Gordon Colts get back-to-back Metropolitan Cup premierships 

We rocked up to the home of Gordon cricket for our second week in a row, getting use to the large change room and all the history posted on the walls. 

Iqbal Ahmed celebrates retaining the Metropolitan Cup 

After our ground staff (and starting XI) packed the covers away we were told we were going to be chasing leather all day. I knew it was going to be a painful day when I heard the sound of a cougar coming from the bushes followed by a big “cooommmmmeeee onnnnn Peeeennnnnrrrrriiiiiiffffffffffffffffffffffffff” looking up I saw this sound coming from a Penrith player’s mother. This noise was heard at least once an over for the entirety for the day. 

A few early drives by the Penrith openers (And some YEEHAAS by the supporters) showed how good the deck was and should have been a day to cash in for all batsman! Tight lines from Dave “the favourite son” Leiboff (2/3 from 9 overs including 7 maidens) and Deva “The Mumbai Millionaire” Nirthanakumaranaranranaran (0/12 from 7) saw us get a couple of early poles and Penrith 2/10. ‘The Boff’ once again getting reward for bowling in the right areas. 

We had talked about bowling in partnerships in the sheds and this was a clear example of it. This was backed up in the field with everyone pulling their weight, special mentions to Tim “the VuVu” Van Zylen and Ben “the ball magnet” Armstrong.

The team goes up after Coleman takes off the bails - the final wicket and victory was ours 

Following up from the openers Captain Millar and Daniel “Partridge Junior” Stickland kept the pressure on. Stickland was rewarded with 3 wickets and a bump on the head. (3/8 from 8). After a diving catch from Andy Coleman, he proceeded to throw the ball in the air which caught Sticky just above the eye as he ran through to celebrate. 

Millar is not a man to be kept waiting as a Penrith batsmen found out, taking a bit longer between overs. He made it a point to make him have a restful day knocking his castle over on the next ball. At this point Penrith were 6/not to many before lunch on day 1. ‘Ronald McDonald’ Armstrong kept the pressure on with Adam “never trust a bloke with two first names” Aarons just before lunch, which came at a handy time, with the Penrith number 7 looking dangerous and playing a few big strokes. 

6/48 at lunch.

Dave Leiboff, Dave Millar and Mark Fonseka make hay on a great batting deck 

Lunch was good, I’m quite happy with the Subway provided during times when we are fielding, but I’m still craving the Fogo chicken burger. 

Back onto the field a loud cheer went up as Iqbal “the people’s champion” Ahmed. He bowled okay. Getting extra bounce on this Chatswood track. Excited by this extra bounce, Iqbal attempted to bounce the batsman with a vicious ball that got up to his shoulder…very very slowly. The people’s champion picked up the wicket of the hard hitting Penrith number 7 with a sharp catch by Jason Leiboff at first slip. Adam Aarons then bowled a batsman who didn’t offer a shot and we were 2 wickets away from cleaning up Penrith cheaply. 

We stayed patient and were rewarded with the two last wickets Iqbal claiming both. I must mention a sharp catch at second slip from Dave Millar off Iqbal to remove the last batsman. I must mention it because if I don’t, Dave will remind me about it about 50 times before next season! Penrith finishing up with 97 runs and an equal number of cougar noises.

Adam Aarons takes a key wicket, Dan Stickland bags a few and Iqbal Ahmed cleans up the tail 

With 40 minutes before tea, Tim and I were given instructions to bat till tea. Clearly I didn’t pay attention and neither did Coleman and we were 2/20 after not long. Vu Vu and Ronald stuck around and were building a good partnership before Vu Vu was judged LBW of a non-turning spinner. The number one son, Dave Leiboff, and Benjamin Armstrong steadied the ship until tea. The partnership grew after tea and until Ben was looking to clear the fence and was bowled. 

Let’s not talk about Iqbal’s ball, or Adam’s leave (which meant he was involved in both wickets where a shot was not offered).

The number two brother entered and joined the first and put together a very decent partnership which helped us pass the total. Dave playing some powerful pulls and some delicate “Fonzy’s- you know that shot behind point” and Jason following his form from last week driving the ball comfortably. 

Jason lost his wicket in the pursuit of runs with about 10 overs left. Skipper Millar joined Dave at the crease and saw out the reminding overs. 7/115 at the end of the day’s play.

We knew that with a lead of 20 runs that the first hour was so important. Survive that, capitalise in the second hour, then we would be home and on the way to the Orchard to celebrate a premiership. If we failed, Penrith, and its cougar noise, would throw everything at us in a bid for quick runs and then apply the pressure again with the ball.

