Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup Rounds 3, 4 and 5
St George Cricket Club | October 04, 2024
After starting the season in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 with a first round win against the defending T20 champions, Randwick Petersham, St George quickly came back to earth in Saturday’s morning fixture. After being sent in by Northern District the Saints lost two early wickets before Kurtis Patterson and Matt Rodgers steadied the innings with a 128 run partnership off 74 deliveries. When Rodgers was dismissed for 54, Patterson, who finished with a majestic 95no was joined by Luke Bartier whose quickfire 27no helped Patterson take the score to 194 at the end of 20 overs.The boys from the north quickly set about their task with some big hitting putting pressure on the Saints bowling. Wickets to new recruit, Connor O’Riordan and Captain Nick Stapleton, couldn’t slow the run rate but when Pete Francis struck, followed by wickets in consecutive balls from spinner, Raf MacMillan, the score was 5/77 and the Saints crowd were hopeful. Unfortunately, that was the last of the wickets as Northern District went on a rampage and passed the total in the 16th over.
The afternoon fixture against Gordon was a complete contrast. The St George bowlers were on top from the start, restricting Gordon to 125 off their 20 overs. Francis with three, O’Riordan two, Stapleton and Bartier one each, claimed the wickets. The biggest drama in the chase was constant rain that delayed the start of the home team innings. Fortunately, the skies cleared briefly, allowing Patterson 33no and Blake Nikataris 27no, to rein in the DLS target of 57 in just 7 overs. Smiles returned to the local supporters.
NSW Squad member Blake Nikitaras
Sunday’s last round of the Kingsgrove Sports T20 saw St George away to Bankstown and with Patterson and O’Riordan absent on NSW duties, replacements were required. Sadly, after winning the toss and batting, the Saints top order collapsed and it was only a middle order rescue from Tom Vane Tempest 34 and Ollie Rayner 20no, that saw the total reach 100, nowhere near enough for the bowlers to defend.
Two wins and two losses see the Saints into the quarter finals on 13 October, undoubtedly confident they can bring their best form and progress.
In the lower grades 2nds, 4ths and 5ths all started with comprehensive wins over Sydney with 3rd grade not getting a game, as Birchgrove Oval was unfit for play. The youngsters in the Metropolitan Cup also had a big win over Warringah at Olds Park on Sunday with Rishab Shah 104 and Byron Whitbread 8/32 starring. The U/21 Poidevin Gray team lost their T20 match at Bankstown.
Luke Bartier doing Luke Bartier things
Connor O'Riordan back at St George
Kurtis Patterson drives to the boundary. All photo's Hamish Solomons
