Welcome to Season 2024/25 MIG fans!
Win, lose or otherwise this promises to be a monster year! New players and faces everywhere in the club, new sponsors, new captains in some places, new people in the committee, new parents and supporters to welcome, a new team in green and new uniforms to boot! All of which we acknowledged at our very successful season launch last Sunday, expertly led by our club skips. There will be a wrap later this season which will cover 10 teams in action - so you'll have to set aside some time to read through that one. But until then, let's get to the action of Round 1.
Round 1 sees us take on Southern Districts-Mt Pritchard in grades 1-4, a BYE in 5th Grade, St George in the Metro Cup, Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates in Masters, and in our new expansion side in the Chappelow Cup, the MIG younglings are up against Auburn. Classics, Frank Gray are waiting to get their season off the ground. Thanks to our skips for their leadership of each team this season:
1st Grade: Hamish Ferguson
2nd Grade: Shane Cook
3rd Grade: Ruben Donato (Neil Barnett filling in during round 1)
4th Grade: Kevin Davies
5th Grade: Stu Higgins
Metro Cup: Matthew White
Chappelow Cup: Clark Vickery
Frank Gray: Lachlan Molyneux
Masters: Ben Johnston
Classics: Neil Barnett
Before we recap the cricket just gone, 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 1
Warringah
8-255
H Ferguson 103, W Davidson 84, A Bennett 24
Southern Districts-Mt Pritchard
8-256
R Outred 2-34, J Stearman 2-42, J Gore 2-46
Warringah lost by 2 wickets
To kick off the season Warringah begin the one day fixtures away at MtPritchard Southern Districts. Due to the rain affected start conditions reducing the game to a 43 over match it didn’t come to much of a surprise afterthe first coin toss of the year falls in favour of the opposition that we found ourselves batting first. Optimism was kept at a high with the feeling of excitement going into the first bat of the season as Ferguson (103) andDavidson (84) strolled to the crease. The first 10 overs saw a well tempered and decisive opening to the match with Ferguson taking the first commanding boundary with a backfoot punch through the covers to open what would be adominant morning with the bat for these two. Davidson would follow suite a few overs later with a glorious straight drive through mid on. Little seemed tophase either opener during the first powerplay as they strolled to 45 withoutloss. This same tempo would be kept up all the way to drinks leaving MPSD struggling to find an answer to this formidable opening partnership. The following session saw a flurry of boundaries from both Ferguson and Davidson as the MPSDs rotated through spin and seam with no answer to the onslaught. Ferguson was first to 50out of the two bringing it up with a four. He then proceeded to deposit their spinner for a 6 straight before hitting his replacement for 2 sixes one over midwicket off his pads and another down the ground. Davidson continued striking at a runa ball with ease bringing up his 50 as well just before the second drinksbreak. Shortly after drinks Ferguson brought up his first century of the season with a late cut down to the 3rd man boundary and a great way to open his account for the summer. Celebrations were short lived as before being ableto press on Ferguson would be dismissed for an excellent 103 with the score poised at 1-188. Going into the final 8 overs, the game plan was focused around scoring runs quickly with Davidson putting his foot down striking a few more boundaries along the way. With a slight rotation in the order, a focus was placed on maximising the poor fields set by the opposition going into this final period. Despite the large first wicket partnership, starting on the wicketposed to be quite difficult as the dismissal of Barnett proved to show. Shortlyafter MPSDs saw the back of Davidson for a well made 84 striking just under arun a ball bringing Bennett (24) and Stearman (16) to the crease to push thescore closer to the 240 before Stearman was dismissed. This caused a minor collapse as the MIGs went from 4-240 to finishing on 8-255, leaving the MPSDs the target of 256 in their 43 overs.
