Future Looks Bright for Promising Cricketers 

Jason Manoharan passed 1,000 runs and 50 wickets with Gordon Juniors 

Champion Blacks win Grand Final Thanks to Strong Team Effort 

Winners: Max Purcell, Matt Dainton, Mitch O'Donnell, Harry Wallace, Harry Purcell, Jake Veale, Max Thomas, James Suttor, Dylan Santone, Tom Leaver, Nick Taylor, Dan Clarke, (Tim Webber missing)

After electing to bat the Gordon Blacks lost an early wicket and were then pinned down by some excellent swing bowling by Lindfield. At the 16 over break, we had only managed 2 for 39 despite our best efforts to get the score moving. Lindfield continued to keep the pressure on as Harry Purcell and Tim Webber worked very hard trying to pick up the rate. Tim then fell for a well compiled 33 with the score on 71. 

Two Gordon Junior teams were crowned champions and another Cup winners in the climax to a fantastic 2011/12 season 

Check out our latest match reports here

Weekly match reports from each team, provided by nominated parents or supporters during the 2011/12 season can be found here. These reports will be a balanced view of the match, including special performances and where possible photos of the players.

U14/15 Black - Grand Final vs Lindfield Lee

Champion Blacks win Grand Final Thanks to Strong Team Effort 

Winners: Max Purcell, Matt Dainton, Mitch O'Donnell, Harry Wallace, Harry Purcell, Jake Veale, Max Thomas, James Suttor, Dylan Santone, Tom Leaver, Nick Taylor, Dan Clarke, (Tim Webber missing)

After electing to bat the Gordon Blacks lost an early wicket and were then pinned down by some excellent swing bowling by Lindfield. At the 16 over break, we had only managed 2 for 39 despite our best efforts to get the score moving. Lindfield continued to keep the pressure on as Harry Purcell and Tim Webber worked very hard trying to pick up the rate. Tim then fell for a well compiled 33 with the score on 71. 

Lindfield basically had all the momentum for the first 23 overs but a dropped catch and the arrival of Tom Leaver was to change all that. Harry ended up retiring with a run a ball 52 while Tom finished unbeaten on 45 from 26 balls. 

Tom’s innings included three 6s - the most memorable right out of Northbridge Oval onto the nearby first green - for a tap in. The last eight overs basically doubled our score and the Blacks finished with a very competitive total of 4 for 148 at the end of 32 overs. 

Having chosen to play 13 it was going to be important for all 12 bowlers to perform. In a replay of the first innings, after wickets to Harry Wallace and Dylan Santone, they along with Leaver, Purcell, Clarke and Max Thomas, were miserly and kept Lindfield to 2 for 33 at the drinks break. It was now all for Lindfield to do with their two leading run scorers at the crease. The early pressure and some sharp fielding from Matt Dainton was to see one of them run out straight after the break. With the runs starting to flow Nick Taylor then magnificently threw the stumps down from the boundary to remove the other. 

Nevertheless, Lindfield had managed to add over 50 runs in six overs. They were within 60 runs with 10 overs remaining and five wickets in hand. Our bowling and fielding held firm and after James Suttor (2 for 9) removed the batsmen doing the damage for 40, some accurate off spin and wickets to Taylor (2 for 4) and O’Donnell then ensured the run chase petered out quickly. 

The grand final win was like it was all season - very much a team effort and the depth of our batting, bowling and fielding ensured someone stepped up to make the crucial plays when needed.

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U9 Reds - Round 14 vs Mosman Green

Amazing Season as Reds Go Close 

The boys played Mosman at Balmoral for their last game - clear blue skies and a perfect location for the last game. 

It's been an amazing season for the U9 Reds and family. Bring on next season! 

Everyone brought their swimmers as it was again going to be a hot one. Steve Bibb was our celebrity coach for the game. However, he was not the only celebrity. The Mosman team's coach was Stuart MacGill (former Aussie Test spin bowler and recent Sydney Sixer). This was going to be one of our tougher matches. 

