Hello and welcome to the MIG round wrap - the best one EVER!
Why? Because it's done, we did it, we won our first club championship since the legends of 1998/1999. "A super effort that" - Richie Benaud. Thanks Richie. Indeed it is. What a season it's been, and we aren't done yet. The final count was:
Warringah: 1140
Burwood: 1074
A message from our Prez, Beachie, on this momentous achievement:
"What a day!!!! So proud of what we achieved today!! So proud of our 5’s for getting us the points we needed. So proud of every player from 1’s through to 5’s, Frankie’s, Metros, Chappelows, Classics and Masters!! Every player plays a part in helping us to be the club we are.
What makes this club so special is the support we get from the many family and friends who just pitch in to help, we are so grateful.
To our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without you, your contribution is so vital and we are so appreciative of it.
To our coaches, wow, we so appreciate your commitment to each one of the boys to make them better players.
To Kev, I couldn’t count the number of hours you spend each week just to get teams on board, we are so appreciative of you.
To our scorers- thank you!!
To our captains , you have led us well this year and here’s hoping for continued to success for this weekend!!
Finally to our committee, legends, so appreciative of your time and commitment to our great club.
There will be a big celebration for all players, Family and friends next Sat. I will see you all there. It could be my shout!!
Cheers
Beach"
Be sure to visit our sponsor's page to learn more about who they are, what they do, how they can help you or if you would like to inquire about our sponsorship packages. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about who the amazing people are that make our club tick, you can do so in the Positions of Responsibility section on our About Us page.
Round 13
Warringah
7/305
A Bennett 106*, J Stearman 67, J Gore 39
North West Sydney
8d./304
R Sheahan 4/72, P Day 3/54, S Barnett 1/43
Warringah won by 3 wickets.
Finishing place on table: 7th
Arriving at Weldon for the final round game of the season, the boys were presented with a four week old flat pitch that quickly reduced any hope of getting the outright win we required to sneak into the finals. Despite this, spirits were high due to the thought of knocking NWS out of the finals and finishing the season on a high, as well as the club champs celebrations awaiting us post game. Hamo continued his shocking toss form as we were put into the field. He has managed to win 1 toss the entire season, a remarkable feat.
The new ball was tossed to Patty and Joe, with Patty trapping the NWS in front early on, putting us on top early. After a brief delay losing the ball in the long grass, Beau took his first catch in 1s very low to the ground, another much needed wicket. The following overs were gruelling as the NWS batsmen dug in for the long haul, whilst continuing to keep the scoreboard ticking over, putting themselves in a commanding position as one of the batsmen brought up a well made hundred. Despite the onslaught of runs, Regan locked down an end, toiling away for a mammoth 25.5 overs, managing to pick up occasional wickets whilst bowling economically, eventually snaring a well deserved 4fa.
Nearing the end of the first day, rumour got out that NWS were not far off declaring, and they started to go the tonk. After getting a few away for four, one of the batsmen chanced his arm down the ground. Little did he know, a flying Filmer-Ramsey would stick out one mit and snare an absolute hanger at long on. Que the celebrations. Following this, NWS declared, leaving us 5 nervy overs to navigate, which Davo and Hamo did with no loss of wicket, putting us in good stead to chase down 300 the following week.
Despite the large chase ahead of us, we came back the following week knowing we had a good chance. We lost Davo early, bringing Jack to the crease, who quickly proved his patience and stroke making as damaging, peeling off the runs with Hamo who was looking set before being dismissed for 28. Regan was dismissed quickly, putting us in a tricky position, but Barney and Jack steadied and toiled away in the heat, edging closer to the large target. Jack was eventually out for a well made 67, with Barney falling right after for 40, leaving us rearing at 5-153, with still over 150 runs to get, as well as having one less batsman. Enter Aidan, who played one of the all time shires knocks, blasting 8 sixes and 8 fours on his way to a maiden career hundred, a Ben Stokes esque innings that gave us the opportunity to win the game. Joe masterfully played second fiddle, rotating the strike and sticking with Aiden to make an essential 39. After losing Joe and Munners, tensions were high, but Aiden powered the ball to the fence once again to bring up the winning runs in front of a jubilant crowd of warringah faithful.
