Graham Croker
Sydney University’s Green Shield XI start their second tranche of matches for the 2010-11 season when they play Northern District at St Paul’s College Oval today (Tuesday).
After winning one of three in the first batch of matches before Christmas, Sydney University will resume in 15th position, with four matches to play to give themselves a chance of making the qualifying finals.
The Green Shield is an Under 16 competition consisting of seven preliminary rounds, qualifying finals, semi-finals and a grand final. Matches are played during the school holidays and all points earned in the competition go towards the Sydney Grade Cricket Club Championship.
As Sydney University Cricket Club regained the lead in the Club Championship in the final round before Christmas, points earned in the Green Shield will be vital in the overall result.
Sydney University’s Green Shield team opened the season on December 19 with a two-wicket win over Mosman at University No.2 Oval. The visitors won the toss and batted, only to be rolled for 89 in 42.3 overs.
Thomas Hill (4-16) and Joshua Stewart (3-12) caused most of the damage to the Mosman line-up, while Jack Maddocks (25) led the way as the Students rattled up 8-90 off 35 overs to take the points.
Penrith hosted Sydney University at Cook Park in the second round of the competition on December 21, with the hosts winning by six wickets. Jarrah Ferris-Smith remained 74 not out as the hosts posted 4-178 in reply to Sydney University’s 177. Maddocks (49) again led the University scoring, with Darius Visser (38) and Joshua Moffatt (30) making solid contributions.
In their third match before the Christmas break, on December 23, Campbell-Camden took the points with a seven-wicket win over Sydney University at University No.2 Oval.
The visitors racked up 3-116 (Lachlan Kyling 67 not out) in reply to Sydney University’s 113 (Maddocks 67).
Following today’s clash with Northern District, Sydney University will play Parramatta at Old Kings Oval on January 6; Blacktown at Joe McAleer Oval on January 11; and Western Suburbs at Pratten Park on January 13.
The semi-finals are scheduled for January 20, with the final to be played at Blacktown Olympic Park 2 on January 26.
Unbeaten Blacktown lead the Green Shield on 18 points on averages, with Sutherland (18), Bankstown (18), Randwick-Petersham (18), Campbelltown-Camden (12) and Western Suburbs (12) making up the top six.
Meanwhile, the grade competition will resume this weekend with a two-day round of matches (January 8 and 15).
Having regained the competition lead in the final match before the Christmas break, Sydney University will start the new year hosting North Sydney at Sydney University No.1 Oval.
That match will be followed by nine rounds before the qualifying finals on March 9 and 20, semi-finals on March 26-27 and the final from April 1-3.