Lachlan Pin lines up a run out after a throw from Tom Wright 

The Reds batted first. All the boys did well and defended their wicket against some quality bowling. Highlights of the innings were the big hitting from Lachie Pin, whacking a 6 and a 4 in quick succession. Charlie Cadwallader also found the boundary as did Rory Chitty and Tom Wright, who flayed one ball delightfully to the cover boundary. 

And he's out! Great teamwork by the Reds in the field sees the wicket fall 

The running between the wicket, backing up and sliding the bat was outstanding by all Red players. In the end, the Mosman team only took three wickets. The Reds made a credible 128 runs. 

Next it was time for the Mosman team to bat. Rory Chitty opened the bowling, launching some rockets at the batsmen. This was followed by “long range” Tom Wright. His strategy was to run from the boundary to build up some pace! It looked a treat. Jarrod McCabe tormented the batsman with some nice deliveries, with everyone commenting on his style! Next was Lachie Pin. The batsman got hold of a shirt ball sending it Tom Wright's way. Tom gathered quickly and fired it back to the bowler’s end. Lachie then directed the ball to the wicket - OUT! Great team work from the Reds. By this time the score was 1 for 31. 

Charlie Cadwallader was next and, after refining his accuracy, delivered a ball that crashed into middle stump. The Reds were now 2 for 45. Charlie Toepfer and Jack Irving then followed with two tidy overs. A highlight of the game was the ball landing on Kate Cadwallader's lap, like a present from heaven. All the mothers tried to recollect what actually happened claiming they almost caught the ball! The Mosman boys started scoring more runs. 

There was some more good bowling from Finn Mason, Oscar Platt, Archie Bibb, Jack Conoplia and Rowan Betts. The fielding from all players was excellent. 

It then came down to the last over. We needed a wicket or we needed to restrict the scoring to a maiden last over. There was a lot of pressure and the cheering both on and off the field intensified. Unfortunately for the Reds, we didn't get that elusive wicket and instead the home team hit six runs. 

Final score, Reds 3 for 128, Mosman 3 for 132. 

It was a great and exciting game – a fitting way to finish the season. The Reds finished with 10 wins and only 2 losses. Well done, boys. 

Thank you to our supporters and especially coaches, the "triple Ks" Kate, Kaz, Kelini and also a special thank you to our manager Dawn Chitty for her fantastic organisation. 

To check out the season video click here (thank you Adrian Pin for its production).

For the photos from the last game click here  (thank you to James & Sal for being the official team photographers for the season). 

See you all next season.

 James Toepfer

 U9 Reds official correspondent

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U12 Blue - Round 16 vs Mosman Silver

Blues in Big Showdown 

Wow, what a day! The sun was finally shining and the water was crystal clear down at Primrose Park. This game was the game of a lifetime. We had to win this to be in the semi-rinals in the top four. As you know, Mosman were coming fourth and we were coming fifth! There was no room for mistakes. 

Andrew, our captain, fortunately won the toss and elected to bat. Our openers, Ali and Sam went out and batted tremendously well, both scoring highly to contribute to the teams tally. 

Sadly, Ali stayed out there for a short time but managed a fabulous 12 runs! Our next batter, K-man absolutely smashed the ball around the ground. He was on fire! He retired on 30 runs and got one of the highest scores of our team! 

On the other hand, Sam Holmes put in a great effort but sadly got run out on 15! When Andy came in, he tonked the ball everywhere! He was a man on a mission! He got the highest score, 33 not out! Andy and K-man had an amazing partnership together. Next to bat was Dougie. Unfortunately, he got out LBW and only scored two. Number six to bat was Hunter. He kept the run-rate up very high. With that, Reeve came in and helped Hunter pick up the run-rate! Hunter got a sensational score of 28 not out! Reeve got 16 not out! The other batsmen, Jordan, Oscar, Matt, Joey and Harry, were very unlucky not to bat but I know they would have been exemplary. Well, that was our batting innings. We scored a defendable total of 149 in 32 overs, only losing four wickets. We were looking good. 

