Welcome to the November 2nd edition. Another two consecutive weekends of beautiful sunny weather meant plenty of action on the field. There's so much to celebrate (and a little to commiserate), but no spoilers in the intro, read on for the action.

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LAST TIME...

The second round of November in the main grades was against the Mt Pritchard-Southern Districts (aka Mounties), UNSW in the Metro Cup, two round in the Tim Creer Cup (aka 5th grade) with Burwood and Strathfield, St Clair United in our Classics, Epping in our Masters, and for the first time this season our Under 24s side (Frankies!!!) played their first match against Lane Cove. So much cricket! Let's recap our last matches against these teams:

- Last year 1st Grade were comprehensive winners (2-123 vs 122) with Singhy and Heals each claiming 3 poles, but the Hammer smacking 64*

- The 2021 2nd Grade side were winners (4-151 vs 150), with Parko and Marcus snaring 3 each before Heyso led the chase with 49

- 3rd Grade were winners (7-122 vs 121) with Gaz's 4-45 being the only stand out performance in a team win

- 4th Grade won twice, once in rd4 (8-165 vs 164) in another team effort, and again in the Grand Final (176 vs 71) thanks to Cookie's legendary 6-24

- Last year's Metro team had their round match against UNSW washed out, but got up against them in the Semi Final (7-151 vs 120)

- This is our first 5th Grade side in some time, so there's no previous result to reference here.

- Our Masters' side were victorious against Epping (6-190 vs 93) with Egerton's 5-for being the headline

- Our Classics' side had their match against the St Clair Legends washed out

- Finally Frankies were run out winners against Lane Cove (202 vs 83) with runs and wickets shared

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So a tall order to follow from 8 matches last year - 6 wins and 2 washouts. There were definitely no washouts this round, and two extra matches with 5th grade playing onedayers. Can Warringah match it? Read on.

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Warringah

168 (54.5 overs)
Ferguson 67, Mahajan 31, Johnson 19

Mounties

162 (40.4 overs)
Ahmed 4-55, Wigney 3-42, Mahajan 2-25

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‍Warringah won by 6 runs.

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A sunny day and a surprising ‘ocean-like’ breeze greeted the 1st grade boys on their trip out west. Winning the toss and batting, we lost an early wicket, before a small partnership and then losing another wicket. This proved to be the theme of our innings, as we fell to 6-72.  A 40 run partnership between the skipper and Johnno (19), followed by a 50 run stand from Hamo and Ronnie (31) stabilised the ship. The resumption of play after the second drinks break saw us bowled out for 168, which; given the early wickets, crept out to a total the MiG were confident on defending.  Hamo was the star of the show notching 68. The Mounties boys came out all guns blazing!! Some horrible swinging from the hips type batting saw Wiggers grab a crucial early wicket. The attacking style of batting proved fruitful as they raced to 78, before Daz struck and then struck again, removing both the set batsman. At 3-100 it was anyone’s game. Daz again showed his class snaring 2 wickets in the final over of the day finishing with 4 fa! The game in the balance; Mounties 50 runs, WCC 5 wickets.

Heading in to the second Saturday we figured it would be short day, one way or another. This assumption proved true as Wiggers grabbed 2 vital early wickets in the first three overs of the day. A short, yet dangerous partnership was then broken by Ronny’s ‘typical’ leg spinner drag down style wicket- a rarity for Ronit the spinning wizard!. The equation 20 runs or 2 wickets. An uncharacteristically expensive over from Nikhil slimmed our chances, however a brilliant piece of deception from Ronny at the other end, levelled the field once again. 1 wicket 10 runs. A couple of runs were leaked in the following overs  then Nikhil stepped up to the plate once more. Nik demonstrated his ‘cool as a cucumber ‘ calmness, as the in-batsman ran past one;  Johno grabbing a tidy stumping to close it out. 1s would win by 6 runs in a nail biting game. 6 points for the good guys!!

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Warringah

4d.-315 (46 overs)
Grace 113, Chapman 101*, Kelly 40

Mounties

137 (50.5 overs) & 147 (41.5 overs)
Gerry 2-16, Powe 2-21, Outred 2-31 &
Bennett 3-11, Panchal 2-25, Gerry 2-35
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Warringah won outright by an innings and 31 runs.

