Sydney Grade: Bankstown news, Rounds Eleven and Twelve

Prolific rungetter Vaughan Williams pushed his total for the season over 650 runs and became one of the competition's leading rungetters when he blasted 177 against Penrith last Saturday at Bankstown Oval. The Bankstown Sports Club sponsored Bulldogs were invited to bat by the Panthers and responded by pounding 6-351 thanks to the dynamic Williams who plundered five sixes and 25 boundaries in his 287 minute run spree.

The confident young opener savaged the Panthers attack mercilessly and delighted the small crowd by notching his century with a spectacular straight hit for six which soared over the sightscreen. One of his fours which was flicked through midwicket was hit with such ferocity that it smashed and splintered the top of the boundary fence earning him the title of "Williams the Wrecker".

Vaughan has set the cricketing world abuzz this season not only for his consistent rungetting but for his reluctance to bat in a helmet. His bravado in facing one of the world's fastest bowlers in Brett Lee when playing for the 'Dogs against Mosman without the protective headware which has become mandatory escalated into a controversial and divisive issue.

Williams scored 34 against the Mosman attack which also included Phil Alley and Shane Lee in a defiant knock. He plundered an audacious straight hit for six during the innings although Brett Lee had the last laugh by rattling his stumps.

Oldtimers saw it as a refreshing approach in these days of thigh pads, arm guards, chest pads and elbow guards but others saw it as brashness bordering on the foolhardy. The fact is that he has always been uncomfortable batting in a helmet and has felt restricted and claustrophobic. However following discussions with senior players he has opted in the last couple of weeks to wear a helmet without the grill and it would appear from Saturday's magnificent knock that the transition has done his batting no harm at all.

At the tender age of 22 the talented youngster seems set for a big future and looks a big chance of wearing the baggy blue cap for N.S.W., not forgetting the blue helmet of course. The diminutive opener received stoic support from the hardworking Matt Betsey who contributed 64 and was involved in a 222 run partnership for the third wicket with Williams.

Club history of a most unusual kind occurred when Williams notched up his century. Bulldog scorer Arthur Couper raised his pen in acknowledgment of the congratulations he received for scoring his 100th century for the Club, a unique achievement. Kevin Roberts added a delightful little cameo at the end to finish with 32 not out whilst Shane Duff added a breezy 26 to put the 'Dogs in a commanding position.

It was a much improved batting display by the locals who had failed dismally against Manly on Australia Day. Chasing a total of 5-251 at Manly Oval Bankstown slumped to be dismissed for a paltry 119. As has become the norm rather than the exception Williams was the pick of the Bankstown batting lineup topscoring with 45 which was compiled in 93 minutes and included six boundaries.

A huge crowd is expected at the opening of the new pavilion and grandstand at Bankstown Oval on Tuesday the 8th February at midday. The return of the Waugh twins to their beloved Bankstown Oval for the ceremony and the consequent bevy of media reps and television coverage should make it a sight to behold. The display of the World Cup cricketing trophy will also generate plenty of excitement and everybody is welcome to attend for what should be an enjoyable afternoon.

The seconds are involved in a tight tussle with Penrith after scoring 162 and capturing 4 Panther wickets for 66. Once again ever reliable batsman Daniel Moy was amongst the runs with a defiant 48 which held the brittle batting together. Experienced Shane Cusick also showed plenty of determination with a valuable 43 in difficult conditions but the rest of the batting was disappointing. Prolific wicket taker Greg Trevena got the Bulldogs back in the game by ripping into the Panthers top order to capture 3-16 and similar form next week should see Bankstown get home. Mark Grant's seconds have started the new year in much improved form with wins over Campbelltown and Manly.

On Australia day they easily accounted for Manly after a rain delay threatened to thwart the 'Dogs push for victory. Bankstown batted first with the irrepressible Daniel Moy again the Bulldogs batting star scoring an impressive and disciplined 63 which enabled the locals to post a competitive total of 193. Wicketkeeper Chris Gane was the pick of the other batsman with a punishing 35. Pacemen Hilal Dannaoui and Grant Roden bowled with plenty of hostility to restrict Manly to just 135 in reply. Dannaoui troubled all batsmen in a lively spell to capture 4-41 whilst Roden who had bowled without luck earlier in the season was once again amongst the wickets with 4-36.

Nathan Bracken who is troubled by a rib cartilage problem passed his fitness test with flying colours conceding only 24 runs in 12 overs and the N.S.W. selectors are following his progress with great interest.

Thirds have already lost on the first innings to the Panthers scoring a meagre 144 at Jensen which was no challenge to the visitors who raced to 8-214. Allrounder Brad Roworth was the pick of the batsman with a hard hitting 44 not out whilst Jason Deitz compiled a solid 26. The thirds had a good victory over Manly on Australia day scoring 5-138 when chasing a paltry 134. Paceman Brad Roworth worked hard in a lively spell to take 2-43 but the bowling honours went to Jason Deitz who troubled all batsmen to take 4-23 from 11 overs of swerving seamers. Chasing the small target Geoff Spotswood scored a handy 28 and Jason Deitz confirmed his versatility with 25. A.W. Green Shield rep. player Michael Bright put together a punishing 22 not out as the 'Dogs cruised to victory.

Another immaculate batting display from Peter Dugmore has given the Bulldogs the whip hand in the game against Penrith at Cook Park. The dashing Dugmore pounded 117 runs to celebrate his selection in the A.W. Green Shield rep. side and help guide the 'Dogs to the impressive total of 309. In reply the Panthers have notched 15 without loss. At 3-9 Bankstown looked in dire straits but Dugmore soon changed all that plundering 18 boundaries in his 149 minute stay at the crease. The hard hitting lefthander produced some savage pull shots through midwicket and several delightful cover drives in his explosive innings. Dugmore received great support from ever reliable Mitchell Coton who joined in the run spree with a stylish 56. The tail helped push the Bankstown total along with Jarrad Way thumping 46 not out at number eight, Darren Ettridge 22 at nine whilst Andrew Sidie contributed a hard hitting 31 at 10. A.W. Green Shield paceman Jeremy Thackray showed he is no slouch with the bat either and compiled a handy 20 in a most aggressive manner and must be one of the best number elevens going around!! The fourths need a win to get their premiership aspirations back on track after losing to Manly on Australia Day. Bankstown could only manage 155 when chasing 7-225. Skipper David Drew led by example with 3-29 and 28 not out whilst Mitchell Coton was in good touch as usual with 35 and Leo Taylor contributed a fighting 27. Paceman Troy Brown conceded only 29 runs in his 12 overs and Darren Ettridge took 2-52 whilst Andrew Sidie captured 2-51.

The fifths are comfortably placed in the game against Penrith scoring 2-51 in reply to the Panthers 152. Paceman Matt Doab took the bowling honours for the Bulldogs with 4-48 from 17.1 lively overs. He received great support from Brad Christensen who moved the ball around effectively to capture 3-17. Aaron Klumpp excelled in the field with three good catches whilst Scott Jamieson snared an excellent stumping. Brent Mills looked in good touch with the bat but unfortunately fell victim to a nasty delivery and was bowled for 22. Gian Scuglia who has started the new year in good style was in fine form with 22 not out in another disciplined knock. The fifths are looking to make amends for their comprehensive defeat at the hands of Manly on Australia Day.

(Reproduced with the kind permission of Michael Stephenson.)