Johnston claims Slater on way to hat-trick

The Sydney Grade Cricket Competition's Round 2 was completed yesterday, Monday 6 October. Bankstown, Randwick Petersham and Northern District recorded wins, but the rest of the competition had to settle for draws after rain intervened. Former NSW paceman Trent Johnston took a tremendous hat-trick for Mosman, while two little-known Sutherland third-graders broke an historic tenth-wicket partnership record.

Mark Waugh recorded his first win as Bankstown's captain, as his side crept past St George's total of 212 for the loss of eight wickets at Bankstown Oval. Waugh could only manage 3 in difficult conditions, while Gian Scuglia (66) top-scored in his side's important win.

Northern District needed only one day to demolish a new-look Eastern Suburbs outfit at Waitara Oval. Brad Haddin made an unsuccessful return to his old club ground, scoring just 5 as the Dolphins managed only 91. Opening bowlers Rob Eddy (4/28) and Cameron Eve (3/22) did most of the damage for District. Graham Hanlon (69) and man-of-the-match Cameron Eve (60) then helped the home side cruise to victory, eventually scoring 262.

Simon Katich (62) continued his fine early-season form at Petersham Oval, as Randwick Petersham hauled in Campbelltown-Camden's 279, only six wickets down. Jarred Burke (103) and John McKell (82) gave the Ghosts a great opportunity on, but the classy Randy Petes batting line-up was too strong, with Joseph Hill (81) top-scoring.

At Village Green, former NSW paceman Trent Johnston recorded a brilliant hat-trick against University of NSW. Michael Slater was the second of his three victims, as the Bumblebees stumbled to 4/8. However, Johnston (5/38) could not prevent the home side posting 311, to which Mosman replied with 1/125.

In Third Grade, a remarkable record was established at Sutherland Oval. After being sent in to bat, Sutherland was reeling at 9/97, when Daniel Marandola joined Aaron Phillips at the crease. In 69 previous matches, Marandola's highest score had been only 18. Phillips was eventually out for 154, with the score on 292- a 195-run partnership. Marandola remained undefeated on 61. The partnership is the highest-ever tenth-wicket partnership in any Grade.

Other First Grade matches- Manly-Warringah 294 drew with Blacktown 1/23 at Joe McAleer; Penrith 237 drew with Fairfield-Liverpool 5/103 at Howell; Gordon 96 drew with Parramatta 0/56 at Killara; North Sydney 171 drew with UTS-Balmain 2/58 at Drummoyne; Western Suburbs 202 drew with Sutherland 0/20 at Pratten; Hawkesbury 152 drew with Sydney University 0/66 at Owen Earle.