Our opening bowlers, Reeve and Oscar got off to a good start. Oscar got us an early wicket, which helped to take the pressure off. Our fielding was tight and we were very loud in the field. Some stand out performances were Dougie, with the only maiden and a great catch, Andy with his direct hit run-out, Joey with a great wicket and K-Man also with a good wicket. 

Jordan was very tight in the field. Our keepers, Sam and Hunter did a great job keeping and didn’t let us down. Matt had a great game and his bowling was very economical. Ali also took a wicket and was very encouraging on the field. Reeve bowled very well and was unlucky not to get a wicket. 

This may sound like we had the game of our lives but unfortunately this was not the case. Mosman Silver had a ripper of a game, including some very tight fielding and outstanding batting. They were a tough opposition and played a great game. They got our score in the last over and played tremendously well. They got 150 in 31 overs and deserved to win. 

We are now in the Plate Semi-Finals and hope to do very well. Credit must go to our great coach, Mark, for preparing us well and always encouraging us to do our best. Thank you also to the scorers, umpires and spectators. 

 Harry Duczmal – U12 Blue player 

Team: Oscar Burgess-Tate, Reeve Cocks, Kieran Dean, Harry Duczmal, Andrew Earlam (Captain), Matt Garrett, Hunter Graham (keeper), Sam Holmes (keeper), Jordan Hunt, Dougie Oxenham, Ali Siokos and Joey Siokos.

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U9 Blues - Round 14 vs North Sydney Red

Blues Dominate with 14 Wickets  

Under an almost perfect Saturday morning at Bales Park, the Blues turned up determined to finish the season on a high against the North Sydney Reds and without three of our top performing players. 

U9 Blues celebrate with the team song and feasted on lolly snakes kindly handed out by team coach Owen Davies 

Captain for the day, Bevan Nanayakarra, elected to bat first and the team put on a modest 7 for 77 with decent contribution from all players. 

Some impressive leg-sides shots for 4s by Zac Fielding, Tyler and Bevan brought applause even by the opposition. 

Come the Blues Bowling innings, Alec Peterson started with a tight over finishing with a caught behind wicket. 

What followed was impressive bowling and catches by Rajeev, Tyler, wicket keeper catches by Chris, Lewin and Angus, a few clean bowled efforts by Bevan and Aidan and an all round impressive fielding performance by Rohan with the Blues eventually taking 14 wickets for 73 runs. 

Impressive bowling and fielding performance and one of the best for the season by the Blues team – 14 wickets worth watching!

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U11 Red - Round 16 vs West Pymble Gold

Reds on High for Semis 

It was a cool morning with dew on the ground when Gordon Reds captain, Marcus Possi, did the toss. Marcus to bat first. Gordon Reds’ batting started with a great partnership between Billy Flick and Ned Fryer. Ned was caught out, followed by a close run out call for Billy. 

Captain Marcus Possi steaming in to bowl a rocket 

Pranav Muralindhar and Henry Smith spent their partnership running like rabbits between the wickets. Pranav had a big hit that almost reached the boundary, and would have if the grass hadn’t been so wet! Running for two almost cost him since he was almost run out. Phew! Pranav continued with solid batting and retired after five overs not out with the top score of 12.

Oscar Stanton celebrates with the trophy and a well deserved drink 

Henry Smith also had a great five over stint. Tom Brayshaw was unfortunate to be bowled out. Fate played a hand on keeping Oscar Stanton and Nic Tressos going after a running mix up. Marcus Possi came in after Nic retired. Marcus' bat twisting couldn't save him from a straight ball on the wicket. 

Oscar also succumbed to a wicket when the ball struck his hand and went on to upset the bails. Harrison Layton hit a high ball which was caught. Jay Newman was unlucky to be out by a direct hit that came like a bullet from the outfield. In a deja vu moment seemingly minutes later Matthew Barrett was also run out by another startlingly straight hit to the wicket. This finished Gordon Reds batting efforts with a total of 86. 

