News
Stiffie gives WASTCA hard time in back-to-back Cricket West Cup victory
Wed, 24 Feb 2010THE North Suburban Community Cricket Association won back-to-back titles in the Cricket West Cop Seniors competition, after a solid team effort defeated WASTCA in the 2009-10 grand-final at the Swan Valley Sporting Complex on Sunday.
NSCCA President Tim Park was elated by the win.
Mr Park praised the team’s two spinners; skipper John Braid Jnr and Greenwood all-rounder Richard Burlinson.
Burlinson conceded just 19 runs and claimed one wicket, during his ten over spell.
”It was a great win surpassing even last year's effort,” Mr Park said.
“We looked good in the field and bowled fantastic with Anthony “Stiffie” Hard being the quite achiever.”
Braid said Sunday’s win was a team contribution.
“Almost everyone played a role in the win and this was reflected in the fact that a Suburban Turf player won the man-of-the-match award.”
Braid said NSCCA won the toss and batted on a pitch that looked benign.
However, the ball seamed and swung all day and made scoring difficult.
He also praised batsman Colin Rose and Steve de Filippis, who opened the innings and played a vital role.
NSCCA did not lose a wicket until after the first drinks break.
A number of cameos in the middle order from Jamie Sajich, Toby Morrell and Peter Morris increased the scoring rate and set up what was a competitive total.
Burlinson and Jason Hart shared a vital partnership in the last ten overs, where they ran WASTCA ragged on a slow outfield, helping their team reach 191.
Braid said the NSCCA bowling had to be good throughout to win the game and restrict WASTCA to less than 191.
Early wickets to Osborne Park speedster Ryan Walton and the consistent Morrell kept the WASTCA batsmen on the back foot before a good third wicket partnership developed.
Pint-sized speedster Hard, from the Greenwood Cricket Club, then stepped up and claimed two vital wickets to turn the tide back in the NSCCA’s favour.
Hard also beat the bat on numerous occasions and was unlucky not to have finished with four or five wickets.
Braid and Burlinson then tied WASTCA down with tight spin bowling, while also taking four wickets between them.
Victory was sealed when Morris scooped a diving catch at cover, that also give his Sorrento-Duncraig club-mate Ric Tyson his first wicket.
Sajich was also praised by the skipper for taking four catches in a neat display behind the stumps.
Braid said the grand-final was a different game compared to the round robin matches.
“In the round matches, someone stood up and made it their day in each and every game, where as in the final there was a strong contribution throughout from everyone,” he said.
“Glenn McCormack scored hundreds against Suburban Turf and Perth Cricket Association before injuring himself.
“Jason Hart took four wickets in the win against Swan Helena to break the back of their batting.
“In the final round against South Suburban Colin Rose stood up with an impressive 83 and Brad Sutton took his first ever seven wicket haul (7/47).”
Braid also thanked all the NSCCA players, officials and spectators who gave up their Sundays to play and watch the team win its second flag in a row.
“Our President Tim Park should be congratulated on his enthusiasm and support for this competition,” he said.
“It is due largely to his efforts that NSCCA has been able to be competitive in recent years in association cricket.
“Thank you Tim.”
Scores
NSCCA 9-191 (Jason Hart 30, Richard Burlinson 30; C Prescott 4-39
T.McCormish 2-31) Def WASTCA 135 (M.Lucas 35, J.Duffy 28no; John Braid 3-18 T.Morrell 2-29, A.Hard 2-30 R.Burlinson 1-19)
T.McCormish 2-31) Def WASTCA 135 (M.Lucas 35, J.Duffy 28no; John Braid 3-18 T.Morrell 2-29, A.Hard 2-30 R.Burlinson 1-19)
