(Pictured: Greater Hunter Coast and Southern Swans Brewer Shield teams following their round 5 clash)
Power hitting and stunning spells - it was on for young and old in this issue of The Opening Spell.
First Over
First ball – Blazing 130 at 41
Veteran Daniel Christian rolled back the years for UNSW, smashing 130 runs off just 164 balls, featuring a dazzling 24 boundaries, in their total of 377 against Sutherland. At 41, Christian became the first over-40 player to notch a first-grade century since 2017-18, joining the ranks of late-career legends like Anthony Clark and James Aitkin.
Second ball – Swans Soar
Ebony Winston led the Southern Swans to victory over Greater Hunter Coast in the Brewer Shield with a stunning 4-8 spell, restricting their opponents to just 67. The Swans chased it down in 16 overs, securing a six-wicket win to sit comfortably at the top of the table with five rounds completed.
Third ball – Warner’s Double Act
Randwick Petersham's Kaden Warner starred with both bat and ball against Hawkesbury in men’s fifth grade. After taking 5-9 to bowl out the Hawks for 55, Warner top-scored with 43 off 23 balls in the chase. He capped the weekend by taking two more wickets, ending with 2-21 in the second innings.
Fourth ball – Kaya’s Career Best
Manly Warringah’s Kaya Punter bowled her career-best for women’s second grade, taking 5 wickets for just 11 runs in 4 overs against Greater Hunter Coast. Her decisive spell turned the game, as the visitors lost five wickets for only 8 runs, posting a modest 85 that Manly chased down.
Fifth ball – Atherton and Carruthers’ Run Fest
Fairfield-Liverpool's Brent Atherton and Mitchell Carruthers delivered a batting masterclass in men’s second grade against Bankstown, with Atherton scoring a stylish 154 and Carruthers blasting a colossal 194. Together, they lifted Fairfield to an imposing 386 at stumps.
Sixth ball – Church on Fire!
Sydney University has set a target of 254, thanks to an outstanding unbeaten innings from Dylan Church, who scored 154 runs in men’s third grade. His performance featured 12 boundaries and two sixes while Harrison Allomes and Arnav Yadav contributed with 34 and 33 respectively. The mounting pressure on Blacktown was evident as they lost their first wicket without scoring to see them at 1/16 at stumps.
Second Over
First ball – Abela Shines, Vane-Tempest Snags Seven!
St George bowlers made quick work of Campbelltown-Camden, skittling them for just 151 after sending them in to bat. 18-year-old opener Baily Abela top-scored for Campbelltown-Camden with a gritty 53, marking his third half-century in only his fifth first-grade innings. Behind the stumps, St George’s wicketkeeper Tom Vane-Tempest was on fire, taking an impressive seven catches to keep the pressure on. St George ended the day confidently at 1-42, setting themselves up for a strong chase on Day 2.
Second ball – McCall, Delaney Dominate as Sydney Rolls Uni
Tara McCall starred in a dominant bowling display for Sydney in the women’s third grade, claiming an incredible 4-12 to restrict Sydney University to just 100 runs. Maggie Delaney provided excellent backup, taking three wickets, and maintaining the pressure throughout her spell. Their combined efforts ensured a comfortable chase for Sydney, giving them the edge in this spirited rivalry.
Third ball – Finley’s Fireworks
After being sent in to bat in the men’s Poidevin-Gray Shield, Finley Hill delivered a blistering performance for Eastern Suburbs, scoring an unbeaten 95 runs off just 39 balls, which included nine sixes. Trystan Kennedy offered brilliant support, with his 60* off 53 to see Easts though to 180 after 20. Fairfield-Liverpool struggled in reply, finishing well short at 115.
Fourth ball – Robertson Rockets Eastern Suburbs to 300+
Eastern Suburbs established a commanding position in men’s fourth grade, amassing 301 runs declared in 69 overs against Sydney. Lucas Robertson stole the show with a splendid 151, while George Naish supported with a composed 92, and Ben Revai added a solid 43* to round out the total. Sydney’s batters stumbled in response, ending the day on a shaky 2/34 after nine overs, facing an uphill battle.
Fifth ball – Gordon Holds Nerve
Sterre Kalis led Gordon’s batting efforts in women’s first grade, scoring a crucial 52 off 49 balls to anchor their innings at 124. Parramatta’s Vani Bhadana (32) and Niamh Holland (26) fought back, but ultimately fell 12 runs short, as Gordon held their nerve for a well-earned victory.
Sixth ball – Hackney and Xie Dominate
Parramatta’s opening batter Ryan Hackney hit his stride in men’s first grade, crafting a masterful 130* off 266 balls, his 12th first-grade century. Twenty-year-old Patrick Xie added flair with a dazzling 160* off 144 balls, smashing 28 fours and two sixes – notching up his second century. Their combined efforts led Parramatta to a towering 4d-377 in 90 overs, giving them a strong grip on the match.