Gordon Reds fielding was a roller coaster of highs and lows. Early on, Tom almost caught a high ball. Following that, even confident appealing did not sway the umpire when the Ned caught the ball as wicket keeper. Oscar's valiant effort to catch a high ball was not successful but the team spirit rose with spontaneous applause. 

The crowd held its breath as Tom's spectacular catch was dropped. Jay's straight bowling led to the first wicket of the day for the Reds. West Pymble’s batter stood on his stumps to give the Reds the next wicket. After some good fielding Harrison Layton captured another wicket with a great ball. This was swiftly followed by a Red bullet from the field and another wicket fell. 

In a heart stopping moment, Billy's throw to Ned enabled the bails to fall, but not before the batter had crossed the line. Nic used his long run up to get the momentum that he not only took the wicket, he broke one of the bails! 

A great straight ball from Henry took the next wicket. In the last over of the day a good bowl from Marcus led to a clean hit and an excellent catch from Pranav. Even down to the last ball of the day, a throw in from the out field by Pranav sealed the final wicket and brought great applause from the crowd! 

It didn’t feel like West Pymble Gold won the match - there were so many high points for the Gordon Reds! But we’ll now go into the finals with added vigour to strike victory in our next game. 

Player of the week went to Oscar Stanton for an outstanding game. 

Marcus Possi – Captain 

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U12 Green - Round 16 vs Lane Cove Hussey

Green Machine Big Grinners 

The after match celebrations saw smiles on their faces as wide as that of the proverbial Cheshire cat after the Greens sealed only their second win of the season. In was achieved in a dramatic finish and with heroes aplenty on the day. 

All smiles for the Greens after a wonderful last round win on Saturday 

Again in his pre-match talk, coach Josh asked the team to stay focussed and have a belief in themselves that would give them the win they so clearly deserved. 

Ollie Clarke bowed tightly and hit a classy 46 runs not out  

The game started positively when we won the toss at Tunks Park. We let them bat and trusted that our form bowlers would quickly cut into the Lane Cove bowling line up. James Dow and Nick Moore opened the attack. With heat-seeking accuracy, Nick drilled into the Lane Cove openers, picking up two wickets in his first over and then going on to a stunning four wickets for four runs in three overs performance. Just the start we’d hoped for. 

Laser precision saw Nick Moore pick up 4 wickets for only 4 runs in his stunning bowling spell 

Patchy fielding threatened to derail our attack but there were a few glimpses of light such as Raymond Su’s great catch just centimetres off the grass. Raymond and Aston Brown each took two wickets and Ollie Clarke and Daniel Hall again bowled very tightly but the Lane Cove total had blown out to 173 in the 32nd over when we finally claimed their last wicket. From a dream start, we had now given ourselves a big challenge to get our win. 

More encouragement from Josh and then we set about our batting task. We lost our first opener quickly and then Nick Moore was run out on 11 runs. The next batter fell for none and then star batsman, Raymond Su, succumbed to a catch on just 11. When Raymond does not go on to a good total someone else has to ‘stand-up’ or there is a huge hole in our scoresheet. 

Another quick LBW and things were not looking great. Then, out of the ranks came “Mr Consistency”, Ollie Clarke, and “Handyman”, James Dow. Both clocked up their 30 runs and retired. Our tailenders only managed to add another 20 runs including a very solid 14 run knock from Max O’Loughlin. This then brought Ollie and James back to the crease to complete their “unfinished business”. On his way to a very fine 46 not out, Ollie notched up a six and seven 4s. James stood up even taller and went on to an undefeated 62 runs, including three 6s and nine 4s. If a job needs doing in the field, or, with the bat, just call “Handyman”! 

With all the drama of a great match, the result came down to the last over. We were tracking at a run a ball rate for the last few overs and needed 4 runs off the last over to clinch victory. With a cool head and an “angry” bat, James chose the ball to hit and sealed the win with a huge 6. 