Dave and Dave started off decently before Millar cut a ball hard to second slip. This brought our no.10 to the crease Daniel Stickland. He stuck around with Dave Leiboff and had a very handy 40 run partnership. Dave continued to strike the ball well on his way to 69. Sticky (11) has come up with the goods with the bat in the last two digs and built partnerships with whoever he is batting with. When Sticky got out we were 9/162 with plenty of time left in the day. Deva was all geared up for a big innings and felt in form after his decent knock last week.

The team celebrate a man-of-the-match performance by Dave Leiboff - a great all-round display 

Unfortunately Dave got out soon after, a well played innings but he would have definitely wanted more. With plenty of time still left in the day Penrith knew if they came out and batted aggressively they could be in for something later on.

The Slumdog Millionaire had other ideas (3/31) picking up the first 3 wickets. Dave Leiboff bowled steadily again without reward and the Penrith side began to mount a rear-guard attack, pushing to 100 for the loss of 3 wickets at the mid-point of the day.

To be honest, our fielding was a bit sloppy, but the pressure remained and we knew that it would continue to build on the Penrith side as the overs ticked away and they weren’t getting as many runs as they would have liked.

The peoples champion had been tossed the ball just before the drinks break, but it was just after that he began to weave his magic, firstly with an LBW, then bowling a bloke, enticing a lofted stroke for a catch and then finishing off the innings with a stumping. 4wickets. Standard.

However, the moment of the game was just after Iqbal struck first, breaking the decent partnership. 

Dave Millar leads the song after clinching another premiership as captain 

The following over the ball was played to Dave Millar and the batsman set of for a run. Well kind of. The new batsman sold his in-form partner a dummy, as the skipper pounced, still on the ground and threw down the stumps. Side on. Just the one stump to aim at. Gus Logie, eat your heart out!

Two new batsman were in and that was pretty much the game.

Chasing 64 for victory, a nasty little target, the Vu Vu had casually mentioned he was going to score 63 and let Fonzy get 1. He started off with the right mentality punishing the ball to all parts and before long we were 27 after 4 overs. Vu Vu 26, Fonzy on 1. Fonzy had only faced one ball. The Vu Vu fell on 26. Coleman and Fonseka finished off the chased and eased to a 9 wicket victory in front of the victorious 5th Grade side and many club officials and supporters.

Back-to-back premiers for the Colts boys.

The song was sung, with a changeroom full of supporters and beers were consumed - with the opposition and our supporters.

Thanks to everyone from Gordon who came down and supported us over the last weeks and throughout the season; there are countless names to mention. However, I would especially like to thank Jim Cattlin and Michael Michael for their assistance over the past couple of weeks.

A special mention to Mrs Leiboff for making my day after Dave Millar took a catch. She just wanted to clarify whether it was Iqbal who took the catch? Admittedly a mistake anyone could have made.

Finally, a quick mention to Ed Howitt Snr, who has now scored the Colts to 3 of their 4 premierships in recent years. Thanks good sir!

Until the next drink is consumed from the Metropolitan Cup… Up Gordon, Get Fah You Bah.

Mark Fonseka

The winning side - Deva, Ben Dave, Jason, Mark, Iqbal, Ed Snr (Scorer)

Adam, Dan, Dave (c), Andrew, Tim

Although the road to finals was a long 16 rounds (2 losses, 3 draws, 10 wins, 1 outright win), the Gordon 5th Grade team came away with the Minor Premiership. 

A fantastic effort with important contributions from the 36 players below throughout the season:

I’m sure those lucky enough to play finals cricket would agree it is an experience. It can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, bring out the best and worst in performances, and lead you to either loving or even hating the game. 

After the disappointing 1 wicket loss to Randwick in the quarters, we bounced back strongly with a 118-run win against Sutherland – great momentum leading into a grand final.

Tom Carruthers snares one of many in the finals series

Just to make a grand final is an achievement in itself. Many of the team had either never played in a grade grand final, or if they did, had suppressed memories of a loss, which can be difficult to overcome. Of note was Matt Todd, who reminded the youngsters how lucky they were to be in this situation as it has taken him 20 years to have the opportunity to win a grand final.

Day 1, we were not getting ahead of ourselves, particularly, as we had not played Sydney University all season due to rain affecting our round 1 match. Our approach was simple, to play like any other match with the same 3x P’s; plans, patience and pressure. We were confident in the team and the ability we possessed to win (echoing the words of Geoff Hickman).

Losing the toss, we were forced to bowl on what seemed like a good batting deck with a lightning outfield. The other important decision, from which end to open, was left to chance with Tom Bangs choosing the hand I held the bail in.

An edge goes through 3rd slip

I cannot help but think, what-if Tom choose my end because he had the ball on a string; devastating in line, length and movement and was justly rewarded. Removing Sydney University’s best batsmen Skinner (4) and Cowan (0) who placed number two and four on most runs scored in 5th grade, Tom lead us to a commanding position of 6-38 (with 5 of his own! and one to Tom Carruthers).

