Words to come later
ST George first grade cricket team bowlers have catapulted them to two impressive victories in the opening rounds of the Sydney grade competition.
The bowlers dismissed their opponents University of NSW and Gordon in both games at Hurstville Oval.
That’s wickets in both games for first innings’ victories, proving St George has the strike power in their bowling attack.
On Saturday, after declaring at 8(dec)-335 on day one, St George dismissed Gordon for 201, with English recruit, right-armer, Ben Kitt, taking 6-31. The Nottingham Shire second XI quick was most impressive.
St George president Kevin Greene said Kitt came to the club with good credentials and was a welcome addition.
Kitt bowled fast on the Hurstville wicket and had the Gordon batsman hopping around like kangaroos at the crease.
St George captain and opening bowler Trent Copeland only bowled three overs on the opening day and watched on from the stands on Saturday.
Copeland has a stress fracture in his back and will miss the next game and return in round four.
‘‘Trent will be back in round four and only play as a batsman and when he’s over the back injury, then return to bowling,’’ Greene said.
In round three, St George play Easts at 10.30am on Saturday at Waverley Oval.
In the Kingsgrove Sports Twenty20 competition, St George has reached the semi-finals. They play Manly at 4pm on Tuesday, October 28, at Drummoyne Oval.
St George defeated local rivals Sutherland on Sunday in their first game but lost their second game against Randwick Petersham.
However, St George finished finished fourth to qualify.
SUTHERLAND got rolled in the two-day game against Bankstown which ended at Glenn McGrath Oval.
Chasing Bankstown’s total of 7-(dec)401, Sutherland was dismissed for 260. Mitch Brown topscored with 74 and opener Joel Brockley made 48.
Sutherland were 2-126 and in a good position for the run chase but they lost their last eight wickets for 134 runs.
Right-handed batsman Brown has made 79 and 74 in both two-day games this season.
Sutherland won their opening match against Fairfield Liverpool.
In round three, Sutherland play Campbelltown at 10.30am at Raby Oval.
Sutherland lost both matches in the Kingsgrove Sports Twenty20 Cup against St George and Randwick Petersham on Sunday at Coogee Oval.
But the good news was the return of Test batsman Shane Watson from injury.
Watson opened the batting against St George, making 37 in the team’s total of 100. St George made 7-141 to win the match.
The right-hander, back from an ankle injury which forced him to miss Australia’s current your of the United Arab Emirates, batted solidly at while at the crease.
Sutherland Cricket Club historian Tom Iceton said the club would know during the week if Watson would play this Saturday against Campbelltown.
Did you see the matches? Give us your report.