Fresh off the English summer Gore (2-46) took the new ball and kicked off his season with the MIGs with a bang wrapping the gloves and thengetting a nick through to the keeper showing much promise for the season ahead. Following him at the other end another debutant Outred (2-34) who coming off asuccessful season in second grade last year got his opportunity in the season opener. Just like the success continued with a short ball causing a top edge with excellent fielding to support from Colyer to find the second wicket leavingMPSD 2-2. With little to no break between wickets Outred got the third breakthrough with a strong LBW shout to dismiss their number 3 giving the MIGsthe advantage out of the first powerplay. Entering into powerplay 2 saw theintroduction of spin with overseas signing Stearman (2-42) and Munro (1-53). Aslike the other debutants Stearman also took a wicket in his first over with acaught and bowled opportunity to break the fourth wicket partnership. This was swiftly following by an attempted sweep off Munro being caught at backwardsquare leg by a diving effort from Molyneux. A slight recovery partnership fromMPSD followed as a result of a couple ofmissed opportunities in the field from the MIGs. Just shy of a century standfor the 6th wicket saw a slightly unorthodox dismissal from Stearman hitting the leg stump without bouncing seeing the back of MPSDs number six for51. The MPSD no.7 (106*) battled through shin splints and proceeded to hold anend as he manipulated the spinners to avoid a possible lower order collapse.With a strategic change from Ferguson to bring back opening bowler Gore before the final powerplay, a breakthrough was made with a short ball ploy getting acatch at midwicket, giving Gore his second wicket of the day. It was swiftlyfollowed by a catch off the bowling of Molyneux to put MPSDs 8-161 with around 15 overs remaining to play. This would be the final wicket the MIGs would get on the day as they proceeded to rush through to get all the overs in as the light rapidly dropped off, the 9th wicket partnership of 95 would bring MPSDs the victory over the MIGs to bring the opener to a close finishing the game with 4 balls to spare.
Round 1
Warringah
222
L Richardson 71*, M Singh 60, J Downs 38
Southern Districts-Mt Pritchard
7-234
B Morgan 3-57, H Burke 2-36, J Terry 1-22
Warringah lost by 12 runs.
The much-anticipated start to the season was finally upon us and true to form the rain had also made its customary appearance throughout the week just to spice things up a little. To the groundman’s credit the covers were peeled back early Saturday morning (Too early for some) to reveal an unexpecting surprise “a pitch fit and ready to go”. A sigh of relief and we were destined to get a full days play in! The 2nd grade side were all geared up and the newly appointed skipper Shane Cook practicing a few phantom coin tosses to ensure the best start possible to the season. Up goes the coin “heads” the call from the Southern District skipper. “Tails it is”. We’ll have a bowl thanks. What a start, as the skipper puffed his chest out walking back to join the awaiting team eagerly awaiting a sign. Eventually the bowling action was signalled and with that, we were off to a good start.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan early with Harry Burke coming off a fantastic pre-season in the nets getting the opening batsmen to nick one early only to have it dropped. It’s ok, he’s looking pretty scratchy anyway I’m sure we’ll get another shot…. 92 runs later off 96 balls later proving the age old adage that catches do indeed win matches. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only opportunity to go begging with at least 3 other key moments in the game not being captured in the field. Fantastic bowling performances from Harry Burke (2-36 off 10), Brad (Big Ben) Morgan (3-57 off 8) and Jay Terry (1-22 off 10) were the pick of the bowlers and were instrumental in restricting Southern Districts to a very ‘gettable’ 7-234 off their allotted 50 overs.
The innings started brilliantly with Jimmy Downs pumping the first delivery for 4 with a very classy opening shot.. We’re on here.. 0-31 off 5 overs with a great start from Jimmy & Jay Terry made the equation feel even more obtainable until disaster struck… The 6th over saw a dot, 3, 4, then “oh no” Jimmy feeling the rhythm has skied one straight to Mid-off. Breakthrough for SD’s. In comes promoted Michael Singh who only knows 1 way. Singhy picked up where Jimmy left off with an entertaining 60 off 66 balls with Six 4’s and Two 6’s. The MIGS were cruising at 3-163 with 15 overs still to go until Singhy is trapped in front and slightly opening the door for SD’s. 6 Wickets in hand requiring 4.7 per over… We’re still in prime position…. but unfortunately that’s where the positives ended with the boys not being able to bring it home losing the final 6 wickets for only 59 runs. Huge disappointed, however, the shining light for the innings was Luke Richardson with an extremely classy innings of 71 not out off 108 balls to really lead the way in showing the rest of the boys the application that was required, having counted 8 of the 10 dismissals being bad shots as opposed to good balls. A lot to like throughout the day, however, a huge wake up call that moments can both win and lose you a game of cricket. In the end Warringah 2nd Grade defeated Warringah 2nd Grade (Themselves) Round 1. Onwards and upwards!