A 7-wicket run partnership of 36 from Sydney University attempted to pull back some of the momentum but was stifled by an efficient close to the innings (109 runs in 37.2 overs) with Toddy and myself picking up two wickets each. With the exception of an 18-run over to forget (sorry TC!), the first innings performance, not just bowling but also the fielding (2x catches to Carruthers, 1x Klemt, 1x Kinghorne) was everything skipper Tom Cockburn and the team could hope for.

With plenty of overs left in the day and a small total to chase, Tom Cockburn and Saahil Turki went out with purpose and application. Seeing off both opening bowlers and building the score to 43 without loss, you could say ‘they did their job’! From what little momentum Sydney University had left after their first innings, we took it in our stride.

As in most final matches, there will be a twist and unfortunately we could not avoid ours. 4 wickets fell in quick succession (3 of them LBWs). There were flashbacks to our round 13 match against Randwick; chasing 99, trotting along at 1-38, we were bowled out for 85. Safe to say there were heightened nerves and heart rates.

The responsibility of consolidating the innings then fell heavily on Tom Carruthers and Tristan Cooper’s shoulders. No easy task but the focus and patience applied by both TC’s wrestled the impetus back in our favour with a 68-run partnership, taking us past Uni’s total.

The ever faithful 5th Grade supporters

This great stand provided the lower order with a little less stress and a tad more confidence to go out and play our strokes but with a mindset that there was plenty more overs left to play.

Carruthers’ innings ended on a top score of 43, Cooper 31, Cockburn 26, Turki 12, and Klemt added a classy 35. Myself, Bangs and Toddy enjoyed our lead and advanced the score to 224 (off 68.1 overs).

A lead of 115 and an awkward 7-over period to end day 1, the Stags were keen to continue our momentous rollercoaster ride. With two big in-swingers to start the 2nd innings, I then threw in an out-swinger which drawing an error and a great grab in the slips by Carruthers – what a start and the end to day one!

Day 2, and Sydney University had a mountain to climb. Again, we simply needed to apply the 3x P’s – “just another day at the cricket”.

Not as dominant as Tom Bangs in his first innings spell by virtue he was taking polls and LBWs, I found myself with three more quick wickets; safe catches by Toddy and Cooper. Bangs was also in the action again taking the prize wicket of Skinner, taking the score to 7-41.

Dave Monaghan accepts his Man of the Match award

Another lower order fight back saw Sydney University approach a total that would make us bat again. However, Dan Richtor had other ideas providing the break through with Toddy reminding me how to catch.

Matt Todd went on and picked up 5th-grade-wicket number 59 for the season, a record breaking achievement that has been the backbone of the team’s success all season.

Tom Cockburn although relatively young has a mature head on his shoulders and has led the team to this successful position. All season he has had a knack of when to change bowlers and field placings to produce a wicket(s). Having four wickets in the bag, he wanted me to partner with Toddy from the other end and grab a ‘5fer’. Thinking the rollercoaster had reached its peak … edge … Carl Kinghorne takes a diving catch behind the wicket – OH YEAH, WE WON THE FINAL!!!!!

A great result for the team, the club, the selectors, and the supporters.

A worthy mention must go to Max Newman, who unfortunately could not play the final but was instrumental with bat and gloves all season. He topped the charts for 5th grade batting with 545 runs.

After a disappointing end to season 2010-11 going down to Manly in the semi final, to win the double header of minor premiership and premiership, and to win so convincingly in the final (by an innings and 23 runs), it’s great reward for all involved.

For those buoyed to go on next year and defend our title, all the best, and those moving on to bigger and better things good luck and up Gordon, get fah you bah!!

David Monaghan

In the biggest game of the season to date, Gordon made the trek out to Blacktown to take on the Sutherland Sharks in a must win semi final. An absolute picture of a ground awaited us, as the Sharks won the toss and elected apply the pressure early with the new ball.

Andrew Crosland comes of age with the ball during the finals series 

A shaky start saw Saahil (4) snick one off early to a good catch in the slips, followed by Tom ‘The Burner’ Cockburn (12) missing a straight one leaving us in trouble at 2-17. As has been the case in more games than not this season, the revival was lead by Max Newman (45). Playing straight and putting away the loose ball, Max and Tommy Carruthers (13) saw us to 47 before the bowlers struck again. Andrew Crosland (18) and Max then saw the side to lunch at 3-87.

After the interval, the bowlers struck, removing Crosy and leaving the Stags in trouble at 4-90. Tristan Cooper (4) came and went, as the ever reliable Max continued on his way. Dan Richtor (28) and Max then saw the score to 128 before a good piece of bowling removed Max, caught and bowled. Dan quickly followed to a brilliantly bowled waist high full toss, as Gordon stumbled to 7-150, far short of what was desired. Carl Kinghorne (26) then combined with the most underrated player in the club as Dave Monaghan, calm as ever, strolled out to the wicket. 

