SUTHERLAND and St George first-grade cricket team players produced the fireworks and thrilling batting in both the longer and shorter forms in an exciting weekend round of local matches.
In the razzle dazzle Twenty20 format, Sutherland produced an escape act that would have made Harry Houdini proud at Glenn McGrath Oval, Caringbah, on Sunday.
In one of the most amazing victories in their 50-year history, Sutherland batsmen Joel Brockley and Jamie Brown's blistering century partnership won a thrilling match against Mosman.
The triple header of games was played between Sutherland, University of NSW and Mosman.
In Sutherland's second game, Mosman made 4-171, with Sutherland's Jamie Brown taking 2-24.
Sutherland's amazing win, making 8-172, came about with a stunning 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Joel Brockley belted 65 and Jamie Brown scored a rapid 35.
"We were gone when they came to the crease," Sutherland club historian Tom Iceton said.
"When Jamie and Joel got to the wicket we were 6-52 off nine overs.
"The score moved to 6-64 off 11 overs and then the next six overs produced 88 runs.
"Joel and Jamie put on 105 from 52 balls, which is a seventh-wicket, T20 club record.
"Joel scored 65 from 32 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. Jamie made 35 from 24 balls, with three fours and one six, and Dan Fallins then finished off with a six to win the match.
"It was one of the most exciting wins in recent memory."
In Sutherland's first match played on Sunday morning, University of NSW made 3-168 from its 20 overs and Sutherland reached 6-163 with Daniel Rixon unbeaten on 58 and Ben Dwarshuis scoring 39.
Rixon and Dwarshuis produced a record sixth wicket partnership for T20 matches, the previous best being 54 between Joel Burnett and Ben Marciante in 2008-09.
Meanwhile on Saturday at Glenn McGrath Oval, Sutherland had a hard day 's work as Bankstown made 7-401 on the opening day of the two-day game.
Neighbouring St George also played two Twenty20 matches on Sunday at Hurstville Oval, winning against Newcastle and losing to Gordon.
Saints lost to Gordon making 6-139, with visitors reaching 4-144. The Saints defeated Newcastle in the second game, making 4-149, and the Novacastrians scored 8-146.
On Saturday, St George reached 8-335 on the opening day's play against Gordon at Hurstville Oval. Wicketkeeper Guy Seymour clouted 91. Gordon were 0-28 at stumps.
How do you rate Sutherland's amazing Twenty20 victory in the club's 50-year history?
