One dream realised, Smith’s in for more

The 21-year-old scored his maiden first grade century against Northern District in round three, facing 184 balls in his patient knock of 118 at Mark Taylor Oval, Waitara.

Smith was eventually stumped after sharing in a 110-run partnership with opener Chris Williams that looked to have dragged Sutherland back into the match chasing Northern District’s 398.

Smith, from Kirrawee, backed up his first top grade ton with an unbeaten 80 a day later as Sutherland downed Illawarra in the Twenty20 Cup.

Sutherland will need all of Smith’s good form on Saturday as the Sharks look to avoid an outright defeat against Sydney University.

Sutherland were rolled for 117 on day one last weekend, with Sydney Uni scoring 6-125 before declaring at Sydney University 1.

The Sharks are 1-15 in reply in their second innings.

Smith was dismissed cheaply in the first innings but told the Leader he had enjoyed his good early season form. 

‘‘Like any other time it feels good to score runs,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m just positive about having a big season. I’ve made a few 50s, maybe four. So it was nice to go on [and get my first century].’’

Smith, an Australia and NSW junior hockey representative, made his debut as a 17-year-old before leaving the club and returning last season where he worked his way into first grade.

He showed his ability to adapt to vastly different situations during his 198-run weekend.

Sutherland had been 3-40 against Northern District, requiring Smith to bat patiently to try and get his team back in the match.

His Twenty20 innings was the opposite, with Smith lifting his aggression as he took it to Illawarra’s bowlers. 

‘‘I’d rather play the one-dayers but being able to bat patiently on the Saturday when we were in trouble and then batting completely differently the next day showed that I can adapt,’’ he said.

Smith said Sutherland would need to improve on day two against Sydney Uni.

‘‘Obviously we have to bat a bit better,’’ he said.

‘‘They’re always competitive and quite strong as a club.

‘‘In first grade any team can have a good or bad day and anyone can beat anyone so it’ll be a challenge.’’

At Hurstville Oval, St George are in a dominant position against Sydney as they head into the second day’s play on Saturday.

Sydney resume at 1-20 chasing Saints’ massive 3(dec)-391 thanks largely to an unbeaten 370-run and record breaking fourth wicket partnership between Ashton May (203 not out) and Damian Bourke (170 not out).

St George captain and NSW paceman Trent Copeland will spearhead the bowling as the Saints  attempt to remain in the competition lead. 

They have 18 points and share the lead with Sydney (18) and Bankstown (18).

Play resumes on Saturday at 10.30am.