The pair batted supremely well to put on a vital 60 runs to push the Stags over the 200 mental barrier. 

A loss in concentration saw Kinghorne dismissed with Gordon on 211. A flashy cover drive from Tom Bangs (3) was one of the highlights of the innings but his stay was short lived. The stage was now set for the player of the year to continue his new found form with the willow. 

Max Newman plays the role of the glue within the Gordon innings 

Toddy (40 n.o) and Monaghs (79) then set about demoralising the Sutherland attack. Boundaries were flowing to all parts of the ground as the Sharks’ heads dropped. 

All their early hard work was being erased by some brilliant tail end batting. Monaghs eventually fell, but not after the damage had been done. The pair put on 80 runs for the final wicket, catapulting Gordon to a massive score of 297. 

With 9 overs to bowl at the end of the first day, Gordon toiled hard but failed to find a break through. Sutherland 0-30 at the close of Day One. As it turns out, the same runs were made by the Colts and their opponents, Sydney University, were in a very similar position!

Day 2 saw Sutherland off to the brighter start with both openers hitting boundaries and keeping the scoring rate ticking over. With the score on 62, Bangs (2-69) snuck one through the gate, removing the opener and getting the breakthrough Gordon needed to start their day. 

A brief partnership ensued, but it didn’t last long as Tommy C (2-30) claimed the other opener with the score on 90. This sparked a collapse as tight lines from Crosy (2-28) and Monaghs (0-21 off 13) combined with solid fielding saw Sutherland collapse to 5-105 as Toddy claimed his first (4-23). 

Tommy Bangs continues to put in great performances for the 5s 

Sutherland never recovered losing wickets in regular intervals as Toddy did what he does best. The last wicket fell with Sutherland on 179, still 118 in arrears.

Arguably Gordon’s best performance of the season, especially the rear-guard action, as they move within one game of the coveted Sherwood Trophy.

Andrew Crosland

The Stags teach the Students a lesson 

The team in Colts is filled with some of the best blokes in the club, giving the team a great camaraderie which, when it comes to finals cricket, is often the telling factor - especially as after Sydney University’s shock loss to North Sydney, the mighty Colts found themselves in a one verse two match up down ol’ Chatswood way. 

Iqbal Ahmed continues to contribute to the success of the side 

The grass was damp and the pitch promised some early life, so having lost the toss and been sent into bat the Colts would have been excused for some pre-match jitters.

Luckily for Gordon, the boys in the Gordon Colts don’t do fear, even after losing last week’s hero Tim Van Zuylan second ball. Some conservative batting (by their standards) saw Gordon move strongly to 1-44 off the first 13 overs before first Andrew Coleman and then Mark Fonseka threw away good starts to leave the Stags in some trouble at 3-52.

Now, those who don’t know James Dedman might be excused for thinking that a year off from the sport would leave a bit of rust. They of course would be wrong – but you can’t hold that against them. After a year away, James graciously decided to help out his old team in the semi-finals (“its not worth playing unless there is a trophy on the line”) and proceeded to start exactly where he left off with some lovely drives and the students were left reeling. James was ably supported by the rest of the middle order and his 80 formed the bedrock of the innings.

After the loss of James, David Leiboff (22), Iqbal Ahmed (19) and Ben Armstrong (0) the Colts were looking at reaching what I had proudly proclaimed was par, a score of 200 being fair on the slower than usual Chatswood outfield. 

Thankfully my prophesying wasn’t put to the test as Jason Leiboff (33) and the captain David Millar (49) had other ideas, leaving the Stags at a respectable 9/270.

With Dan “James Junior” Stickland and Deva “Jemal” Nirthanakumaran at the crease it was time to put the whites on. The students seemed to have the same idea and were left cursing when the two tail-enders consistently “left” anything wide of, over, and possibly even through, the stumps. After a number of picturesque cover drives a foot wide of the ball, Dan and Deva got their eyes in and put on a magnificent 27 for the last wicket, leaving the Stags jubilant and the students heartbroken as they finally walked off the field with 297 to chase.

Eleven overs were left on day one and the Stags set about attempting to claim an early wicket. The students’ openers (the ‘brothers’ Barwick) put up a good fight and managed to move the score along to 0/29 at the close of play. While it would have been great to get a wicket at the end of day one, the Stags knew that the first hour at Chatswood on day two would be the real clincher as the deck found some life again.

Day two loomed and the match was evenly poised. The Stags took the field, so did the umpires. The crowd took their seats… and waited. 

Unfortunately the batsmen didn’t seem to get the memo and when they finally did decide to play some cricket they were greeted with a muted cheer (and perhaps some sledging).

