Round 2

First Grade

"Whales Sink 'Dogs"

The Bankstown-Canterbury cricketing Bulldogs collapsed dramatically after a fine 104 run opening stand to be bundled out for a meagre 159 against the Mosman Whales at Allan Border Oval last Saturday. The Bankstown Sports Club sponsored locals were given a flying start by Corey Richards and Vaughan Williams and looked on the way to a very big score when the much vaunted Mosman pace trio of Brett Lee, Phil Alley and Shane Lee combined to rip through the 'Dogs batting. Last season's N.S.W. player of the year Corey Richards showed he is poised to emulate that feat with a dashing 62 in just 92 minutes scored from only 65 balls with eleven boundaries. He drove the ball stylishly through the offside and combined this with some strong on side play which produced a powerful six behind square leg and another over the midwicket fence. Vaughan Williams, who compiled a solid 34 and audaciously batted without a helmet, was more subdued than his aggressive partner but still brought the crowd to its feet with a towering straight hit for six. Unfortunately when Richards holed out at point and Williams was clean bowled by Brett Lee the Mosman attack cut a swathe through the Bankstown batting and the 'Dogs crashed to lose 8 wickets for a paltry 55 runs. Skipper Wayne Holdsworth was particularly disappointed that after winning the toss and having first use of such a good pitch his batsmen capitulated so meekly after such a promising start. To their credit the 'Dogs struck back defiantly courtesy of some excellent pace bowling from left arm speedster Nathan Bracken. The very tall N.S.W. quick struck a double blow for Bankstown in his third over when he had Bradshaw well caught by Maraziotis from the first delivery and his last shattered the stumps of Haywood for a duck. With the score at 2-22 the 'Dogs were back in the hunt but unfortunately a very confident L.B.W. shout against Shane Lee was turned down and the Aussie rep. made the most of the let off to pound a typically aggressive 62. This together with some strong legside hitting from lefthanded Middlesex batsman Strauss enabled the Whales to cruise past the 'Dogs humble total and finish with 4-195. Bracken was the pick of the Bankstown bowlers with 2-66 from 15 overs whilst David Freedman got rid of the troublesome Shane Lee to capture 1-25 from six overs. The second half of the game which was due to be played on Monday was unfortunately washed out depriving the 'Dogs of the chance to redeem themselves with the bat. Next Saturday Bankstown plays Balmain at Drummoyne Oval and the 'Dogs will be looking to a much improved display against the Tigers who scored a decisive outright win over Gordon last weekend

Second Grade

An impeccable 119 from the talented Daniel Moy spearheaded the highly fancied seconds to an imposing 325 against Mosman at Bankstown Oval last Saturday. The nineteen yeear old strokemaker notched ten boundaries and an imposing six in a most impressive 206 minute stay at the crease and looks set for a big season. He was well supported by the very much in form opener Anthony Smith who followed on his 94 against Randwick with a confident 71 which was compiled in 155 minutes with seven boundaries. Smith mixed some sweetly timed cover drives with some forceful on drives and once again was in fine touch. Seventeen year old lefthander Chris Gane got off to a splendid start after being promoted to bat at number 3 but unfortunately proffered a return catch and was caught for 27 whilst the ever reliable skipper Mark Grant played a typically determined knock to post 62 in 147 minutes with seven boundaries and a well struck six. On Monday rain interruptions prevented a result and play was curtailed with Mosman 4-190. Bankstown's opening batsman Jason Deitz showed his versatility by capturing 2-28 with the ball whilst Bevan Van Blerk bowled a lively spell and brought the crowd to its feet with a brilliant reflex catch. However it was all to no avail and stumps were drawn with the weather the victor.

Third Grade

After a delayed start the thirds performed very well to restrict Mosman to 7-148 at Rawson. Paceman Hilal Dannaoui was most impressive bowling with plenty of fire to take 3-45 from 21 overs which included 6 maidens. Promising Brad Roworth was right on target with 2-18 whilst Matt Smith bowled accurately to take 1-29 from 14 overs with 6 maidens.Skipper Geoff Spotswood also bowled a nagging line and length with 1-26 from 18 overs including a miserly 10 maidens and was impressed with the excellent third grade debut of fourteen year old wicketkeeper Scott Jamieson who took a fine catch and conceded nothing. Andrew O'Brien also starred in the field with an excellent display highlighted by a spectacular lefthanded diving catch. Unfortunately no play was possible on Monday because of the inclement weather which was a major disappointment to the skipper who was very confident of victory.

Fourth Grade

Mosman scored a very competitive 9-245 against Bankstown at Jensen last Saturday. Lincoln Tucker bowled well for the 'Dogs with 2-35 from 16 overs whilst Darren Ettridge frustrated the Mosman batsmen with 1-22 from 12 overs and newcomer Dave Ward also bowled a tight spell taking 1-31 from 14 overs. Skipper David Drew led by example taking three catches and was most impressed by the enthusiastic fielding of his young charges which he estimated saved over thirty runs with the very keen Clintin Price deserving a special mention.

Fifth Grade

A magnificent 101 from talented young opener Jarrad Way paved the way for Bankstown to post 6-283 against Mosman at Balmoral last Saturday. Way showed plenty of determination in a classy innings which stamps him as a youngster with great potential and he received great support from Chris Maraziotis who rammed home the advantage with a hard hitting 54 not out. Brett Sweetnam notched a quickfire 26 not out and together with Maraziotis scored 62 off the last ten overs. Brent Mills hit up 19 whilst Gian Scuglia was unfortunate to be dismissed for 21. Skipper Peter Moy was very pleased with his young charges much improved batting after last weeks debacle and gave special praise to Way and his disciplined knock. Unfortunately the fifths were unable to capitalise on this excellent batting as no play was possible on Monday and the game was a frustrating draw

(Thanks to Michael Stephenson)

© 1999