Things are heating up around the UNSW sporting community as the summer break comes to an end and more sports are heading back to the fields, courts and pools. 

WOMEN'S CRICKET
A big win for First Grade to kick us off this week, as they easily disposed of Parramatta. After an extended break due to weather and scheduling, they were ready and raring to go and confidently sent Parramatta in. Captain Olivia Porter led from the front with the ball, taking an incredible 3/6 from four overs, while Rachel Trenaman chipped in with 2/5. Big Bash stars Stella Munro and UNSW Elite Athlete Program member Carly Leeson also snared a wicket each and Parramatta were all out for 85 after 37 overs. Universities were clinical in response, with the ever reliable Bess Heath starting them off with a quickfire 25 from 20 balls, before Maddy Darke (21) and Trenaman (31) took over to take the win in just 13 overs.

In Second Grade, Universities played a brilliant bowling innings, but were unable to follow it up with the bat, losing by 12 runs. Amy McKay was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/16 as Campbelltown-Camden managed 119 all out after 39 overs. Universities were confident in their ability to chase down the target, but fell just short. After a few quick wickets, Lucie Gordon dug in for 22 and Kirsten Wraith tried to save the game from number seven with her 28 not out, but the team were all out for 107 after 39 overs.

The Third Grade competition took a break and will return this weekend when Universities will be hoping for their first win of the T20 season against Manly-Warringah. The Brewer Shield Under 18s had a bye and will take on UTS North Sydney this weekend. The Under 15s put on a much improved performance against Parramatta, with some promising signs in the batting and bowling, despite their loss. Liv Morrison (2/11) and Bianca Lozell (2/20) led the bowling attack, with Emma Lawrie (1/11) and Charlotte Moss (1/14) both chipping in with wickets. Lozell was also strong with the bat, reaching 30 to retire not out. She was ably supported by Coralie Currie (19) as Universities managed 6/108 in reply to Parramatta's target of 8/139.

MEN'S CRICKET
A big weekend for UNSW CC with plenty of cricket played over Saturday and Sunday in honour of the long weekend. First Grade had to settle for a draw after a long innings from Fairfield-Liverpool didn't provide enough time for a result. Some strong bowling from UNSW helped to slow the pace of the batting with Thomas Scoble (4/72) leading the way, supported by Vivek Kashyap (3/60) and Declan White (2/57). Captain Brandon McLean (52) scored an important half century, while Vincent Hreszczuk (49) fell just short. UNSW finished with 8/241 and shared the points for the match.

Second Grade arrived at Rosedale Oval and wondered if they perhaps should have sent the UNSW Swimming Club in their place - it was a long drive out to Warwick Farm to look at a giant puddle and hop back in the car. They'll be hoping for slightly drier conditions this weekend. Third Grade played a one day match against Fairfield-Liverpool at David Phillips North, while was delightfully grassy and un-puddle-like. An outstanding performance with the ball set up a simple win with Akash Biradar ripping the opposition apart to take 5/18. Chasing 87 to win, UNSW had a few minor stumbles, but reached the target with 16 overs to spare. Anshul Baruah top scored with 30.

Fourth Grade sent the opposition in at Fairfield Oval and a strong team bowling performance put them in good stead. Young Nick Everitt was superb, taking 3/26 and Danny Bhandari (3/24) was pivotal for UNSW. Everitt backed up with the bat, scoring 70 runs as UNSW cruised to the win in 27 overs. At just 15 years old, he is a rising star on the UNSW cricket scene. A loss in Fifth Grade rounded out the week's results, with strong performances from Charles Williams (39) and Prakhar Sharma (1/29) not enough to snatch the win.

HOCKEY
A big congratulations to Kelsey Hughes, Josh Gregory, Josh Mayo and Thomas Miotto from the UNSW Hockey Club who have all been selected to represent Australia in the women's and men's Indoor Hockey squads. The teams will take part in tours and camps in preparation for the next Indoor Hockey World Cup, to be held in early 2021.

SWIMMING
Although UNSW CC wished they were available to fill in for Second Grade at Rosedale Oval, the swimming club instead headed to Adelaide for the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships. Ashley Finegan showed incredible endurance to finish 10th in the 7.5km event and sixth in the 5km event, while Charlotte Hughes took fourth place in the 5km event.

ATHLETICS
John Gikas was in blistering form at the ACT Athletics Championships on the weekend. Following his breakthrough 400m run of 45.87, Gikas clocked 20.66 to win the 200m, defeating Rio Olympian and 5-time national champion Alex Hartmann (Qld). “For a first run (over 200m) I have no complaints as I’m in one piece,” said Gikas who negotiated three rounds. “Such good training for state or nationals to get three runs in.”

John Gikas in the 200m at ACT Championships
John Gikas is having a strong season and is aiming to represent Australia at the Tokyo Olympics later this year.