Mosman Whales hold spell over Parramatta Eels

Mosman Cricket Club | July 14, 2023

‘This article was produced by Mosman Cricket Club and published by the Mosman Daily newspaper in 2001-02

Mosman Cricket Club enjoyed one of its most successful weekends this season with four of the club’s five teams claiming victory over their Parramatta rivals. 

Most importantly, Mosman’s first XI enjoyed a 10 point outright victory, which pushed them into outright fourth position on the table. 

The club’s two other leading performers this season – namely the women’s team and the fourth XI – also enjoyed critical wins and both are well-positioned to contest this year’s finals. 

From an individual viewpoint, there were many outstanding performers in the first XI victory. 

Big Martin Hayward enjoyed a return to form with a polished century. He was well supported by a cavalier innings of 72 from Peter Schliebs, and a steady half-century from Ben Sullivan. 

Hayward compiled a massive 140 runs before he was run out, which is not surprising considering the heat and his lack of condition. 

The bowlers also performed exceptionally well. Warwick Adlam and Sam Roberts performed well over both innings, while speedster Brett Lee returned from Sheffield Shield duties on Sunday to absolutely decimate the Parramatta batters. 

Captain Craig Hughes was ecstatic with his team’s performance, believing it was their best performance for the season. 

“The bowlers steadily picked up wickets over both days of the match, while our batting line-up was in absolutely devastating form. 

“Martin Hayward may not look like much of an athlete, but on his day he is one of the most highly skilled batsmen in NSW. 

“Our new recruit Warwick Adlam and tweaker Sam Roberts also both stepped up to the plate over the weekend and produced top line displays. 

“Our gloveman Cameron Guthrie is also going from strength to strength – his catch to complete the game was as good as I’ve seen in grade cricket. 

“All up, I’ve got no complaints at all about our performance over the weekend.” 

In other grade, the seconds and thirds both picked themselves up off the floor and overcame stiff opposition to claim their first victory for some time. 

Darren Richmond-Grass’ glamour boys – the fourth XI – are well on track to contest this year’s final series after another comprehensive victory on the weekend.  

This team is winning games, having a good time and improving their cricket – much of the team’s culture can be attributed to the enthusiasm and people management skills of skipper Richmond-Grass. 

The fourth XI will continue their march to the finals this Saturday at Rawson Park. 

The Mosman women’s team made their annual pilgrimage to Penrith on Sunday and travelled home on Sunday evening content with a six point victory. 

It was a polished performance from this year’s giant killers of Sydney women’s cricket. 

The girls won by 40 runs, with Anitra ‘Tank’ Thomas picking up three wickets and Rebecca Duhigg the leading batter with a half-century. 

The girls are almost certainly going to be in this year’s finals. We’ll keep you informed.