Round 1
Warringah
7-156
N Kasmar 61, N Barnett 33*, B Cook 21
Southern Districts-Mt Pritchard
153
S Roche 4-35, T Walker 3-25, C Wilson 1-20
Warringah won by 3 runs.
The boys kicked off the season at a gloomy greenway park holding a sticky, likely nippy deck and a long bushy outfield which had Neil frothing for a bowl. However as cricket usually goes the toss didnt go our way and we were sent out to bat. The top order got us off to a flyer with dusty hanging his bat out on a wide one knicking off for 1. at 1/1 Ollie higgins and Alfie gatehouse put the foot back on the throttle with a flamboyant partnership of 10 off of about 180 balls. However Higgos castle was rattled by of rip snorting yorker for 4 and Alfie was squared up by a 90 year old “spinner” for 16 leaving the migs in a troubling state. There seemed to be a bit of relief howver, as Cooke comes back out of mig retirement sending an absolute missile over square leg before succumbing to greed and chipping one into mid ons mitts. We needed a hero.
In comes Noah Kasmar.
Where do I even begin. Inspiring, unwavering, Heroic are the only words that can even attempt to justify a knock like this. Noah grabbed the reigns of a falling innings displaying grit and determination in the face of adversity witnessing wickets fall around him piling on 61 only being outdone in the final over. His partner in crime , our skipper Neil Barnett was the Ying to Noahs Yang. Where Kaz showed accumulation, Neil chose power, brutilising the mounties attack for a squahbuckling run a ball 33* to help bring us to a very defendable total of 7-156.
Sam Roach, back from injury seemed to take out his cooped up frustration out with the ball, belting down some nibbly thunderboults bamboozling the mounties top order taking a crucial 4-35, 3 of those wickets being the top four. Mounties however began to bounce back. Faisal knuckling down through the middle order with multiple partners. The boys could feel it, the cold fingertips of defeat latched onto us but was soon broken by Kuch slipping one past there main batter dissmanting the key partnership. soon after however the mounties quickly came back nudging another Faisal dominated partnership which seemed indestructible as the required runs fell below 6 with 4 wickets to spare. However the cricket gods of Greenway park casted dark ominous clouds over the ground minimising visibility to the point where you could no longer see your own feet.
Neil, jumping at this opportunity brings back same Roach amd Thomas Walker for ine last stint. One last effort. Something had to give.
BANG!
Sam roach thunders one into Faisals middle peg sending him to the pavilion for a well made 43. The boys were up. Thomas Walker bounded in, flames burning in his eyes as he eyed down the batsman. I wish i could tell you what he bowled but I couldn’t see it. but neither could the batsman, as his front pad is blown off.
One more wicket.
As the number 11 walked out to bat in the pitch black darkness, there was a buzz around the MIGS . We could do this, but the job isnt done. Not yet. Thomas sends one down with both the batsmen and the fielders only guessing where the ball had gone but the eerie anticipation is broken by the rattle of the pegs.
THE BOYS HAD DONE IT!
Round 1
Warringah
8-146
H O'Sullivan 51, R Osbourne 27, W Akhurst 25
Southern Districts-Mt Pritchard
143
R Tipton 2-14, R Osbourne 1-9, C Swinney 1-18
Warringah won by 2 wickets.