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We arrived at Weldon to pitch offering some day 5 WACA like cracks. Parko lost the toss and we were sent in to field. Roy and the Gus bus opened up with the B-line tapping on for a couple of early wickets. Blaney and Parko provided some bowling in the middle overs seeing them snare 2 each of their own. The broom stick made one of the great direct hit run outs, motivating the lads to finish off the job. Mounties struggled with the bat and good all round bowling and improved fielding saw them all out for 137 after 51 overs.

The rest of day 1 was a batting masterclass. Davo got a good rock early, unluggy uce, but Chappo and Jasper pumped em around the park. At the end of day 1 and after only 27 overs Chappo had made his 50 and Jasper was on 100 after what couldn't have been more than 60 rocks. We finished off the day having already won first innings on 1-165.

Day 2 we batted on, Jasper got a good one to finish off a great knock of 113. Rishi (18), TK (40) and sticky (24*) provided great support for Chappo who finished not out on 101* as Parko declared and got the lads fired up for an outright win.

Our final bowling innings was fun cricket to be a part of. Gus (2fa) and Rishi (2fa) bowled well but Aiden Doogie Bennett came in looking like a young Binga annihilating the stumps with perfectly executed yorkers (they should bowl more of em) ending with 3-11 off his 6.

Outright points and a shared song with 1s ended a great couple of days for us .

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Warringah

137 (54.4 overs)
Morrison 42, Cook 19, Extras 15

Mounties

6-144 (45 overs)
Cook 3-28, Thompson 2-22, Sharma 1-42

Warringah lost by 4 wickets.

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After a 37 hour drive to West Hoxton, Warringah was sent in to bat by Mounties on a wicket with some sizeable cracks forming already. Despite this, Veehan and Housey patently negotiated the new ball to get Warringah off to a solid start, as did Ruben at 3. The pitch was showing some variable bounce which troubled the batters throughout the innings, however Kel and Cookie showed great patience through the middle of the innings to steady the ship, and waited for the right balls to score their runs. After drinks however, after the set batsmen were dismissed, the flood gates opened as the new batters were exposed to the unpredictable pitch and the tail collapsed.

Warringah were bowled out for 132, with Kel the clear standout with a well played 42. This innings included some trademark kel drives as well as playing patiently on the uneven wicket.

Knowing the wicket was playing some tricks, the boys went out to bowl for the last session confident that they could come away with a big chunk of the Mounties wickets. Cookie opened the bowling and did what Cookie did, taking two wickets early on. Seth Thompson the off spinner also got into his work and took a a couple before their opener went for glory and came away with it. Warringah were still in the hunt going into day 2 however their opener had cashed in on some sloppy bowling and missed chances in the field to make the home team 5/78

Warringah arrived the next weekend full of energy and optimism ahead of the big task at hand. Seth and Cookie opened the bowling on a pitch that had far less cracks this time around. They worked well in tandem, with Cookie bowling immaculate line and length. It was Cookie who got the opening wicket and spirits were high, however their classy opening batter single handedly got the runs for Mounties within the first session and a bit. He finished with 100 runs out of 140 for the opposition, as Warringah would come to regret dropping him multiple times both on day 1 and 2.

A good effort by Cookie and Seth with the ball, however the batting let the team down on the first day, as well as some poor fielding and poor bowling to their best batter. We go again next week!

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Warringah

86 (29 overs) & 6-128 (23 overs)
Norton 32, Verma 20, Kasmar 9 &
Verma 40, Buchanan 25*, Kasmar 21

Mounties

101 (44 overs) & 7d.-172
Day 5-24, Rowse 2-21, Buchanan 1-6 &
Kuchel 2-20, Burke 2-23, Hatvany 2-47

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Warringah lost by 15 runs.

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4th Grade began the game bowling after losing? the toss. Kev doesn’t say. It wasn't long before wickets came in, with Pat Day and Harry Burke getting out the top three early. The wickets stayed flowing throughout despite batsman 4 hanging around. Some high quality bowling ensured that the Mounties batsmen couldn't put any good partnerships together, getting all out after 44 overs for 101, 5 wickets to Pat, 2 to Rowsey, 1 to Harry Burke, 1 to Mitch and 1 to Zac. Overall a great effort in the field from the MIGs.

