FORMER Test all-rounder Shane Watson made a promising comeback from a calf injury for Sutherland as the Sharks snuck home in the second last over against Fairfield Liverpool on Saturday.
In his first hit since early September in England, the 34-year-old veteran of 59 Tests and 190 one-day internationals made 29 from as many balls opening the batting in his first game at Glenn McGrath Oval.
It was Sutherland’s second win to start the new season and looked as though they would do it comfortably when the visitors finished at 9-212 from their 50 overs.
Former NSW batsman Ben Rohrer made 90 for Fairfield Liverpool before he become one of Mitch Brown’s five wickets for the match.
In reply, Sutherland made a promising start as Watson and Adam Whatley (49) put on 71 for the first wicket before Watson was caught by Jeremy Maher off the bowling of Anthony Clarke.
Matthew Hughston then fell without a run being added to the score as Sutherland lost seven wickets for 79 to sit perilously at 7-150.
Shayne Smith (43 not out) and Daniel Fallins (21) guided the hosts to a narrow two wicket win with one over to spare.
Watson, who has played for the club sporadically due to his representative commitments with NSW and Australia since joining in 2009, told The Leader he could feature more prominently this season.
‘‘Definitely through November I’ll be available to play at least a couple of rounds of grade cricket as well when the [Sheffield] Shield is on,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a great way for me to get back to full fitness and back to my best.
‘‘It’s a perfect lead in to the Matador Cup.
‘‘It’s always a very good challenge to play against high quality opposition.
‘‘Hopefully I’m not too rusty.
‘‘A few times I’ve played for Sutherland when I’ve been coming back from injury and I have been so it’d be nice to make some runs for them.’’
Watson said he had fond memories of playing grade cricket and loved playing when he had the chance.
‘‘The thing that I love the most is that the guys who play grade cricket are predominantly guys who give up their weekends just because they love playing the game,’’ he said.
‘‘They could be doing something else. They could be spending time with their family or working or whatever.
‘‘But I love that, that’s really refreshing.’’