The defence of the 4th Grade Premiership started on Saturday with only 2 players from last season's G.F. As per usual, Captain Kev kept everyone in the dark about the toss, but with a fresh deck, dodgy weather and the possibility of getting home in time to watch the AFL Grand Final, it was a fair guess that when we ended up bowling first, he’d won it.
Robbie Tipton and Ryan Osbourne opened the bowling attack with Robbie getting the first wicket of the season after a sustained appeal for LBW was finally rewarded. Both bowled miserly spells, Robbie 2-14 from 10 and Ryan 1-9 from 10. All the bowlers chipped in and with 3 run outs, and before you knew it, we had them 9-95. A stubborn last wicket partnership saw Mounties reach 143, a reasonable total but also pushed the AFL further and further away.
The run chase saw the early wicket of Cooper Swinney before Harry O and new recruit, Will Akhurst put on a few runs, with Will almost wiping out the poor old umpire with a thundering straight drive. Harry O (51), Will A (25) and Ryan (27) put a big dent in the run chase, but with the rest of the wickets falling cheaply, things got a bit tight and at 8-130, it could have gone either way, but Harry M and Caleb snuffed out any chance that Mounties had and got us home.
We finished with enough time to watch most of the 2nd half of the AFL GF but by then it was a waste of time!
Anyway, we had a win in our first game, and it was certainly a more interesting prospect than the AFL!!
Round 1
Warringah
BYE - no match
Next match Rd 2 vs. Strathfield at Airey Park, Saturday 5 October.
Round 1
Warringah
139
M White 34, S Hurt 26, P White 22
St George
6-264
S Hurt 2-46, J Olde 1-46, O Fairchild 1-52
Warringah lost 125 runs.
The MIGS arrived at Penshurst, unsure of what awaited after rain had swept through Sydney in the days leading up. To their surprise, Olds Park was in fantastic shape, with some joking that the ground was even bigger than the MCG - a massive, well-maintained field with a good-looking wicket.
After losing the toss, we were sent into bowl on a slightly tacky pitch. Cooper Dickson and Ollie Fairchild opened the attack, searching for their line and length. A lucky break came early when a brilliant throw by Harry Campbell led to a run-out, leaving the Saints at 1/9. Despite the early success, we found it tough to build pressure against their top order. Their young opener looked dangerous, displaying impressive backfoot shots and punishing nearly every short ball. At 1/97, the Saints were cruising.
A timely breakthrough came through a sharp stumping by Billy Kwan of Jimmy Olde’s leggies, but the Saints continued to build partnerships, adding another 57 runs. At 3/185, with plenty of overs left, they were eyeing a total well beyond 300, until Stew Hurt's direct hit ran out their centurion.
The MIGS started to bowl with more discipline, and Paddy White took a superb catch at mid-wicket off Stew to dismiss a hard-hitting middle-order batter at 5/256. Ashwen Durairaj bowled a tight spell in the conditions, helping to reel the Saints back when they were heading towards 300. Ollie Fairchild, relentless in the field, came back for his second spell and managed to dismiss a batsman on 30. After 50 overs, the Saints posted a solid 6/264.
We were confident we could chase the total on the fast outfield and good batting track. Paddy and Stew began solidly, playing straight against disciplined seam bowling. However, they struggled to break the bowlers' rhythm, and Paddy was eventually out for 22. Seth Thompson, batting at three, unfortunately, fell early, caught at cover. Stew was then dismissed for a patient 26.
Zach O'Sullivan looked good early, running well between the wickets and pushing singles. He reached 17 before falling to their leg-spinner. Matt White came in, hoping to inject momentum into the innings, but the collapse began shortly after. Zach Dowthwaite, Billy, Ash, and Jimmy all fell to the leg-spinner without scoring. Cooper batted well with Matt to add 35 runs before Cooper became the leg-spinner's eighth victim. Matt was then run out for 34, leaving Harry stranded.
