Sutherland captain Chris Williams continued his impressive season with the bat, leading his side to a comfortable six-wicket victory over University of NSW.
The match was played at Alan Davidson Oval, St Peters on Saturday with UNSW’s ground out of action.
Williams sent the hosts in to bat in tough conditions, with a slow wicket and slower outfield making scoring difficult.
Jake Wilson was the star with the ball for Sutherland taking 4-12 after overcoming a nasty blow to the shin when he was struck in his follow through early on.
The injury forced Wilson off the field to receive treatment but it wouldn’t keep the left-arm seamer out of the action as he returned to help bowl UNSW out for 169 in the 47th over.
The former St George and Randwick opening bowler joined his local club this year and has made an immediate impact in the top grade.
In reply, Sutherland were always in control of the run chase thanks to an 80-run opening partnership between Williams and Jarryd Biviano (45). Williams remained unbeaten on 80 to steer his side past the total with 22 balls to spare.
While he was happy with his contribution, Williams was keen to pay tribute to Wilson and Biviano.
“[Wilson] bowled very well and had to push through the pain barrier for us,” he said.
“He came back after he went off and cleaned up. He was on a hat-trick at one stage and just did an excellent job.
“It was tough batting with the slow wicket and the outfield how it was. Jarryd struck them quite well at the start. But we had to work hard, a good shot that you’d get four on most grounds you’d get a comfortable two or run hard for three. It was a good partnership that helped set it up.”
The win also saw Sutherland qualify for the quarter finals of the one-day competition and gives the side a confidence boost heading into their two-day, Saturday-Sunday clash with top of the table Sydney University this weekend.