Deva Nirthanakumaran keeps the students in the field for much longer than they wished 

Now it must be said that even playing on the closest pitch, the walk from the stands to the field at Chatswood can feel like a long one. For the University openers it must have felt like a mile as the students’ season top scorer decided to guide a wide second ball to the waiting cover fieldsman. Jemal had struck and the Stags were fired up but still cautious – after all, the number three had put on quite a few runs and had made a match winning 70 last time the two sides had met.

First ball was a lovely delivery from Deva that jagged back and was watched carefully through to the keeper. So was the second, except this time the off stump got in the way. 2/29 in the first over back and it was game on.

Some tight bowling from the “speed demon” David Leiboff kept the batsman guessing and soon the Students were in serious trouble at 6 for very few at the first drinks break. That first hour at Chatswood offers some life for the bowlers and the Students had no answer to the great lines bowled.

They were beaten already and they knew it (even if the Stags didn’t). Clearly playing for the draw, the Students’ captain put up a commendable fight and along with the number 8 managed to last out the next hour without loss… or runs: only about 15 scored in the 20 overs bowled between drinks and lunch.

After lunch the wickets began to fall again, with Jason Leiboff and Iqbal Ahmed claiming the final scalps. Great bowling from the stags leaving the students flunking, all out for less than half the total with the “Peoples Champion” claiming 3, Jemal 3 and the Speed Demon 3 more on what, to be fair, was a beautiful wicket.

On to the final and the chance to defend the Metro Cup!

Andrew Coleman 

Fifth Grade unlucky to lose, but still in the hunt for the David Sherwood Cup.

The majority of the 5s have never played finals cricket before, but you could tell upon arriving at Chatswood Oval that everyone was fired up for a big game. 

Unfortunately the weather was horrible as per usual but upon uncovering the pitch we saw a deck that couldn’t have been any better given the conditions. It was decided that play would commence at 12.30 and 73 overs were to be bowled in the day.

Saahil Turki looked good until one got through the gate.

Tom ‘Shaft’ Cockburn lost the toss and we were sent in against an attack that had rolled us for 80 odd in January but one that we knew we could dominate. The openers started strongly with Shaft scoring freely through the off-side, while Saahil ‘Gobs’ Turki accumulated runs at the other end. The score progressed to 30 before Randwick struck, with Shaft leaving a ball that jagged back and would’ve taken out middle. Gobs departed soon after and was followed by Tom Carruthers with the score on 40 and the innings in the balance.

Crossy has been in form lately, and a big score is just around the corner!

Andrew Crosland strolled out to the crease carefree and immediately started finding the middle. He got to 30 in short time, with Max Newman playing a controlled, smart innings, feeding him the strike at the other end. Another rain delay took the momentum out of our innings and the newly juiced up deck saw a big off cutter take out Crossy’s off-stump at the resumption of play. From there we regained control of the innings, with Newman picking up where Crosland left, displaying an array of glorious shots around the ground despite the added movement off the pitch the rain had given. With Max scoring runs at will, I was able to just survive at the other end and turn over the strike, which worked well as the score was taken to 4/145 before Randwick struck again. 

This saw a monumental collapse occur that was reminiscent of our regular season match with the opposition, as our final wickets fell rapidly to see our total stall at 168. Newman finished with 62 to top score for the innings.

With our batting the weak point this year, our bowling attack is used to defending low totals, so we knew that 168 would be enough provided we bowled to our plans and held our catches. The innings started perfectly with Monaghan clipping the bails on his 4^th ball to have the score at 1/0. Edges were beaten and pads were struck but no more wickets were taken on Saturday evening as Randwick finished at 1/10.

Toddy back in action down ol' Chatswood way.

We started strongly the next morning, bowling controlled lines to halt RP’s scoring before the wickets started to fall. The first went to Tom Bangs with a fine edge going straight to Max, before Crossy struck twice and Tom Carruthers once, to have the opposition in trouble at 5/30. With their captain realizing he needed to switch the momentum, he came out blazing and made a quickfire 36 in a partnership that saw the score progress to 100. We felt we had the batsman at the other end out with the score on about 50 when he edged a ball to Max and started walking before stopping, with the umpire mysteriously not raising the finger – but hey, that’s cricket!

With Matt Todd not yet having taken a wicket to add to his 50 for the year, it was only time before he struck, claiming the next three wickets when Randwick looked to be getting on top, to see the score progress to 9/153. The final overs were nerve-wracking for both sides, as tight bowling and cautious batting ensued. One lush swing by the no.11 saw Randwick take the win for the second time this season, this time even closer than the 10 run win they had over us a few months ago. Credit must go to the opposition however as they were more clutch in the moments where both sides really needed to dig deep and grind it out.