Our memories can just recall our only other win back in Round Six and there were times when team morale was very low but the smiles bloomed again on Saturday when we got another win in a dramatic finish and on the back of some wonderful performances. 

Well done the Greens! Well done coach! And, thanks mums and dads for sticking with us! 

Brian Hall 

U12 Green – Manager

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U12 Red - Round 16 vs Lindfield Hayden

Reds Courageous in Fight Back 

The Gordon Reds and Lindfield faced off for a second week in a row in the final round of the regular season. 

Last Saturday it was a comfortable win for Gordon. So the question was: could the Reds do it again – or could Lindfield lift? 

James Miller was at his personal best while Lachlan Irving was this week's good sport 

Batting first, the Reds got off to a wobbly start to be 3 for 15 at one stage. But opener Tom Hampson steadied the ship with a wonderful 34 retired not out. Tom Brown also did well chipping in with 18. In the middle order, James Miller upped his run rate this week for a good 12 while Nat Calman was terrific at the end for a solid 18. 

The Reds set Lindfield 126 to win. The early overs from Hampson and Miller were accurate but the breakthrough they wanted didn’t come. For Lindfield, Saskia Horley was in fine touch as the rep player displayed a good technique to keep the runs going. 

The 12 Reds never gave up and came close to victory 

Just before the drinks break Lindfield were in a strong position at 0 for 77. But then Tom Brown stuck taking two wickets in one over. The Red express was now on the move! 

After the break, Angus Chitty hit the top of the stumps to remove a batsman and Finn Mclay took a wicket Lindfield had now lost 4 for 2! 

Then the game ebbed in favour of Lindfield as their batsmen put on runs to reach 118. 

Needing just eight runs to win, suddenly the Lindfield wickets starting tumbling again. Angus Chitty took two more, Tom Brown his third and James Miller a wicket as Lindfield again lost 4 for 2. 

Those eight wickets had fallen for a total of four runs! 

It was now a simple equation. The Reds needed two wickets to win and Lindfield six runs. 

Unfortunately, the Reds couldn’t claim the final two wickets and Lindfield got home for a deserved victory. The Reds showed great character as they fought back to almost snatch victory. 

Lachlan Irving won the Good Sportsmanship Award for his leadership on the field. James Miller picked up the personal best award for his excellent running between the wickets and aggressive batting. 

The boys should feel proud of their fielding, catching and walking in with the bowler. Along with their sportsmanship, they are off the highest standard – as they have been all season. 

But the key messages from this game are to not bowl short and to never give up. Anything is possible in cricket. 

Next week the Reds play a semi. Keep an eye out for the opponent and venue. It’s been a great season so far and the boys are keen to finish in style. 

Go the mighty Reds.

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U9 Green - Round 14 vs St Ives Ponting

Excited Greens Keen for More 

This week Gordon Greens were defeated by St Ives Ponting at Thompson Reserve. 

Man of the match was Luc Jefriess. 

Man of the Match Luc Jefriess on the ball in the field 

A great batting partnership between Damon Crowley and Liam Dow saw the run rate increase. 

The boys enjoyed their first season of cricket and were disappointment this was their last game. 

We all look forward to the next season!

James Francis fires down a thunderbolt  

Damon Crowley crashes a ball to the boundary 

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U11 Red - Round 15 vs North Sydney Red

Game of Two Teams for Reds  

It was a beautiful cloudless day and the last round of the season before the finals. Playing a North Sydney team down on players but not on confidence. Billy Flick volunteered to play for North Sydney and Gordon were swapping players on and off to assist North Sydney fielding.  

Andrew Nash, no hat, receiving his player of the week from captain Thomas Brayshaw, white hat, and vice captain, Marcus Possi, maroon cap

North Sydney won the toss and Gordon were sent in to bat. The pressure was on - it was going to be a ripper! 

