Sydney Grade: Bankstown news, Round Eight

Round 8

First Grade

Bankstown too Good for Gordon

The Bankstown Sports Club sponsored Bulldogs scored a convincing victory last Saturday against Gordon to move into fourth position on the competition ladder. Gordon had first use of the difficult Chatswood pitch but after a great start their batsmen were unable to handle the lively pace of in form Bankstown strike bowler Greg Trevena and were bundled out for only 161. After an opening partnership of 70 in just 58 minutes the Highlanders looked set for a big score. However Bankstown skipper Kevin Roberts countered with the early introduction of wristspinner David Freedman into the attack. The ploy proved successful when Freddie had opener Kelly well caught by Ken Hall for 9. Trevena then unleashed a devastating spell using his pace and height to cut a swathe through the home side and finish with the matchwinning figures of 4-45 from his allotted 10 overs. He uprooted the stumps of topscorer Singh for 85 and then toppled Sherman's timber in a fiery display of bowling. Fellow paceman Hilal Dannaoui made an impressive first grade debut taking a wicket with his second ball and went on to snare 2-29 whilst Wayne Holdsworth and Matt Betsey completed the demolition job with a wicket apiece. Gordon slumped from 0-70 to 9-134 and it was only some stubborn last wicket resistance that gave the home side a glimmer of hope. Bankstown's run chase began with another lively partnership from Anthony Smith and prolific rungetter Vaughan Williams. The pair put on 79 before Williams was disappointingly run out for a typically hard hitting 44 after he had looked set for another big score. He pounded six boundaries in his 87 minute stay at the crease but was soon followed to the pavilion by Smith who was trapped LBW for 33. Smith's determined knock included three boundaries and a spectacular six over mid on and gave the 'Dogs just the start they needed. Allrounder Betsey rammed home the advantage with a solid 43 in just 76 minutes whilst skipper Kevin Roberts steered the ship home with 15 not out as the total reached 4-162. It was a vital and comprehensive victory for the 'Dogs but it was a hard fought one in many respects as it was not until the 47th over that they managed to claim victory. Bankstown has now moved to equal fourth position with Northern Districts and the next game is against North Sydney on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th January when the 'Dogs play at home. With the completion of the new pavilion and grandstand at Bankstown Oval a large crowd is expected in a game which should see history created. Veteran legspinner Ken Hall needs just one scalp to capture his 700th first grade wicket which will be true testimony to the longevity and durability of this most enthusiastic and popular sportsman affectionately dubbed "Old Man Emu"!!!

Second Grade

The seconds notched a well deserved victory over Gordon at Bankstown Oval thanks to a hard hitting 82 from the experienced Shane Cusick. Bankstown batted first and fought their way to a total of 217 but in reply Gordon could only manage 131. The openers got the 'Dogs off to a fine start with a solid stand of 75 before Jason Deitz was well stumped for a punishing 44. Cusick celebrated his return to the seconds with a typically determined innings which held the brittle Bankstown batting together just when it appeared the all too familiar collapse was imminent. Daniel Moy put together a quickfire 25 in just 16 balls whilst skipper Mark Grant was his usual patient self with 28 not out. Deitz ripped through the Gordon batting with his deceptive drifters to take 3-31 from 10 overs. He received great support from left arm spinner Darryn Bull who completed the job with the startling figures of 3-2. David Sidie chimed in with 2-12 and some good fielding supported the bowlers with Chris Gane taking three well judged catches and Grant Roden two.

Third Grade

The thirds lost when Gordon cruised to 3-210 in reply to the 'Dogs 205. Bankstown batted first on a lively pitch and Andrew O'Brien was once again in superb form with the blade scoring 61 whilst most others struggled. He opened his scoring with a spectacular six and posted nine boundaries in his enterprising innings. Englishman Leo Taylor was the only other batsman to seriously trouble the scorers and his attacking 54 which included seven boundaries and two massive sixes kept the'Dogs in the hunt. The rest of the batting was very disappointing with only skipper Spotswood's 21 worth a mention. Medium pacer Darren Ettridge was the pick of the Bulldog bowlers taking 2-24.

Fourth Grade

The fourths got their premiership aspirations back on track cruising to 4-101 in reply to Gordon's humble 99. Nathan Bracken returned from injury to take 3-21 and generated surprising pace from a very short run up whilst Brad Roworth worked up good pace to take 2-17. Roworth's opening spell was most impressive and after five overs he had the startling figures of 2-1 to get Bankstown on top early. Skipper David Drew showed his versatility by relinquishing the gloves to take 2-17 in a tidy bowling spell to complete the rout. The fielding was of a high calibre with Drew snaring three fine catches. Nathan Bracken blasted 34 not out with the bat thumping four boundaries and a six whilst Adam Tonkin continued his solid form with 29 as the 'Dogs cruised to victory.

Fifth Grade

The welcome return of Peter Moy as skipper of the fifths and some impressive performances by the younger brigade enabled Bankstown to notch a narrow but convincing victory over Gordon last Saturday. Moy won the toss and invited the Highlanders to bat on a damp pitch. The Bulldogs took advantage of the conditions dismissing the home side for 180 with Moy leading the way in taking 3-20 from his 12 overs. Fellow medium pacer Brant Bourke-Douglas beat the bat repeatedly to capture 2-26 whilst Andrew Sidie chimed in with 2-33 to add to Gordon's woes. Legspinner Brad Roberts completed the fine bowling effort with 2-34. In reply Brent Mills scored a stylish 43 for the 'Dogs whilst Andrew Sidie showed his versatility with a solid 37. However a mini collapse brought the side to the brink of defeat and it was left to Lance Brooker to steer them out of trouble with a defiant 43 not out as they battled to 8-181 and first innings points.

(Reproduced with the kind permission of Michael Stephenson.)