Flashback - Easts Dolphins First Grade take out Triple Crown in 2003/04
Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club Sydney | June 27, 2023
The 2003/04 season was a remarkable one for the Dolphin’s flagship taking out three premierships including the State One Day Challenge beating NSW Country’s finest Southern Zone, and winning the One Day Comp defeating Sydney University by 4 wickets after bowling the Students out for 125.
Syd Uni 125 (Maclennan 3-9, Dery 2-17, Byrom 2-21 Tucker 2-29) def by Easts 6-127 (Berry 29, Patterson 28no, Jeffrey 25)
At the pinnacle of the season Easts encountered local rivals Randwick Petersham Cricket Club at Coogee Oval in the 1st Grade Grand Final. Easts lost the toss and were sent in and found themselves in strife at 5-15 after only 30 minutes of play. Enter Benaud Medalist, Michael Maclennan (133) who combined with Jason Swift (71) for a 155 run partnership as the wicket flattened out. Easts were eventually bowled out for 273. The pendulum swung back and forth during the Randwick-Petersham innings as Adrian Tucker kept Easts in the game with 6-66. At 9 down Randwick Petersham were developing a frustrating and dangerous last wicket partnership. With the score on 234 the No 10 batsman is on strike to Jeff Cook who bowls a no ball as the batsmen hits a catch to Paul Byrom at short cover. Byrom then proceeds to run out the batsmen at the bowlers end, ending Randwick’s innings 39 runs short.
The game continued to unfold dramatically in the second innings with Easts 4 down for not many, but Jason Swift saved the team again in the second dig with his maiden century for the Club as time ran out for Randwick-Petersham with Easts moving to a 227 run lead with 6 wickets still in hand.
In a three day game described as an amazing, emotional and exciting contest Easts prevailed and were able to taste the sweetness of an 8th 1st Grade Belvidere Cup Premiership.
Easts 273 (Maclennan 133, Swift 71) & 4-187 (Swift 101no, Patterson 55no) def Randwick Petersham 234 (Tucker 6-66, Byrom 2-43)
2003/04 Premiership Members: Andrew Jeffrey, Nick Berry, Jeff Cook, Brad Haddin, Jason Swift, Mark Patterson, Michael Maclennan, Justin Dery, Kirk Powell, Adrian Tucket, Paul Byrom, Josh Holt