Gordon's Pranav Muralidhar bowling for North Sydney against Gordon's Ned Fryar (not in photo) and Oliver Riddle, the non-striker 

The game started with Pranav and Oscar opening the batting. Oscar survived an early caught behind chance and Pranav showed excellent defence blocking some fast bowling. Oscar tried a cut shot but was caught by Andrew. 

Tom came to the crease with the team under early pressure. Pranav and Tom set about to build a partnership but undone by Tom getting run out from a deadeye throw from Ned. With Jay now in, Pranav and Jay started to score quickly before Jay fell to a caught behind. Pranav retired after some great batting. 

Harrison survived a catch on his first ball and Henry started getting runs faster than you could count. After Harrison departed, Mangesh and Henry started to build a match-winning partnership showing great running between the wickets. 

Mangesh finally fell to an outstanding caught and bowled and Henry was out next ball. Andrew retired with a great score and Marcus was desperately unlucky to get out to a fantastic piece of fielding by Billy. Ned hit a boundary and piled on the runs in the last couple of overs to take Gordon to 74. Henry, Ned, Mangesh, and Harrison tied the North Sydney batsmen down early and Harrison made an early breakthrough. Oliver was very busy behind the wicket. Andrew made an impact on the game taking a wicket with his first ball of the day. 

Gordon were busy in the field and took some great catches. Oscar combined with Henry who took a rib-shaking catch. Pranav took a great catch off Andrews’ bowling. Tom almost pulled off a screamer of a catch but saved a certain boundary. 

Billy was run out shortly after a great return from Henry. Matthew was bowling at great pace making the North Sydney batsmen very nervous. 

Thanks to Billy for filling in for North Sydney. Man of the match went to Andrew for his awesome bowling and great work in the field. 

After the game everyone celebrated Andrew and Tom’s birthdays with cupcakes.

Tom Brayshaw - Captain  

 

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U9 White - Round 13 vs Mosman Green

Star Turn for Whites 

The Gordon U9 Whites arrived on game day primed and ready to perform against the Mosman Greens. 

Little did they know the Mosman side was coached by former Australian Test player, and recent Big Bash Sydney Sixer, Stuart MacGill. 

Undaunted, the Whites took to the field and contained the Mosman team with some accurate bowling and enthusiastic fielding. 

At the end of the Mosman innings there was a feeling of confidence among the Gordon team. Not surprisingly, bowling proved to be the Mosman team’s forte, pinning down the Gordon batsmen and, in the end, running away with the match. 

Stuart MacGill was generous in his praise for the Gordon team and stayed around long enough at the end of the match to accommodate the many requests for autographs from the Gordon players. 

Tim Cameron

Gordon White manager

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Latest updates from the Co-ordinator to all participants

Wow!! What a fantastic day for our In2cricketers. The players' skill levels have improved so much in such a short amount of time. Well done!!

The biggest thanks goes to all our parents who are pitching in and 'getting their hands dirty' - so to speak. Our 'permanent' and 'weekly' coaches are doing such fine jobs. I know that the club is in good hands with coaching talent like this.

Our helpers - Michael, Jim, Felicity and Kirsten are all doing extremely well and we are very lucky to have them. Kirsten and Felicity are running this week's session so please give them all the support you can.

Coaching Tips - As you can see, each week we try to build on a skill that we worked on previously. It's important, no matter the skill (batting, bowling fielding) that the player gets the confidence first, and then step up the skill level. Don't be too concerned if your child is having trouble with a particular skill, let them practice with confidence and positive re-enforcement. If they are having real trouble with a skill, look at ways to make the drill simpler. A good example is catching. Go back to catching a balloon and work your way down in ball size and up in ball weight. Balloons are also excellent to help with batting!

Important Notice

PLEASE have your child label all their into cricket gear clearly. If you do choose to bring your bat etc to the sessions, please re-enforce the importance of each child looking after their own gear. (There's nothing worse than misplacing your favourite bat or ball!!)

Finally, please ensure you take plenty of water for the kids and lather the sunscreen on.

Have a great week and have some fun on Saturday.

Cheers

Mark