Tom Bangs, Tom Carruthers and Matt Todd will all be essential against Sutherland in the semi final.

Fortunately for the boys there are many positives we can take out of this match.

1. We had control of this match on a difficult first day batting track and without a few mental lapses a big score was there for the taking.
2. We bowled to our plans extremely well for the majority of the second day, with only a few balls straying onto the pads letting the batsmen off the hook on a short Chatswood boundary.
3. Our fielding was top notch and some of the best it’s been all season.
4. We don’t have to do covers next week!

With many experiencing finals cricket for the first time, I know the boys will be up for the challenge more than ever this week. From a personal experience those left in 5s from last year are 0/2 in finals the last 2 seasons and I know how much everyone wants to win. With a bowling attack that is consistently strong in all facets, and a batting lineup that is still yet to click but feels as though it is getting closer and closer to doing so, we know that we can dominate this week and book a place in the grand final. Next week we will be playing Sutherland at Blacktown International Sports Park no. 2.

Tristan Cooper

Tony Wilson's photo of the year - The grippers celebrate as Dave Monaghan bowls the Randy Pete's opener with 6 overs left in the day.

A close up shows the ball in between the stumps and the bails falling off!

So this is it, last round of the season. The reserve Stags where in high spirits as we had enjoyed a good season and were now eyeing off being possible Minor Premiers. A win would help, but we knew that the game we forfeited would come back to haunt us.

Benny Armstrong - Iqbal 'The People's Champion' Ahmed's favourite 

Skipper Coleman lost the toss and we were sent in on what looked like a good wicket, as it turns out it wasn’t and it was an uphill struggle for all of the batsmen. Special mention to Carl “bats a bit like Brad Haddin” Kinghorne as he edged his way to top score for the Stags. 

The other worthy of a mention is Ben Armstrong, not because of his long flowing red hair but by the way he goes about his cricket. Always enthusiastic and plays with a smile on his face……..Well I guess he has to with the colour of his hair!!!!

Anyway we posted 169 off our allotted overs and then managed to keep the lads from Parramatta to 119. Largely because of me. Let’s not sugar coat it. I took 5 wickets and bowled superbly. 

A lot of people have a problem with talking about themselves or talking themselves up, I don’t and neither does my mate Ian Higgins…….if you haven’t already heard he now has a podcast, it would be strange if you didn’t know this!!!!!

Dave Leiboff looks to paste the bowlers across the line

Oh and Benny also took 5 catches in the field……well done!

So we came second by 1 point. Nevermind. Now to the real stuff.

Congratulations to Matt Todd for helping lead the 5th grade side to Minor Premiers as well as picking up the player of the year award, no Stag has ever deserved it more.

Also congratulations to the other grades that have made it to the play off rounds, I am sure we will all still be in the mix till the end.

NEXT……

Iqbal Ahmed

Needing 6 points and a miracle result in the match between Easts and Saints, we travelled to the picturesque North Sydney Oval knowing the odds were against us. Mind you, not only were the odds against us, but our coach also decided to put down the lamington for another season and pick up the pork pie. Marcos was still fist pumping at Wharf Bar after a big win against the $1.90 favourite Tigers and Greg Lewis was spotted at Anytime Fitness North Sydney 8:55am queuing for a bench.

Chad Soper charges in against the Bears 

Even without the presence of the coach and Marcos, Packers won the toss and choose to bat second. Dan Smith jumped early out of the cage and opened the "Stag" attack on a track which proved a little slow. Smithy shaped the ball around nicely, reinforcing the hard work he has put in at training this season is finally paying off. Unfortunately the ball seemed to be shaping into the middle of the bat.

Up the hill, our leader decided to hand (via the wrist) Chad Soper an opportunity. Soper (1-14) responded and was sensational. 

From the outset, Chad worked the 2 opening sticks over by bowling "back of a length" and gave them little chance to score. 

Dan Smith keeps tall as he delivers a great spell 

Chad bowled 7 straight! A sign that he is constantly finding out more about "his own game" as a bowler and being able to execute his own "plans" as a cricketer.

James Campbell, "The Real McCoy" replaced Smithy and settled in for the long haul, 10 overs straight. Very English, keeper up, "ring field" etc... JC put the brakes on the scoring and allowed Chad to attack from the other end.

Fortunately it was not as "English" as what Harry Evans is about to experience in the UK. The changes will be, Harold will not have to help with the covers because there are none. Harry will be opening the bowling with an abbreviated run up, (which means shorter than the one at the moment Reece because he will be required to bowl 24 straight from the one end, they play 48 overs). The keeper will be standing up although in exchange for gloves, he will be wearing his 9 to 5 welding mits from the village barn and batting pads as patella protectors. The captain's grandson will be setting Harry's field, due to the fact "pop" can't see anymore and the regular skipper had the week off to watch the away game at Oldham.

