Dogs edge Saints in thriller
Premier Grade Cricket Round 3
Bankstown versus St George
Hurstville Oval 20th October 2018
In an absolute thriller at Hurstville Oval the Bankstown Sports Bulldogs defeated St George by a solitary run under the Duckworth Lewis system. The Dragons scored 7-288 and Bankstown replied with 7-268 from 48 overs when play was curtailed with the complicated scoring system revealing that the Bulldogs had prevailed by the narrowest of margins.
The Bankstown bowlers stuck to their task doggedly as St. George scored a solid total. The persistent pace of Rhys Williams kept the home side in check with 2-49. The ever-consistent Ben Taylor spun the ball with great accuracy to also claim two crucial wickets, Brendan Smith helped in slaying the Dragons with a brilliant effort in the field. The ever-alert Smith was involved in two spectacular run outs and also held onto a very smart catch.
Once again the Bankstown run chase was led by reliable opener Daniel Solway who took charge with his vast array of imposing strokeplay. Solway hammered the St, George attack relentlessly and got the Bulldogs barking loud and clear. Alas he was run out when in full flight for a magnificent 107 to set up victory spending three hours at the crease Solway plundered 14 boundaries and a stunning six. Surely the run machine must be close to first class honours. Brendan Smith completed a great day with a brilliant and majestic 76. His second wicket stand with Solway of 168 completely doused the Dragons fire. All-rounder Nathan McAndrew added a quick fire 29 as the Bulldogs scrambled home. When rain stopped play the Bulldogs just had their noses in front to take the six points.
Next Saturday Bankstown will play Uni of NSW at Bankstown Memorial Oval in a two-day game commencing at 10.30.
Second grade
The Tony Clark led Second Grade also had a win but it was more convincing than the top grade. St George batted first on the excellently prepared Bankstown pitch and outfield and were dismissed for 206. Bankstown replied with 3/206 of just 42 overs. Leading the charge were Cameron Middleton with a superb 50 and Chris Ridley a sparkling 43. Big hitting Joel Brockley brought up victory for the Dogs with an unconquered 59.
The indomitable Bulldogs skipper Tony Clark was last week named in the Australian Over 50s side, a wonderful achievement by a genuine legend of Sydney Premier Grade cricket.
Third grade
It was a great win by the Bulldogs thirds at Old Park. Bankstown batting first scored 6-216 and in reply the Dragons capitulated for a paltry 9/109. Dashing captain Iain Ridley held the Bulldogs batting together with a defiant 76. As wickets tumbled all around him he received wonderful support from Zeeshaan Ahmed who was in great touch with a majestic 68. Ahmed looks a great talent and his progress will be monitored closely. Cameron Cotter was the only other batsman to trouble the scorers with a fighting 27. The classy Dayne Heward ripped into the Dragons and claimed 4-23 in a hostile spell. Matt Smith hammered home the advantage with 2-22 in a fine effort.
Fourth grade
Bankstown scored 7-216 but the Dragons had a superior run rate in scoring 5–202. The Bulldogs best was talented Connor Wilkinson. In his three-hour vigil at the crease he batted with the aplomb of a veteran in a very classy three-hour knock. He finished with 103 not out and was very well supported by hard hitting Harry Brett who scored 31. Ryan Malcolm looked in good touch with a solid 22. All-rounder Jehan Bilimoria chimed in with a useful 21 The Dragons notched 5-202 after 44 overs and took the points under the Duckworth Lewis system.
Fifth Grade
St. George struggled to 9-159 after their fifty overs but this proved far too many for the Bulldogs who capitulated for a meagre 97. Skipper Alex Kouventaris was the pick of the Bankstown batting with 24. The next highest score was sundries on 20 which was a reflection on the Bankstown batting. Earlier Hayden Barrett had troubled the Dragons in an excellent spell. He captured 4-28 and was most impressive. Nathan Hebeston also took the eye in his tidy spell and claimed 2-22.
Poidevin-Gray U21
The Roosters had their wings clipped on Sunday in the Poidevin-Gray under 21 competition. The Bankstown Bulldogs ripped into Easts and stopped them crowing as they totalled a very poor 9/75 off their 20 overs. In reply Bankstown cruised to victory with 2-76 off just 12.5 overs. Liam Marshall savaged the Easts batting taking 4/9 and openers Brendon Smith with 36 and Peter Dignam unconquered on 27 easily saw the Dogs home.