Our batting innings began and we had around 30 overs left in the day. Our openers had trouble facing one of their swing bowlers, both getting out for 9, however as we were only chasing 101, we were still in good shape. Mitch and Harry Verma put on a good partnership, and at drinks we were told to try and get the runs on the day in case we couldn't play the following week, needing around 4 runs an over to reach the target. Harry got out on 20 however we continued to push for the runs. Mitch was looking to score the runs quickly, getting out caught on 32. After those wickets, I think our batsmen were in two minds, trying to score the runs on day 1 but being scared to get out and cause a collapse. None of the following batsmen could get comfortable at the crease, losing wickets with tentative shots or run outs, being desperate to get closer to their total, as we were struggling to find any runs. As more wickets fell we played with fear, being unable to play any shots and looking like we had no intent to score runs, just trying to survive. We couldn't stop the collapse, getting out on the last ball of the day, losing 7-9 with around 6 of those 9 runs coming from sundries.

Coming into day 2 we had a 15 run deficit. We were desperate to reclaim some of the points and our pride that got stolen from us the week before. We started in the field very well as Cooper picked up a wicket in the first over. Their batsman put together a small partnership before Harry Burke caught the batsman’s edge and followed up with an LBW the ball after. It could've been 3 in the over but a catch went down, proving to be costly as the batsmen put together a strong partnership, being broken by Robbie taking his first 4th grade wicket. Some more catches went down and they declared at 7-172. Cooper, Harry and Matt getting 2 wickets and Robbie getting 1.

We were looking to chase the target, being set 188 off 23 overs to get the points. We got off to a quick start, being around 1/60 off 5 overs, Harry Verma hitting some beautiful sixes before getting out on 40 off probably around 20 balls. Whilst we were in a good position, once Harry got out, we struggled to maintain the quick runs, with the required rate gradually increasing. Whilst boundaries were coming from time to time, it wasn't enough to keep up with the required run rate, as we needed around 10 runs per over with 10 overs to go. We were 6 wickets down when the required rate climbed to over 15 and were ordered to give up on the runs and ensure we didn't lose outright. Thankfully, we didn't have a repeat of last week and we managed to finish the day with batsmen at the crease, ending up with 128 runs.

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Warringah

5-182 (58 overs)
Burgess 43, Heffernan 43, Downs 37

UNSW

178 (52 overs)
Mathieson 4-29, Higgins 4-48, Downs 1-16

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Warringah won by 5 wickets.

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Alexandria Park gave up 520 runs the day before in 78 overs so winning the toss was high on my list of things to do. An hour before play we lost Tyler Mucahy for the day and my back gave way so we were a couple of bowlers down. Anyway I called poorly and we had a field.

Ominous signs with boundaries flowing in the first couple of overs but Ollie Higgins (4/47) in the role of new ball bowler struck a blow for us early on. Will Matheson (4/30) bowled with good pace and he got amongst it as well. Wickets fell at regular intervals. Ollie getting 3 in his first spell with excellent stump to stump bowling with a bit of movement. Will deservedly got another one with his last ball of his spell. Jimmy Downs (1/12) then bowled his more than useful mediums and picked up a tickle. Somehow UNSW were 6/68 at drinks.

The next session saw UNSW knuckle down and bat well. They showed their team mates that conditions were very good to bat. The quick, small outfield helped. Our spinners Luke Burgess and Paddy Brown bowled OK but the batters took them on and they copped a bit of tap. Evans and Norton kept things tight but went wicketless.

At 6/167 at tea we were still on top but something needed to happen. 3rd ball after tea a poorly judged run saw us execute a run out after a good pick up by our keeper Dustin Labador. Will came back on soon after and got a couple and Ollie finished them off for 178.