The bad news is the opposition only have 10, so "pops" grandson Jonny (who already has bun in the oven) puts his hand up to play for them. 12 year old, little Jonny hands his Burberry cap to the umpire, steams in with the new rock, bowling 70km/hr seam up. Harry's conscience will get the better of him and probably miss a straight one on purpose and proceed to consume 17 pints at tea whilst fighting off Jonny's Mrs and her plans to migrate to Australia with him and start a family.

I must interrupt to announce that JC is a specialist at his craft which is deceiving batsman. This reminder takes me back to a 2 day game v Manly at Manly Oval, 2009. JC deceived the manly skipper by a perfectly pitched delivery that swung back through the gate collecting the top of middle stump. I know its a little off the topic and a terribly vague example, however this manly player was good. You just have to ask him. So good that the following season he got out twice in a day against the Stags.

James Campbell continues to trouble batsmen with his big swingers 

Back to it, from overs 3 to 10, JC was superb. I believe he missed his length only once and created a pressure environment which was hard to score. Enter the giant, Scott Heaney. Scotty would be the first to admit he was not "on" in his opening spell. What impressed me the most is the way he returned. "Heans" sets incredibly high standards for himself, so it was really pleasing to watch him fight to get it right.

Special mention must go to Dan Smith (3/40) for the unusual dismissal of one of the North Sydney openers. Unbelievably the ball was "kicked" twice by the batsman and given out as caught at cover. Very peculiar and apparently the pitch was responsible....I guess you had to be there.

At 1/100, things were not going to plan. However we did manage to turn things around. Similar to Heans, Smithy returned with more discipline like the true "champion" greyhound he is. Smithy displayed good determination by bowling to plan and executing.

To be honest, the turning point to our session in the field was the introduction of Lewis and Evans. So often this season, these two have been called upon to work in tandem, affectionately known as "Chest" and "Abs". Harry pranced in off the long run, stood the seam up and planted the ball on a length. Having the best seat in the house, I can vouch for Harold, he bowls a heavy ball and makes it "talk" off the wicket. For about the fourth game in a row, Harry was complimented by the opposition batsman post delivery about how good he is bowling. 4 weeks ago Nathan Hauritz was offering his bat to the in field with a remark, "you have a go".

The highlight, or should I say highlights was Lewis picking up a pair of brothers. Both remarkable deliveries. I say remarkable because they both turned. Straight out of the palm, both deliveries pitched outside off stump and hit the top of leg stump. Had we not removed the brothers we were looking at 250 plus. In the end, we managed to restrict the total to 203.

After no lunch and a break, the two openers Eccles and Lewis set out on mission. Cameron looked comfortable on the back foot from the outset, punching Bills back down the wicket and launched Campbell into the stands as a contender for pull shot of the year. Unfortunately X missed a straight one shortly after....it was very straight.

Greg Lewis, also contender for "palm/pull" shot of the year, started in a positive fashion, piercing the field through the off side with some classic "fingerless" drives. Lewy and Reece Bombas looked in control. Having hit one of the best on drives this season, Reece followed Cam's lead and also missed a straight delivery, although chose not to kick the ball a second time before walking off.

Lewis continued to chip away at the score with young Harold. Harry entered the realm at a difficult stage of the game, we were slipping behind the run rate, could not afford to loose another wicket and he needed to get going from the outset.

Part-time specialist, Harry Evans, keeps his side in the hunt 

The chase feel in a heap when we lost Lewy (40). The momentum was gone, we were behind the rate and for the new batters the wicket proved hard to "get in". Steve Colley did his best, as usual, but fell victim to ever increasing pressure of the scoring rate. We lost our middle order in quick succession. The fight back came from Evans (59) and Soper which is something that would make our coach very proud. The feeling from the sideline was that we were always going down, however Evans and Soper put up a fight. Harry was brilliant and gave the side constant hope. Chad (30) played a crucial support role and in the end we got fairly close to the total, falling 8 runs short! So really, not that far off the rate in the end. Our chase lacked structure and we panicked at crucial stages of the innings. Or if you want to look at it like "the ger", we bowled 14 wides, they bowled 2!

Special mention must go to the manager. The service was fantastic and I think a few players have become accustomed to the constant pampering. Although I blame the former manager, Ian Packman for setting a high standard.

Another big thank you to the angry man that sits, observes us under a lens and tells us to be the best we can. This group cannot thank you enough for the time and preparation you put in each week to allow us to be the best we can be. See you shortly. And finally, to the absent Marcos. We love you regardless of whether you are "busy" or not. Up the eagles!