In summary, we were outplayed across the board. Our bowling, especially early on, was too short, enabling their young batsman to exploit his backfoot strength. While we worked hard in the field to limit the scoring, chasing 264 on such a large ground was always going to be challenging. Going forward, we need to focus on bowling fuller with the new ball and, when batting, prioritise rotating the strike and taking calculated risks to break the opposition's momentum.
A big thank you to Al for scoring and to everyone who helped out on the day.
Round 1
Warringah
8-157
F Sorohan 64, F Schneidereit 37, Extras 24
Auburn Eagles
130
F Schneidereit 3-16, H Fear 2-17, D Carroll 1-14
Warringah won by 27 runs.
Well this was a historic day for WCC. First game in the Chappelow Cup! The boys were pumped prior to the game and during pre – game warmup eager to get started! We lost the toss and were sent into bat. For most of the boys this was their first stint in men’s senior cricket particularly on turf!
After a steady yet slow start and getting used to the conditions the boys got the groove going after the drinks interval. Finn steered the ship most of the innings with a well fought 64 from 88. We lost a few wickets here and there and then a late flurry of runs from Freddie (37 from 49) really got our innings to a respectable 8-157.
We knew we were short of runs and where we wanted to be however as a team we are known for defending out totals through our bowling and energy in the field. And that’s what we did!
A great opening spell from Dan (1/14) and Will (1/29) taking a wicket each and holding the run rate at bay before a short rain delay.. After the rain disappeared we continued on with Cooper (1/23) and Nixon as our first change bowlers before turning to our spin…which turned the game (pun intended). Freddie and Harrison bowled in tandem taking 5 wickets between them. Harrison (2/17) and Freddie (3/16) absolutely destroyed Auburns middle order, with Lucas Clarke finishing off the tail with (1/4). A great first up win for the lads!
PS – We need help with the team song! But we will get there!
Round 1
Warringah
No match, season begins November 3rd.
Next match Rd 1 vs. Roseville at Roseville Chase Oval, Sunday 3 November.
Round 1
Warringah
4-133
D Brady 39, G Allsop 29, M Turner 18
Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates
9-131
G Davies 3-17, L Kriletic 2-21, B Johnston 2-24
Warringah won by 6 wickets.
The Elderly Men In Green kicked off their 2024/25 campaign against the Pirates at our spiritual home, Weldon. We lost the toss and were asked to have a bowl first.
Mark “T-Bone” Turner and Guy Davies (Gravies) took the new rock, each finding an early wicket. Gravies was the beneficiary of a screamer by DB who was keen to secure the sought-after first slip position. We kept it tight, aided by the early season wicket to have the Pirates 3-59 at the 20 over mark. Edgo bowled beautifully and deserved more than his one wicket. Livio (2-21) took advantage of the pitch, banging into the wicket for seven straight through the middle overs. Pick of the bowlers was Gravies (3-17) who came back to close out the innings and BJ (2-24) grabbed a couple late to restrict the Pirates to 9-131 from their 40 overs.
The tea break was lively. Conversation centred around the fresh scones which Gravies had baked that morning and requests for the recipe. In parallel, debate raged about whether the whipped cream or strawberry jam should be applied first. I can’t say any decisive conclusion was reached, but we look forward to further research (got that Gravies?) and sharing our findings in an upcoming edition.
We were confident of chasing down the target, with a deep batting line up behind the ever reliable David “DB” Brady and Greg “Bucket” Allsop. The Pirates took better advantage of the pitch than we did to be honest, and while we got through the first 20 overs without losing a wicket, we only had 54 runs to show for it. DB (39) and Buckets (29) increased the tempo after the break, and Dolby was promoted to lift the run rate - striking at 200 for his four runs. From there, a classy little contribution by T-Bone (18) supported by red inks from David “Yes, No” Wait (14*) and Grant Hooker (9*) saw us home, reaching the target 4 down with a few overs to spare.
A solid win to start the season, and we look forward to carrying the momentum into our Round 2 away clash with Hawkesbury.
Round 1
Warringah
No match, season begins October 6th.
Next match Rd 1 vs. TBC at TBC, Sunday 6 October.
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
