ASHTON May has become an unexpected strike weapon for St George first grade cricket team's charge to the finals.
Match winners in cricket are sometimes like finding gold nuggets buried at the bottom of a mine shaft.
Saints, on the back of three straight wins, are sixth on 44 points.
May, known for his batting, has always been underrated with his off-spinners.
He opened the bowling on Saturday at Hurstville Oval and took 4-19 helping rout Fairfield Liverpool's batting for 92.
Saints cruised to victory at 4-93 in 22.2 overs.
May, 25, is somewhat of a cricket journeyman. He started his cricket in the ACT, then came to Sydney and played with Saints.
Then after a season at Saints he headed to the Apple Island for two years in Hobart and played for Tasmania's under-23 team.
Now he is back for a second season at Saints — and loving it.
"I am happy to be at the club and it feels like home," May said.
"Saints are a great club to play with."
May is as flexible — like the exercise physiology course he studies at UNSW — in a batting order.
"I bat anywhere, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, in the order," May said.
May is prepared to be the "ultimate team" man and bat where he is needed and bowl when required.
He has hammered 502 runs this season in Twenty20, one day and two-day formats at 33.5, and taken 11 wickets at 14.6, with limited opportunities.
Saints play Hawkesbury on Saturday, March 14, at Hawkesbury, in a 50-overs-a-side game, in the final round.
Sutherland
Sutherland's Ben Dwarshuis was named the Sydney grade player of the round after scoring an unbeaten 65 and taking four wickets against Randwick-Petersham in a match on Saturday at Glenn McGrath Oval, Caringbah.
Coming to the crease with his side under pressure at 6-108, Dwarshuis' innings ensured Sutherland could post a competitive target of 218.
The NSW Blues rookie contracted player hit his 65 off 63 deliveries, smashing four fours and two sixes in 86 minutes.
It was the second time Dwarshuis has passed 50 in First Grade this season.
He was then instrumental with the ball, taking 4-48 including Randwick-Petersham opener Anthony Sams for a golden duck, as Sutherland secured a thrilling one-run victory.
Fourth-placed Sutherland, 48 points, play their final one-day game on Saturday, March 14, against North Sydney at Glenn McGrath Oval.
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There are no first grade matches this weekend.