Norths fall short against Hawkesbury at Bensons Lane
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | November 30, 2024
UTS North Sydney made the trip out to Benson’s Lane across both Saturday and Sunday in early November.
It started off strong with skipper Mac Jenkins winning the toss and choosing to bat on a wicket that was thought to deteriorate as the game progressed.
After the 20 over mark both openers were s till at the crease, but departed shortly after the first drinks break. This brought to the crease both Addison Sherriff and Tim Reynolds, their partnership continued to grow and put the bears in a strong position just after lunch.
Sherriff and Jimmy Greenslade departed in the middle session, while Tim ticked over the 50-run mark.
Prior to tea the Bears had two notoriously explosive batters in Tim and overseas professional Harrison Ward at the crease. Ward made the bowlers pay for some wide bowling later in the day, while Tim was remaining firm as he approached his second first grade ton.
Ward was out for a well-made 50, and there was a mini collapse which saw the Bears lose three quick wickets.
Just before stumps, Tim was able to get those remaining two runs, to ensure he brought up his second first grade century.
After day one the bears were just shy of 300, with another 96 overs left in the game.
Day 2 started with Reynolds, Nic Bills and Everett Oxenham scoring a flurry of quick runs to ensure the Bears got across the 350 mark.
Reynolds recorded his highest first grade score of 140 not out, in a innings that showed his power, patience and concentration, at a time when it was needed the most.
The wicket was not breaking up as quickly as expected and the Hawkesbury batters, played with patience to ensure that there were no wickets taken before the tea break.
The openers grinded out a partnership of well over 180, and it was tough going for the Bears bowlers.
Bills and Jamieson Hedges were the first bowlers to break through the Hawkesbury batters with Jenkins collecting a couple.
At one stage the game was in the hands of the Bears, however a few dropped catches hurt North’s chances of victory.
The game finished in the final over of the match, where the game included 17 wickets and over 700 runs scored across the weekend.