We packed everyone into the changerooms and sang the best song all year, and the vibes were high all night as we celebrated our club championship season. Despite not making finals, we ended up finishing the year very strongly, only missing out on the top 6 by one point. All the boys are keen to contend even further next season.
Round 13
Warringah
124
J Colyer 35, L Molyneux 29*, L Johnson 15
North West Sydney
141
C McKay 7/42, B Morgan 1/14, R Outred 1/17
Warringah lost by 17 runs.
Finishing place on table: 1st
Having already secured the minor premiership in second grade, 2's headed out to Norwest on a mission for club champs. With Cookie being replaced by Nasser for week two, we decided we would bowl first despite the deck being flat and hard.
Surprisingly there was a bit of life in the wicket as openers Cal and Roy got the team off to a flying start at 4-21. A mixture of partnerships throughout the innings saw Norwest crawl their way back. Molly capitalised with a crucial partnership breaking run out but the day belonged to one man, Callum McKay. Cal put on an absolute clinic finishing the innings with 7-42 off his 17.2 overs. Norwest finished with 141, which with very large and slow outfields wouldnt be a simple chase. Wasn't the best start for the 2s boys as we lost 4 on the first day and went home 4 down overnight.
With club champs and a second grade minor premiership in the bag, 2s found themselves playing for honour and a bit of pre finals momentum and training. Maybe through thinking too much about the celebrations to be had that night, we could not quite chase the total, being dismissed for 124. Notable knocks were Jarod with 35 and Molly 29* who did his best to repeat some tail end heroics.
A great season from second grade with their only 2 losses coming in the very first and very last rounds. Confidence and determination is very high amongst this group as we prepare for finals cricket.
Round 13
Warringah
151
S Murata-Davison 46, L Coy 41, H Burke 19*
North West Sydney
5/154
R Donato 3/54, M Kuchel 2/29
Warringah lost by 5 wickets.
Finishing place on table: 2nd
The day started off with the lads rocking up to Frank Gray Oval with doubts on playing. The wicket had an enormous wet spot in all the places we’d hope it wouldn’t be. Nevertheless the 3rd grade boys were determined to get on with a trip to Kennards and the Weldon Oval Shed. At 3pm Ruben donato sent the coin into the air determining that we were batting.
Slight mix ups to the batting order were made with the opening pair being Jimmy Downs and Will Toohey. With the 3rd grade boys being forced to play in sub-optimal batting conditions many quick wickets fell with the score quickly coming to 4/23. With Lacey Coy and Kuchy brought to the crease their effort to steer the ship back towards our way didn’t go unnoticed. But another barrage of wickets saw the team in strife yet again at 7/72. The opposition spinner was able to spin the ball around corners with the pitch being cooked hours before by the Kennards heatfan. Effort from Sen and Burkey saw the team close out the day at 9/130.
Starting out the week two, Burkey and Sen walk out to bat with some work to do. Burkey ticking the runs over with a handy 19 saw Warringah 9/150 before Sen toed the ball straight to a fielder.
The lads were hungry for wickets with not much to defend. With conditions again being unfavourable the boys didn’t see a wicket fall for a while. With the “part-time” spinner Ruben coming into the attack we quickly saw the tides turn with a couple quick wickets fall with the score coming to 2/75. A quick cameo of Kuchy saw two more wickets fall. The Norwest batsmen were able to battle it out for the rest of the day seeing their score tick over to 5/154 defeating Warringah 3rd grade.
Round 13
Warringah
108 & 7/76
M Norton 26, O Goldsworthy 23, R Tipton 18 &
K Broome 23*, R Osbourne 14, R Tipton 12*
North West Sydney
105
B Rowse 6/29, M Norton 2/10, R Osbourne 1/13
Warringah won by 3 runs.
Finishing place on table: 1st
Last match of the regular season for the MIG4s before finals and out to North West we go. We had wrapped up the minor premiership the week before, so we could go no higher nor slip any lower. North-West however, sitting 4th, could finish as high as 2nd or as low as 6th – so they had something to play for.
