Around the Grounds:

BY MIEKE KASSULKE

You would be easily forgiven for being distracted by the Machiavellian chess game of Rugby World Cup team selections, Steve Smith’s epic redemption or Eliud Kipchoge’s hot pink Nike VaporFlys, but let me draw your attention back to our local #TeamUNSW heroes making us proud week in and week out.

MEN'S CRICKET
Round 2 saw four victorious grades which might have been five had Second Grade had a little more luck. First Grade began the match on Day 2 and couldn’t find their rhythm. Even with a defiant performance from skipper Brandon McLean (45) they were bowled out for 119. The Second Grade match is eligible for every ‘physical ordeal’ and ‘emotional rollercoaster’ cliché at a sports reporter’s disposal. At 5/47, Ridham (103) and Vishwas (55) revived the early scare to reach 227. While UNSW did not go quietly into that good night, Cambeltown-Camden prevailed with one wicket to spare. 4 wickets to Taz and Nivek were the standouts. Third Grade was a Tom Scoble show with 58* and 4/25.

The Mellick Wealth Management Team of the Round for Round 2 was awarded to Fourth Grade. After losing the toss and batting first, the Bees lost a few early wickets, but were steadied well by Blake Hudson (115*) and Jake Greenberg (68). Their discipline and application, along with some quick runs from Prakhar Sharma and Dayle Carew took the Bees to 6/259 at the end of Day 1. Day 2 commenced and thus began a slow and patient game of fighting for wickets whilst going at one an over and attempting to deny a draw. Campbelltown-Camden began to gradually tumble thanks to wickets from Mitchell Law (4/18), Prakhar Sharma (3/25) and Jake Greenberg (2/15) and patient and key bowling from Dayle and Prosha. Eventually, Campbelltown-Camden were dismissed for 84 after almost 60 overs. 

Fifth Grade left their opposition stunned, wandering the field after UNSW’s comeback as if they had lost their keys, even after UNSW lost 4/2 and were 5/55. They declared at 8/316 thanks to Shubham (103), Athyban (73*) and young gun Rhys (60) who all salvaged the innings brilliantly. Cheran (5/15 & 2/31) and Brendan’s (4/29 & 3/36) bowling efforts saw Campbelltown-Camden rolled for 99. The Metro Cup tournament round was also won comfortably. Batting first and reaching 8/278 thanks to Gill (86) and Oscar (46). 3 wickets a-piece to Hammad, Arunav and Kabir restricted Easts to just 118.

In the Poidevin-Gray Shield UNSW got out to a strong start thanks to outstanding bowling performances from captain Tom Scoble (4/13) and Vivek Kashyap (2/5) who restricted Easts Cricket Club to just 81. Round 2 comes to David Phillips South this Sunday against St George and it is sure to be a spectacle. In the T20, UNSW's First Grade side suffered a loss in Round 1. Will Wolter (35) and Tom Byrnes (25) got the Bees to 120, however the total couldn’t be defended.

WOMEN'S CRICKET

Round 1 of the Sydney Women's Premier Cricket competition kicked off last weekend, with the T20 competition underway for First and Second Grade, while Third Grade began their limited overs competition. The Under 18 and Under 15 competitions will start later in the season. First Grade started the season with a win, defeating Parramatta at Merrylands Park by 29 runs in their Terry Rogers Memorial Cup match. Universities batted first after Parramatta won the toss and amassed a score of 5/122 at the end of their 20 overs, thanks to strong stands from Bess Heath (49) and captain Olivia Porter (37*). A strong bowling performance led by Stella Campbell (3/15) sealed the game for Universities as Parramatta were only able to get to 93 at the end of their innings.

In Second Grade, Universities also batted first, but couldn't manage to hold off a rampaging Parramatta, who threw everything at them and passed the total in 18.5 overs to take the win by five wickets. Erica James starred with the bat for Universities, scoring an impressive 79, while Amy McKay was the best of the bowlers, taking 2/21 from three overs. It was a tough day at the office for the Third Grade team, as they struggled to stop an impressive Bankstown outfit who just wanted to make runs. Maeve Galley was able to stem the flow a bit, her 1/17 bowling performance also included two maidens. Kirsten Wraith put on a strong 55 not out with the bat, but with wickets falling all around her, she eventually ran out of partners and Universities were defeated by 96 runs. They will look to bounce back next week against Campbelltown-Camden, who also had a first round loss.

GRIDIRON
Sitting third on the ladder the UNSW Raiders Men's defeated the second placed UTS Gators 48-14 to catapult themselves into that second position. In what was described an emotionally charged match, Coach Brundu commented that he was proud of the team’s effort all game but warned that the players need to find another level and lift for the remainder of the season. Earlier in the day, the UNSW Raiders Women's team also had a huge win defeating the UTS Gators 36-7 at a vital season crossroad. For a club that has fostered a professional environment committed to player development, success is sweet. Unfortunately the Colts narrowly lost by a touchdown, but all teams will be looking to get the club trifecta and achieve the full Neapolitan ice-cream dessert of rounds in the weeks to come.

This weekend the Raiders face off against the Sydney Uni Lions in what will be a tough match for all teams, but the Raiders Family will also be coming together to raise money and awareness in a special round for International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Players and supporters are encouraged to make a $5 contribution at the game as the players will be circling with a donation bucket after the game. All funds will go to the McGrath Foundation as they aim to give women in remote areas access to breast cancer treatment and support. The UNSW Women’s team will be wearing their custom pink breast cancer awareness jerseys in their 1pm game, and will be cheering on the men's game at 3pm. Both games will be played at Robert Ziems Park, Short St, Corrimal.

Full Results
Men’s GNSW League 
UNSW defeated UTS Gators 48-14
Women’s GNSW League 
UNSW defeated UTS Gators 36-7
Colts
UNSW lost to UTS Gators

Touch Football
The regular season in the Vawdon Cup has drawn to a close and finals are looming. While this spells the end of season for four of the UNSW Bullets’ teams, congratulations is in order for two UNSW women’s teams and the youth girls for qualifying. Quarter finals start tonight at Bankstown with Div 2 kick-off at 7.50pm and Div 1 at 8.40pm. 

Full results
Men’s Premier League lost to Sydney Uni Stingers 7-9
Women’s Div 1 lost to Parramatta Eels 5-8
Mens Div 2 lost to Manly Sea Eagles 2-5
Women’s Div 2 1 tied with Appin Warriors 3-3
Women’s Div 2 2 lost to St George Dragons 0-9
Men’s Division 4 lost to SWS Raptors 4-5