Harry O’Sullivan looked comfortable in the first couple of overs but some great fielding saw him run out by a whisker. Jimmy (37) looked to punish anything wide or full and he is hitting the ball much harder these days. He looked like he was going to get a big one. But last ball before drinks he took a swipe at their gentle med and spooned a toe edge to slip. Luke Burgess (43) was batting very well and he was joined by our new recruit (at least I hope so) Lucas Heffernan (43). Both lads looked good for the remainder of the day. Luke timing the ball very well for some great shots around the ground and Lucas got stuck into anything loose and looked like he could get a big one. Penultimate over saw Burgo chase a wide one which meant Dusty Labador and Lucas saw out the day to finish at 3/127.

Day 2 similar conditions. Somehow the boundaries grew by about 5-10 metres but the ball remained in our court. Dusty (14) saw off their strike bowler who bowled fast and straight. First ball from the change bowler though saw a leading edge to mid on to make it 4/150. Soon after Heffo, who started the day slowly against good accurate bowling but was starting to up the pace, went to pull their other opener but this time the ball stayed down and cleaned him up. The end of a good knock. At 5/155 UNSW possibly had a sniff but Ollie (5no) and the in form Noah Kasmar (19no) went about it in a very sensible way to ensure no collapses and a comfortable win.

Many thanks to Ian Thompson for filling in on late notice for Mitch.

Well done boys. Great to get a win and get our premiership defence underway.

Wazza

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Round 8

Warringah

2-139 (??? overs)
Gatehouse 64*, Zanella 53

Burwood

7-138 (40 overs)
Zanella 2-14, Osbourne 1-16

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Warringah won by 8 wickets.

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Match report to come.

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Round 9

Warringah

176 (39.1 overs)
Osbourne 57, Conners 41, Gatehouse 27

Strathfield

109 (29.3 overs)
Olde 5-8, Clift 3-18, Osbourne 2-30

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Warringah won by 67 runs.

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Match report to come.

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Warringah

8-352 (50 overs)
Ahmed 80, Greenland 47, Barnett 33

Lane Cove

100 (30.1 overs)
Molyneux 4-10, Wigney 3-31, Mahajan 2-28

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Warringah won by 252 runs.

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In both successful 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns, points in the opening round of hostilities were hard to come by for the Men in Green. Not so in 2022/23. Bucking a trend of slow starts, the MIG kicked off another Frank Gray Shield defense last Sunday with an imperious 252 run victory over cross-town rivals Lane Cove.

For the mingling Warringah crowd following proceedings at Fortress Weldon, a more comprehensive victory was difficult to imagine. Perhaps the only department in which the MIG did not dominate was ground set-up, with strong winds causing havoc with the erection of black sight-screens for the white ball fixture. Fortunately, Blaney located some straps capable of withstanding the gusting westerly, which were subsequently installed under the watchful supervision of JP in time for first ball. Crisis averted. In the meantime, a separate crisis was unfolding in the center square – Lane Cove had won the toss, and had elected to bowl!

If alarm bells were not already ringing for the visitors at the news of this decision, they were certainly ringing after Jarod Colyer (28 off 18) deposited the Covies’ opening bowler into Curl Curl Lagoon in the third over. In a furious onslaught, Jarod and opening partner Daz Ahmed (80 off 60) added 43 for the first wicket before Jarod’s departure at the end of the fifth. An all-English affair then ensued through the remainder of the first powerplay, with Jasper Grace (17) combining with Daz in a 60 run partnership. Both batsmen looked to keep the foot firmly planted on the accelerator, dispatching the Lane Cove attack to all parts of the ground. By the time captain William Greenland (57) arrived at the crease in the twelfth, the score had already raced away to 2-101.  

Any hopes the visitors may have harbored of an untimely collapse by the MIG were speculative at best, with a lightning quick outfield and dead pitch aiding partnership after partnership. As Greenie nurlded his way through the middle overs, Daz continued to unfurl a wide array of cricket shots in a knock that featured 13 fours and 1 six. Sam Barnett (33) then picked up the baton following the Bristolian’s dismissal, launching two more deliveries over the rope before he too was dismissed. Tully Moffat (28) then joined his skipper in another fifty-run stand, the two taking the score to 5-273 with just over 12 overs left.