We batted first on what seemed a picturesque ground – bright green and lush grass coverage, white picket fence, pitch looks good – should be good for cricket. Nope. One of their players even said “this is where cricket goes to die”. The hollow sounding pitch and a quick look at previous matches here revealed it’s rare for any side to score at better than 2.5 runs an over. Despite a few digging in, we were no different. We made 108 from 55 painful overs – Norto digging in to be our best, and Ollie Goldsworthy supporting him, but that total is nothing to write home about.
The standing members from the last trip out here recalled how we only made 136 and rolled them for 127, so we thought “Yeah it’s not great, but we can do this”. A first over wicket from Wilso had us all believing just that. Then North West dug in, climbed to 1-40 from 24 more painful overs before Rowsey enticed an edge and Chappo pouched a lovely slip catch. 2-40 at stumps, still do-able.
Day 2 didn’t go our way…initially. North West had contacted their inside man at the council, the grass was significantly shorter than the week before. No matter, we’ll bowl well and get it done. Norto was the first to get a break through, followed by Rhino and we thought “It’ll be tight, but we can do this”. Kev’s pre-game speech reminiscent of Ted Lasso’s “Believe”. But North West once again dug in and got to drinks 4 down for 70. Game in hand for them.
First over after drinks Rowsey enticed their left hander into a silly shot, caught Tipton. Then again to their number 7, caught Roche. Believe. Then their number 8 came out and whacked 10 off 3 balls, but he got out too to Rowsey, caught Wilson. It’s tight, but believe! Then Rowsey took another, caught Osbourne – BELIEVE boys…number 6 and 10 at the crease. Less than 10 to get for North West. Norto back into the attack and he fools them into a false shot and a massive top edge, it’s gone higher than space X, but like space X it came crashing back to earth and Tipton held onto a clanger, 9 down, 6 to win. Believe. Rowsey into bowl to their number 11, he scraps 2. 4 to win. A Rowsey toppie, finds the inside edge, crashes onto the stumps, the MIG4s get up! We believed!!!
Game over right? Nah, Kev says let’s getting some batting practice. Kev – batting, on this? It’s hot. No. But yes, out we went and before the next break we had lost 3 for 8 and North West were back in it with a chance of a reverse outright. Thank God for Sticky. His composed and mature 23* from 119, denied North West that chance and we go home with the points to celebrate with the rest of our club, being minor premiers but more importantly the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP!!! It’s great being a MiG!
Round 20
Warringah
7/163
H O'Sullivan 50, O Higgins 36, A Pike 17
North West Sydney
78
W Cunningham 5/9, C Dickson 2/15, P Clift 2/17
Warringah won by 85 runs.
Current place on the table: 2nd
There are days in your career, whether it’s work, family or sport, and whether it’s professional or amateur sport, that will live in your memory forever. On Sunday in 5th grade I, and I hope the other ten players as well as the family and supporters who made the trek out to Kanebridge Oval, got to have one of those days. Prior to play I had a quiet word with just the 11 of us in the rooms. I tried to explain what a massive thing it is to win a Club Championship, and what a hard thing it is to do. I let them know I’ve been trying for 22 seasons… I also explained that we had the opportunity to be the team to clinch it, and provide a massive gift to the rest of the playing group... The lads took this on board as best they could, and then went about their business…
With the temperature rising and the umpire suggesting it was going to get hotter, captain Clift promptly called right and elected to bat first. The Sully boys got us under way before an unfortunate mix up lead to Zach being run out for 13 (typical… Steve and Mark Waugh anyone?). Gus Pike joined Harry and they worked well together, building a solid partnership of 49 before Angus was stumped for 17 leaving us 2/64 in the 19th over.
