Two household names have helped Sutherland sink St George during their derby – regaining the Norm O’Neill Cup.
The two sides met on Saturday at Glenn McGrath Oval during day two of their two-day fixture in the Belvidere Cup.
A week prior Sutherland had set an imposing target of 427 led by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson (184) and Jarryd Biviano (122). It was Watson’s first century for the club and also the highest score by a Sutherland batsman in any grade against St George.
The target proved too big a job for Saints, who started day two on 1/14 and were eventually dismissed for 274.
Sutherland opening bowlers Tom Pinson (3/69) and Jake Wilson (2/74) were both in good form while Sutherland young gun Austin Waugh cleaned up the tail taking 3/25. Austin is the son of Australian cricketing legend Steve Waugh and is enjoying his first season in first grade.
St George captain Trent Copeland smashed his way to his side’s top score of 72 off 73 balls, but was unable to help his team to an unlikely victory.
Sutherland treasurer Tom Iceton said it was great to regain the Norm O’Neill Cup following a couple of years in the Saints trophy cabinet.
“It is certainly good to win and regain the Norm O’Neill Cup,” he said.
“Obviously we set the platform in the first week with a good target.”
He said St George put up a good fight reaching 139/2 before Sutherland managed to pick away wickets.
“Pinson and Wilson both bowled really well. And it was just good to get the win.”
He said Watson would be with them for the next round before heading to Bangladesh to play T20.
The Norm O’Neill Cup is named after the late St George great who died in 2008. He was also Sutherland’s inaugural captain in 1965.
The trophy has been contested between the two proud clubs since the 2008/09 season.
With identical records of one win and one loss to start the season, Sutherland and St George will both look to climb the ladder during round three of the Belvidere Cup this coming Saturday.
Sutherland will head to Allan Border Oval to face Mosman, while St George will also hit the road to play Blacktown at Joe McAleer Oval.
The Belvidere Cup is also known as the McDonald's NSW Premier Cricket competition.
- Sutherland 9/427 dec (S Watson 184, J Biviano 122; T Copeland 4/97) defeated St George 274 (T Copeland 72, B Macdonald 69; A Waugh 3/25, T Pinson 3/69) – Sutherland won on first innings points.
