Mosman Wales on a roll – October 2001
Mosman Cricket Club | July 15, 2023
This article was produced by Mosman Cricket Club and published by the Mosman Daily newspaper in 2001-02
The Mosman Cricket Club is enjoying one of its most successful starts to a season for some years now.
The Whales are not far from the top of the club championship table and a consistent performance across all grades over the next few rounds could lift them to the pinnacle.
This week the club has a bye and therefore a two-week rest, although first grade will front up at Allan Border Oval on Sunday for a one-day game against Sutherland.
Should be an interesting day with Mosman paceman Brett Lee playing his first game since the Ashes Tour and undoubtedly he’ll be keen to kick off the season with a bit of pace and a few wickets.
Play commences at 10.00am, so get out of bed early, grab a coffee and come enjoy the thud of leather on willow amongst the delightful surrounds of AB Oval.
The thud of bat on ball became a bit monotonous last Saturday, as the Mosman first XI batters took to the Northern Districts bowling attack with great gusto.
The Whales passed the hefty Northern Districts total of 377 runs with sixteen overs still up their sleeve.
Mosman had two centurions on the day, Michael Gerits and the prolific Martin Haywood. They were backed up by Shane Lee who completed a handsome 82, while Herman Schliebs finished unbeaten on 47.
Haywood was generous in his praise for Gerits.
“Michael is clearly one of the competition’s most under-rated cricketers, and week-in, week-out performs outstanding feats with both bat and ball,” Haywod said.
"Shane and Peter were also outstanding, but we must also remember the fantastic work being done by groundsman Jim Cameron and his professional colleagues.”
As for his own century, Haywood was too tired even to think about it.
“I am utterly, utterly exhausted,” he said as he grabbed his kit bag and picnic basket and trudged off in the direction of home.
The aging Haywood continues to amaze, having clocked up close to 300 runs already this season.
The ‘Whale Babes’ – Mosman’s young fifth grade side – were another successful Mosman team on the weekend. After recovering from 4-15 to reach 229, Mosman dismissed Districts for 164 at Balmoral Oval.
Clint Holland and Dougal Bryant each picked up three wickets while keeper Luke Hyland made two stumpings and took two catches to lend fine support to the bowlers.
Mosman seconds were dismissed for 211 in pursuit of District’s massive 7-378, with Angus Bayliss, 64, and Kim Sellers, 38, the most prominent.
In third grade, the Whales failed to capitalise on a near-century opening partnership between ‘Subbie’ Contractor and Dutchy Holland to fall for 224, 90 runs adrift of ND’s 313.
The biggest disappointment was fourth grade which was beaten outright. The defending premiers have now lost two of their opening three matches – the same number of losses for the entire last season.
Don’t forget the big one-day international this Sunday at Allan Border Oval, with the in-form Mosman Whales taking on traditionally strong club.