Ollie Higgins joined Harry and the pair set about pushing the scoring rate up. With the deck pretty good, but a big outfield that wasn’t running too fast, there was a lot of running to be done. Harry brought up his 50 at the start of the 32nd over and then promptly got out for another 49 run partnership seeing 3/113. Seth came and ran hard but was given out for 6 and Ollie fell for 36 to leave us 5/145. Ash was run out for 1 but Will Cunningham and Cooper Dickson pushed the limits to move the score to 163 before Will was selflessly run out for 14 trying to steal a bye on the last ball of the innings and Coop was 6no to finish off. Given the outfield and the exceptionally disciplined bowling from the NWS attack, 163 felt like a good score with the bowling we had.
What came next was a captain’s, a team’s, a club’s dream… Started by Cooper on the second ball of the innings; a strangle down the leg side caught by Zach with the gloves on, 1/0. Next over, Will yorked the number 3 sending a bail flying, 2/4. Next over Coop got the number four to flash at one for another nick through to Zach, 3/7. Next over Will gets the number five to nick to second slip for a good sharp catch by Ash, 4/10. A maiden from Cooper and then Will struck again with another nick to Ash at second slip, 5/10. Some creative field placings saw Will bowling to a massive cordon… it paid off with the NWS skipper edging to the extra fielder in there for a good grab by Seth, 6/18.
In the final over Will was allowed to bowl in his spell the other opener finally fell trying to belt him away, but only succeeding in skying one towards mid-wicket. It would have landed about 5 meters outside the circle if not for Ollie running full tilt and taking an amazing catch over his left shoulder to make the score 7/23 in the 12th over. Will finished with 5/9 off 6 and Cooper with 2/15 from 5. The MIG were in dreamland… unfortunately, we did drift off a little! With the threat of lightening and rain around, we pushed through some quick overs, but the skipper and the bowlers paid too much attention to speed and ignored the right field placings. At drinks, NWS had fought their way to 7/70 off 20 which was only 12 runs off the required rate if the rain came.
Steve read the riot act in his own way and once the beverages were done, a quick, and important Warringah Huddle was had in which we all pledged to switch on and finish this off. Clifty got a skied leading edge caught by Will at mid off off the third ball after drinks, 8/73. Ollie came on down the other end and perfect slower ball to end his over was skied, and I mean skied (it came down with snow on it) towards long on. Gus made great ground and took the catch comfortably, 9/76. Next over, the skipper finished it off with a quicker ball to the number 10 trapping him in front, 10/78.
An important win for the team seeing us a single point behind first with one round to go. But the win to clinch the Club Championship was a privilege. Only one of the playing 11 was alive the last time Warringah won the CC. Steve again lead the chat in the rooms, largely because I was a bit overwhelmed to be honest. While I was listening to Steve I could see my phone. It was blowing up with messages from all you wonderful club family. It was so awesome… I can’t speak for everyone in that room, but it was an honour and a pleasure to be able to belt out the club song for you all, and I sincerely hope we all belt it out on Saturday after round 13 finishes, cos we’re a mighty bunch of cricketers… Beachy, you’re a legend...
Round 21
Warringah
3/85
H O'Sullivan 31, A Gatehouse 28*, S Thompson 18*
Lindfield
80
W Cunningham 3/11, C Dickson 3/20, H O'Sullivan 2/4
Warringah won by 7 wickets.
Finishing place on table: 1st
In a match that seemed more like a Sunday stroll than a contest, the self-proclaimed powerhouse of Lindfield won the toss and opted to bat on what can only be described as the M4. 5th grade Warringah as a team were as flat as the pitch itself, offering little in terms of support to their toiling bowlers.
Despite the lacklustre fielding effort, the bowlers did manage to find success, with Will Cunningham emerging as the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs off his 5 overs. Harry O’Sullivan and Cooper Dickson also chipped in with 2 and 3 wickets respectively, adding to Lindfield’s woes as they struggled to muster a competitive total. Amidst brief resistance and a couple of calamitous runouts, Lindfield somehow managed to post a meagre 80 runs.
The chase was almost a formality for the boys, as Harry O’Sullivan launched an assault right from the start, blazing his way to a quickfire 31 off just 21 deliveries. His powerful hitting even caused a momentary pause in play when one of his shots disappeared into the nearby trees, prompting playful taunts from the commentators on the frog box. Unfazed, O’Sullivan promptly fetched another ball and continued to punish the bowlers.
