives and punishing square cuts as the pair added a stunning 143 opening stand.

Ahmed scored 7 sparkling boundaries in a stylish 49 and looks set for a great season.  Sydney Thunder and NSW Blues all-rounder Nathan McAndrew chimed in with a very valuable 37. The sign of a true all-rounder is that they can hold their place in the side with bat or ball and this is one of McAndrew’s strengths and is a vital cog in the Bulldogs wheel. The lanky all-rounder followed a concerted bowling effort. His innings ensured the Bulldogs kept on barking as they chased down the sizeable target. Daniel Nicotra showed he was just the man for the task and batted with the aplomb of a veteran relishing the pressure in his stoic 38. A lower order collapse gave the Sharks hope, but all-rounder Ben Le Bas and paceman Liam Marshall got the Dogs across the line. It was a defiant 26 not out from the versatile all-rounder and star fieldsman Le Bas. He was cool, calm and calculating as he guided Bankstown to victory and six precious competition points. It was a very close and thrilling finish and the bonus for Doggies supporters came from the fact play was streamed live on the Clubs Facebook page. Cricket fans were able to watch the match live courtesy of Life Member and volunteer extraordinaire David Clifton on the Bulldogs website and Facebook page with older fans marvelling at the technology. It is especially so when the Bulldogs are barking vociferously as they are now. Loyal supporters are looking forward to the next couple of Saturdays when the Doggies take on reigning premiers Randwick-Petersham which again will feature on the website and Facebook. Play will commence on 10.30 both days.

T20 v Campbelltown

The Bulldogs completed a wonderful weekend with a Twenty20 victory on Sunday afternoon. Bankstown batted first and posted a competitive 8-165. Jake Cormack spooked the Campbelltown Ghosts with a memorable 74 punishing the attack relentlessly and providing great entertainment for the enthusiastic crowd with 5 superb sixes. Nick Carruthers scored 20 at the top of the order whilst versatile Mitch Brown stroked his way to 24. In reply the Ghosts looked in fine fettle at 1-93, however with the advent of Aaron Bird into the attack the Bulldogs started barking. The former NSW speedster tormented the Ghosts with 2-25 in his productive spell. Brad Simpson vanquished the hopes of the visitors with an explosive spell which was rewarded with 2-26. Ben Taylor added to Campbelltown’s woes with 1-22 and was accuracy personified. Daniel Nicotra was asked if he was weary after his spell. It was spoken in jest as the leg spinner bowled just one delivery, substituting for Bird when he split the webbing in his hand. Ben Le Bas was extremely difficult to get away and claimed 1-25 from his 4 overs. The Ghosts finished with 6-144 and the Doggies were home.

Second grade 


The seconds batted dismally chasing the Sharks 225 at Glenn McGrath Oval. Versatile Ryan Clark was in fine form with a defiant 44 rattling the pickets with his vast array of strokes and fighting hard for the Doggies. Justin Felsch timed the ball well for 39 and looks a good prospect indeed. Ethan De Bono chimed in with a stylish 25 but the rest of the batting disappointed. In the second innings the home side were 1-48 at stumps with Matt Bursa taking the lone wicket.

Poidevin Gray T20  

That man Zeeshaan Ahmed continued his stellar form on Sunday with a swashbuckling 79 plundering 3 superb sixes and 9 belligerent boundaries as the Campbelltown Ghosts wilted under his onslaught. Even when dismissed the bowlers could not get him, as he was run out! Mansukh Singh gave the Bulldogs a flying start with a very classy and useful 35 and Ethan De Bono added a handy 23 as the home side raced to 7-174 after the 20 overs. The Ghosts were vanquished for 147 with Brad Pearson 2-30, Liam Marshall 2-18 and Koby Layton 2-22. It was a fine all-round effort from the Bulldog bowlers