Not even after Greenie produced another trademark edge through to the keeper was there any let up for Lane Cove. While Tully was unfortunately dismissed TBW (‘thigh-pad before wicket’), Lachlan Johnson (19), Blaney Powe (21) and Ronit Mahajan (21*) all added powerful contributions in the lower order, as the defending premiers steamrolled to 8-352 from their allotted overs. A particular highlight was Blaney smoking the biggest two ever seen, launching a full-blooded pull shoot on a trajectory initially landing in Weldon nets, but which was repelled by the now borderline gale-force winds. Other notable mentions include Ronny running three twos in the one over, Tully striking out on three free-hits and Daz (trying to) switch-hit the opening quick. Special mention must also go to the Lane Cove captain for sticking with a ring field for the entire 50 overs.

Following another exquisite lunch courtesy of Marg (can we ever thank her enough?), the MIG took the field with – it’s safe to say – a fair few runs to play with. Nonetheless, Lane Cove came out firing, racing to 0-30 off the first three overs. That was to be the extent of the visitors resistance though. After the opener miscued a drive off the bowling Blaney (1-13) straight to Tully at cover, absolute pandemonium ensued (clad panic anyone?). Wiggers (3-31) started rapping pads, Molly (4-10) ripped balls back through gate and Ronny (2-28) bamboozled batsmen with his legspin. From 0-30, the visitors collapsed in a heap to 7-46 – a 300 run victory was on the cards. Unfortunately, the next fifteen overs became a snooze fest as the Covies chose to prolong their own demise, with some average batting rivalled only by some even worse chat. Eventually, Molly managed to pin the number nine on the back pad in front of middle for wicket number ten, Lane Cove falling an tantalizing 252 runs short. The boys shock hands, sung a song then marched on Wharf Bar for a couple of quiet schooners as the sun set over the windswept harbor. No more sleeps until Christmas gentlemen – Frankies is back!

Simon Molyneux Constructions MOTM: Daz Ahmed

Wharf Bar MOTN: Jasper Grace

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Warringah

8-205 (40 overs)
TBC 49, O'Connor 34, Wyatt 33

Epping

111 (31 overs)
Egerton 3-16, Kriletic 2-19, Wyatt 2-20

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Warringah won by 94 runs.

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Match report to come...

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Warringah

1-92 (25.5 overs)
Dolby 34*, Barnett 31*, TBC 11

St Clair Legends

90 (36.5 overs)
Jones 2-14, Nimmo 2-16, Park 2-18

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Warringah won by 9 wickets.

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On Sunday, WCC Classics were able to field an impressive 14 players. Sorry, WCC were able to field 14 players. Impressive. St Clair managed 7.

In what appeared (to the untrained eye) to be an incredibly generous gesture, Captain Barnet took advantage of the transfer window and hurriedly signed the paperwork to send 2 players out on loan to St Clair. A shrewd move with St Clair now being responsible for paying the wages of the 2 marquee players for the remainder of the season. It’s rumoured that the savings will be so significant that we can expect an extra 9 chicken wings at the end of season party.

In what resembled a mother’s group coffee morning, the WCC players came together to discuss when to toss, how to toss, what to do if the toss was won, lost, or drawn. A unanimous decision, to insert the opposition, was agreed upon, although it was later established that several of the electorate had misunderstood the meaning of insert and felt they had been misled. It is also believed these individuals also previously voted “Leave” during a recent referendum.

Captain Barnet won the toss and elected to field first.

So, with the sun out and the decision being made to get underway as quickly as possible, Cliffy decided we should put the covers back on. Umpire Mullos was left shaking his head and a significant part of the capacity crowd were voicing their frustration and confusion.

Looking for early wickets the skipper threw the ball to the trusted opening paring of Waddo and Giles Park (GP). Simon “Waddo” Waddington has been putting in significant work in the nets, looking to add more variety to his armoury. His first over strongly resembled something you would normally see at the SCG. A sprinkler.

GP however had clearly been writing his own prescriptions and had been tucking into the uppers pre-game. A slippery slope…

Magnetic Melch was faultless in the slips, with stickier hands than a 15 year old Giles Park with a Playboy, and easily pouched both openers as they went fishing outside off.