Alfie Gatehouse maintained his good form with an unbeaten 28, while Seth Thompson provided solid support with 18 not out, guiding the boys comfortably past the target in just 17 overs. With little resistance offered by the opposition, this victory solidified their position as minor premiers, sitting proudly at the top of the table after 21 rounds of dominance.
Round 15
Warringah
151
H McCracken 48, O Sinclair 28, J Day 19
Randwick-Petersham Green
3/158
L Cruickshank 1/8, M McCombe 1/19, H McCracken 1/31
Warringah lost by 7 wickets.
Current place on the table: 12th
Didn't get a report for this one, but we'll forgive them because they are busy in the middle of their last match of the season - currently needing another 23 runs for the win with just two wickets in hand against Bankstown. Carn the MiG!
Round 18
Warringah
171
F Sorohan 40, H Fear 29, J Watts 24
Auburn Gold
4/190
R Rulli 1/19, L Clarke 1/25, N Kolodzinski 1/28
Warringah lost by 19 runs.
Current place on the table: 9th
Second last game for the regular season and the Chap Boys are still clinging to a finals berth!
Tough game against Auburn Gold away…We lost the toss and had to bowl first on a hot humid and sticky day…We also knew we had to dismiss their opening batsmen early if we were a chance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the break through and Auburn were 0-100 odd at drinks. We were staring down a 200+ total to chase. (on a smallish ground).
We had a tough chat at drinks…The boys dug deep and we started to get some regular wickets slowing Auburn down to a chasable 190. It wasn’t our best performance in the field or with the ball but we were confident of chasing the runs..
The run chase…
A shaky start to our innings saw Rocco pick out the only field on the leg side to depart early and then a questionable LBW decision saw Jimmy head to the sheds…early doors we were looking vulnerable and in need of some partnerships…
In came Clarko (16) and Finn (40) to steady the ship along with young Jacob Watts (24)…on Chap Cup Debut.. some great partnership batting up till the drinks break saw us in a decent position... After drinks some power hitting from Harrison (29) saw us edge close to the total however we couldn’t get our noses in front of the run rate and were eventually bowled out for 171.
Today wasn’t our best, BUT the Chaps are still in 8th and in Finals contention with a game to go baby!
MUST WIN GAME THIS WEEK!! IF WE WIN WE MAKE THE FINALS!
Round 19
Warringah
5/216
J Pike 75, N Cole 56, L Clarke 28*
Pennant Hills CC Pumas
130
W Graham 3/17, F Schneidereit 3/31, R Rulli 1/15
Warringah won by 86 runs.
Current place on the table: 9th
The boys arrived at Frank Gray, keen and energised in a must win game if we want to make finals, against the 3rd place team, Pennant Hills panthers. We won the toss and decided to bat, hoping to get a strong total on the board in an important game. Nate Cole and James Pike got the team of to a great start before Nate was unfortunately run out for 56. After the great platform set by our openers the rest of the order came in with some handy run a ball starts to get us to a huge total of 216, our highest of the season.
We knew this total was very dependable , however still wanted to take early wickets to try and push for a bonus point win. Their opening partnership played well almost getting to 50 runs, however Freddie Schneidereit (3/31) came on to get the first breakthrough. Warringah kept taking fairly consistent wickets and came out of the drinks break energised and ready to get the final 6 wickets. Harrison Fear (1/22) and Ashwen Durairaj (1/19) bowled well to reduce the run rate. Rocco Rulli (1/15) and William Graham (3/17) to clean up the bottom order. A fantastic catch from Finlay Sorohan kept Warringah's hopes of a bonus point alive. Warringah ended up bowling Pennant hills out for 130, a massive 86 run win to end the season. Unfortunately, the boys missed out on finals by 1 run as they needed to win with a bonus point to go through, as they needed to bowl Pennant hills out for under 129 to get the bonus point. However, it was a fantastic win to end the season.
