Blake Macdonald’s first century for the club has helped St George to a crushing 70-run win over North Sydney.
Saints made 8-302 in their round seven limited-overs clash at Hurstville Oval, with Sydney Thunder rookie Macdonald blasting 122 from 110 balls at the top of the order.
A mini collapse saw St George lose three wickets for four runs before Macdonald and Nick Stapleton (83) rescued the innings with a 122-run fourth wicket partnership. A half century to wicketkeeper Jonathan Rose (52) also helped pushed St George towards 300.
In reply, Norths were undone by St George debutant Michael Kennedy who took 4-25, while NSW quick Trent Copeland was impressive taking 2-28 from his 10 overs as the visitors were restricted to 9-232.
At Glenn McGrath Oval, Jake Wilson’s 4-39 helped Sutherland further entrench themselves in the top six with a comfortable five-wicket win over University of NSW.
Sutherland restricted UNSW to 9-202 from their 50 overs, with Wilson and Daniel Fallins 2-42 the best with the ball for the hosts.
Sutherland lost captain Chris Williams (1) early on but starts to Jarryd Biviano (43), Jamie Brown (32) and Daniel Rixon (43) as well as a Peter Saroukos half century (61) was enough to see them home with four overs to spare.
The win pushed Sutherland up to fourth place just two points behind leaders Campbelltown-Camden while St George are now one win outside the top six.
In the final match before the Christmas break in round eight on Saturday, Sutherland host Penrith at Glenn McGrath Oval while St George travel to Old Kings Oval to face Parramatta.
