U16 Watson Shield vs St George

The 2008 SSJCA Watson Shield side met at the picturesque Glenn McGrath Oval on Sunday morning to do battle with local rival St.George in what is traditionally a tough hit out the week before the season proper commences. This years’ Watson Shield squad is brimming with enthusiasm with a few new faces, the return of some old ones and most importantly all 12 players excited at the opportunity to represent their Junior Association alongside their peers.

Adam Thorogood has been anointed as Captain for this series and his job started well calling correctly and taking first use of a beautiful GMO wicket. Our run rate started well above average, however at the 9 over mark we had lost three wickets despite having 55 runs on the board. Both openers Vassallo and Hunt looked in outstanding touch, however chose wrong options, while Daniel Thomas batting at three was the victim of a magnificent delivery. Calm heads were required, and that was exactly what we achieved with the skipper leading the way in a magnificent partnership of just on 100 with Marty Henry.

Both Adam and Marty showed great patience while punishing any loose ball on offer. Marty was unluckily dismissed by a freakish catch at backward square that didn’t deserve to be taken for a fantastic innings of 49. Adam careered away in another entertaining partnership with Greg Wissam, showing his true class and posted a chanceless 100, bringing up his maiden Representative Century with a trademark straight drive. This innings confirmed the popular belief that Adam is among the best batsmen in his age across Sydney cricket. When told he was about to be retired, he embarked on a challenge to hit his dad sitting in the crowd..it almost worked, but fell just inside the boundary to be caught for a magnificent 108.

Greg took over the reins and posted a great half century, leading Sutherland to an impressive total of 281 against a useful bowling attack full of St.George Grade Cricket bowlers. A super recovery from what could have been a disastrous situation.

Into the field and Wissam and Henry bowled with pace and aggression, forcing many false strokes by the opening batsmen. Finally the breakthrough came when Henry enticed a loose shot which flew to second slip and was smartly taken by Sean Mulally. Brett Johnson continued the attack with Michael Grant, and when Mulally was brought into the attack with Andrew Gilchrist the St.George run rate dried right up. Typically brilliant fielding by Johnson with 2 direct hit run outs kept the Saints under the pump, and when Duncan Hunt took two quick wickets it was all over for the visitors.

Greg Wissam bowled a fiery and hostile finishing spell, taking three wickets for no runs at the death of the innings to cap a terrific all round performance. Committed ground fielding by Mitch Foster and a sterling effort by late fill in Matt McCarthy, led by a faultless keeping display by Thorogood rounded out a brilliant win by Sutherland, dismissing St.George for 232. Wickets to Wissam (3), Hunt (2), Henry (1), Mulally (1) and Foster (1).

The win was celebrated at a post match barbecue generously hosted by the Hunts, to get the 2008 Watson Shield series off on a flying note for both players and parents alike. We look forward to round 1 next week against Fairfield. Good luck boys, and keep enjoying your cricket as much as you have over the last few weeks.