HALF centuries to Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Brown and former Test all-rounder Shane Watson saw Sutherland score a much-needed four-wicket win over Hawkesbury on Saturday.
Resuming at 1-39, Sutherland were in control for most of their run chase at Glenn McGrath Oval as they reached Hawkesbury’s 281 for the loss of six wickets on day two of the round-six clash.
Opener Chris Williams (17) and Watson took the score to 71 before Williams fell, with Watson and Brown putting on a 50-run stand before Watson was trapped in front by Anthony Kershler for 54.
Youngster Shayne Smith (17) was part of another 50-run partnership with Brown before he was dismissed, with Brown falling four runs later for a patient 58.
It was the only real wobble of the run chase but Dwarshuis and wicketkeeper batsman Jarryd Biviano (25) put on 84 for the sixth wicket before Biviano was dismissed to put victory in sight.
It was Dwarshuis’ best knock of the season so far, making an unbeaten 77 from 100 balls under pressure to steer Sutherland to victory in the 78th over.
The Sydney Sixers all-rounder, 21, hit 15 boundaries in his knock to help push Sutherland back into the top half of the table.
It was a good day for Sutherland, which claimed wins in all five grades over Hawkesbury.
The Sharks scored a massive outright win in second grade, by an innings and 218 runs, while third, fourth and fifth grade also won comfortably.
The good results see Sutherland return to the top of the club championship table.
Meanwhile, for the second time this season, St George were unable to defend a score of over 350 as they went down by three wickets to Parramatta at Old Kings Oval.
Saints made 7-367 on day one against Parramatta, which looked more than a competitive total for their bowlers to defend.
Saints closed their innings at their first day score and set the home team 368 for victory, which Parramatta reeled in for the loss of seven wickets from 84 overs.
A second wicket partnership of 183 between opener William Affleck and No.3 batsman Nicholas Bertus set the tone for the day, with Bertus making 117 and Affleck 78.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis took 2-80 from 26 overs and leg-spinner Darius Visser returned his best figures in first grade since joining the club, taking 4-84.
Visser made the switch from Sydney Uni and Ellis joined Saints from Randwick Petersham this season.
The loss was similar to the one Saints suffered against Sydney in round four when they piled on 3(dec)-391 at Hurstville Oval only to see the visitors launch an impressive chase.
Saints slipped to fifth and remain on 18 points.