8 Overs in and 3 wickets down, the skipper went for the double change, introducing Melch and Lyon. Kesadura, who was looking threatening, tried one to many times to find the fence and fell to the pace of Lyon. With the sun now beating down Lyon, worried by the “fast moving, slow clouds” suggested that we might need to put the covers back on. That was the end of his spell.

Stolky fielded like a high-quality underlay, spending even more time on the floor than a carpet. On the opposite side of the wicket, Dr D.read (Darren Read) was faultless, striking fear into the opposition, turning one’s into nones and threes into ones.

Having seen the batsmen’s appetite for fishing, Barnet looked around the field and “Finding Nimmo” provoked another double change after 8 overs. Having thrown up some high-quality bait, but failing to get the batsmen on the hook, Nimmo decided that it was time to resort to chumming. Throwing down the bloody tripe worked immediately, as consecutive batsman threw themselves into the Jaws of Jonesy and the GP.

Having left the field after 10 overs and being heard to mutter “I’ve had my bowl, I need my meds” The GP disappeared into the sheds for the next 10 overs. What happened immediately following the drinks break has left the cricketing world in shock.

Returning to the field, speaking absolute "oddle poddle" The GP stood in the middle of the pitch and exposed his disgusting floppy. Clearly, in an attempt to sustain the high of the first 10 overs, he had been taking more of his own medicine whilst hiding in the shed.

This combined with the freshly thrown chump was simply overwhelming for the St Clair lower order and they folded in a similar way to GP’s floppy.

The send-off they received was not something one would expect from an English gentleman, especially a GP  “Flobadob, Ickle Weeeeeeeeed”

Clearly nervous about the condition of the Flowerpot Man, it seemed that the Warringah boys were keen to avoid heading off the field with him in such a state.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CRICKETING HISTORY, following an absolute jaffa from Chris O’Brien (COB) and a successful LBW appeal, the Warringah Captain referred the “out” decision!! His appeal was successful, and the batsman was reinstated. So, we now had the Drs. and the GP making no sense at all.

What should have been “Close of Business” was turning into Open All Hours. The combo of Cliffy and Waddo in “the deep” was a special thing to witness, Sport is all about direction, communication, and accuracy “33.7677° S, 151.2822° E”

And so it was left to Jonesy (who made the mistake of telling the team that he hates being called Jonesy) to bring some sanity to proceedings. After recently touching down, Jonesy, the English tweaker was first class. Great work Jonesy.

Waddo 4 overs 1-10, GP 4 overs 2-18, Melch 4 overs 0-11, Lyon 4 overs 1-16, Nimmo 4 overs 2-16, Jones 4.5 overs 2-14, COB 1 over 0-0

Set just 92 to win the English contingent wasted no time, excited by the prospect of both Ricks massive Esky and the impending t20 Final.

Dolby 34*, COB 11, Barnet 31*, Dread 9*

Rick brought new meaning to being “the keeper” providing an array of post-match beers that were clearly the residue of last Christmas’ family BBQ. Not sure that the provider of the “Natural Mango” Beer will be getting invited back to his BBQ in Roseville this year…

The game was played in great spirits helped by Mullos’ unique brand of umpiring and confessing he has a history of giving Cliffy out, when he probably isn’t.

A great day, with great blokes.

Stay safe and here’s to the next time.

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<<<<<<<LOOKING AHEAD>>>>>>>>>

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Before we sign off we would like to acknowledge our sponsors, in their various capacities, in how they have supported our club. Your contribution is invaluable to making our great club what it is.

Visit our sponsor's page to learn more about who they are, what they do or if you would like to inquire about our sponsorship packages for the 2022-23 season.

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Thanks for tuning into this round's wrap. Don't forget to join our membership program - the Bruce Loudon Club. Learn more about it on our membership page.

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Warringah Contacts

‍‍Club President
‍Chris Melville
‍president.warringahcc@gmail.com‍

‍Club Captain
‍Benjamin Rowse
‍clubcaptain.warringahcc@gmail.com‍

‍Club Secretary
‍Luke Parkinson
‍secretary.warringahcc@gmail.com‍

‍Club Treasurer
‍Jamie Davidson
‍treasurer.warringahcc@gmail.com

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