Bevo

Arriving at Chatswood Oval for the last time in the regular season the Stags reserve graders were met with a surprisingly good looking ground considering the considerable amount of rain we endured during the week causing flash flooding in several areas of Sydney. Credit must go to the Gordon groundsmen and all of the officials who helped with the repairing of the covers. Your time and effort was much appreciated!

Adair Durie midflight!

Every single Gordon player knows the intense rivalry between the Bears and the Stags, and this game was going to be particularly significant, not only was it the rematch of last year’s grand final, but we knew we had to win to assure a place in the semi finals with Parramatta breathing down our neck just two points behind us.

BG lost the toss, which turned out to be a good result for the Stags, with the Bears captain choosing to bat first on a hard and green looking Chatswood wicket. The return of Jules Stephenson proved vital for us as he opened up and bowled an agressive and fantastic spell of fast bowling taking 1 for 13 off 7. However, the whole bowling attack deserves recognition; every one of them bowling fantastic spells. Adair "Teddy" Durie and Ben "the bowling allrounder" Garratt took three wickets a piece. Els "Emo" Richtor and Kurt "Roughers" Roughley finished off what was a ruthless and complete bowling performance with 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

A special mention must go to Craig "Thorny" Thornborough who put on a virtually flawless display of wicket keeping with some onlookers in search of a better term for "hangers" when describing his efforts behind the stumps. 

North Sydney was all out for a miserly 100 from 29.1 overs.

Ben Garratt chipped in with 3 wickets

Although it was a score well and truly under par you just never know in a game like this so application and patience would be needed with the bat. With yours truly feeling under the weather, Brett and Blair opened up the Stags’ innings and both played terrific knocks getting us off to the perfect start. They put on 79 for the first wicket, both being particularly punishing on the short ball before Brett was dismissed for a well made 43.

Brett Rosen cutting on his way to 43

Blair continued through the entire innings carrying his bat for 40, with some support from the inform Richtor, making a quick fire 15 to cap off what was an all-round performance from the Gordon 2nd Graders, giving us plenty of momentum heading in to the semi finals this week against Sydney Uni. We have been here last year and I think with the self belief and confidence around this group we can do it again. Except one better this time.

Until next time, up the Stags!!

Jordan Liddle

With Ed being in form with the coin toss, we were batting first on what looked to be a good batting wicket. This was somewhat wrong as we found ourselves in trouble at 6/50. Henry came to the crease and took his usual batting game with him, showing excellent aggressive strokes that rattled the North Sydney bowlers. Beau Saddler also joined Henry and established a crucial partnership in the innings to reach a score of 169 which was a respectful total seen the position we were in.

Henry Carmichael proved to be the rock of the Gordon innings

With this score, we knew we were well in the game, as North Sydney needed to get the runs in fewer than 30 overs to be a chance of making the finals. As such, the bowlers were expecting an explosive batting display from the Bears. With this in mind, our bowling had to bowl straight, as extras could not be afforded. James Kidd bowling exceptionally well picked up 5 wickets that he rightly deserved. 

Runs were tallying up fast, however the wickets were falling as well care of some excellent catching by Harry out in the deep. 

After Effeney’s efforts last week at Killara, it is fitting to mention the efforts of another Stag, Ian Higgins this time, who caught a great catch out at long off. However, in steadying himself, he touched the 4cm concrete edge running around the ground which happened to be right near the Bears’ players.

James Kidd in great form coming into the finals series 

Ian straight away signaled a six. As he should have. 

However, instead of applauding Ian’s sportsmanship, the Bears carried on as if the bloke batting had hit the winning runs. That’s just typical behavior from North Sydney and why I will always play for a team that embodies sportsmanship above all else.

Club coach Ed Howitt Jnr in action

Having them 7 down with a few runs to score the game was still close and a wicket or two at the end could have grabbed us the 6 points. However, this was not to be. Coming of two losses, we are hungry for a win and will be ready for a good game this weekend.

Kris Colley

4th Grade won the toss and bowled as they needed a bonus point at Killara.

We were all keyed up to put in a strong performance against the Bears and the bowlers came out firing, bowling good lines and restricting North Sydney to just 140 at Killara.

Adam Cubbage in action for the last time this season before heading back to play cricket in Ditchling, England

Back in the sheds over lunch, we knew what we needed to do. 5 runs an over would get us home within 30 overs and with a bonus point. Nothing too difficult at Killara, despite a slow outfield. After the break, things quickly took a turn for the worse, as Gordon went into bat with an attitude to get the score perhaps more quickly than required. They soon found themselves 8-26 and a very early exit in our final game for the season. 

Some lower order resistance nearly tripled our score before the Bears were handed the win after we were bowled for about 70. A disappointing end to a very inconsistent season where the batsmen failed to fire on too many occasions.

Jack Colley (reporting on location from Maitland)

Alex Jackson and Michael Perry had a great first season with the Stags