Frankie's season is wrapped. Grand Finalists in 2024/25, a great season from our U24 Greenmen.
Round 10
Warringah
4/149
A Kelly 40*, D Brady 40* , G Hooker 30*
CCNSW Masters
7/148
D Brady 2/21, B Johnston 2/30, D Storey 1/24
Warringah won by 6 wickets.
Current place on the table: 3rd
Didn't get a report for this one. BJ said something about enlisting A.I's help to do it. Maybe a teammate would have been more useful than BJ fumbling with technology?
Round 8
Warringah
8/203
A Kelly 31*, D Harris 30*, R Howard 30*
Hawks Classics
83
R Melchiore 2/7, R Lacy 2/13, G Allsop 2/16
Warringah won by 120 runs.
Current place on the table: 2nd
We travelled out to Bensen's Lane in Hawkesbury (Richmond) to play a Hawkesbury side that didn't look as strong as the last time we came out here. Luckily we had the 1st Grade Ground at our disposal and the skipper called correctly and decided to bat.
The local's hospitality started very early because when the home side took the field they only had 9 men, with two more on their way. This advantage, Al Kelly couldn't resist and proceeded to smash both opening bowlers around the park, albeit the outfield was slow to the east (longest boundary) and retired on 30 * within a few overs. There were more cracks on the wicket than a Cocaine dealer could handle
Al was ably assisted by Dean Harris who also managed to retire just as the two late comers arrived. This meant that the current field placements could be enhanced. 36 for none off 8. Myers was the pick of their bowlers and Philips tried hard all day from both ends. Neil, our skipper, walked in and then suddenly he was on the ground with problems around the knee and then walking back. Runs came regularly with DJ, and Stolky pushing things along and lots of 2s and 3s as the temp reached 32 Deg. Rik as usual upped the tempo and reached his retirement in rapid time.
The main issue was that the outfield beyond the limits of the big square had received a lot of rain on Friday night, but luckily the wicket block had been covered and the heat of Saturday had dried it out leaving a WA style deck with regular cracks which did mean that the ball stayed down a lot. With all the batsmen contributing we snuck to 203 off 40 with no room for reloading so Al looked very chilled on the top floor chatting to the host.
This man had laid on a nice men's tea with small sausage rolls, Lamingtons and paddle pops for Rik, tea for Cliffy. Lacey and Lyon were not required to swing the blade nor was Al allowed back.
Our bowling was top notch with Lace (2 fa) picking up the Happy Hooker well caught down the legside by Rik and Buckets (2 fa) replying with a great catch by Neil at mid on. Not to be outdone, Lace got another pole and then Bucketts replied with another wicket. A procession was predicted as the top order looked wobbly. Their opening bat top scorer smashed a few aerial shots through covers but the "slow loopy Lyon balls" 2 fa) finally broke trough and he was yorked. Melch (3 fa) came on and offered his usual skidders and grabbed two wickets, Lyon got the big bloke LBW (all on film courtesy of DOLBY Incorporated, watching from home with added commentary) and asked the chatty Umpire Stewart Dunbar for a review! Not happy Jan. Nor was Neil with the umpire threatening to ban Al for licking the ball and saying we were behdin the rate.
Of course thunder was approaching from the South West and with the arrival of their giant keeper, Lyon was summarily dispatched over wide long on. So enter O'Brien (1 fa) who went even further into the paddock and then there was a break for rain where we had to move the wobbly blow up covers only to be called back to finish the game, but ultimately the last man was thankfully out with their score 10-89.
A nice BBQ and free beers and a friendly chat pre-empted our return to the Beaches
Don't forget to join our membership program - the Bruce Loudon Club. Learn more about it on our membership page.
Warringah Contacts
Club President
Chris Melville
president.warringahcc@gmail.com
Club Captain
Lachlan Molyneux, Noah Kasmar and Dusty Labador
clubcaptain.warringahcc@gmail.com
Club Secretary
Nic Johnson
secretary.warringahcc@gmail.com
Club Treasurer
Jeff Downs
treasurer.warringahcc@gmail.com
