Ghosts batsman Ryan Gibson has set the Sydney Grade cricket competition alight after scoring his second consecutive century at Raby Sports Complex yesterday against Sydney.
His 115 helped rescue the Ghosts innings after they had won the toss and decided to bat on a flat wicket.
They got the wobbles early on despite not losing a wicket when they had reached 39.
Quick wickets then fell, at 2 for 48 and then 3 for 65 before Gibson and Adam Coytre steadied th4e ship with a solid partnership.
Both bastmen went to lunch at 31.
Adam Coyte made a valuable contribution to the revival of the Ghosts fortunes, scoring a solid 73 before losing his wickets.
But it was Gibson who stood out once again after his brilliant 129 against Randwick Petersham at Coogee Oval in round one of the competition. A NSW call up can’t be too far away, especially if Gibson, a fine legside player can keep improving his offside shots.
But despite Gibson’s heroics the Ghosts would have been disappointed with their final tally of 336 runs on a lifeless wicket.
At stumps Sydney had progressed to 17 without loss and will fancy their chances of at least snatching first innings points next Saturday at Raby.
But the Ghosts, first round losers, may have something to say about that as they try to avoid being 0-2 after two rounds.
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At Rosedale Oval, Fairfield Liverpool Lions, who also lost their first round match against Sutherland last week, hosted North Sydney.
The visitors got first use of the batting crease and amassed 283 when they were finally dismissed.
Luke Doran, who finished with 5 for 59 off 25 overs, was well supported by Liam Hatcher (2 for 21 off 12 overs).
Next Saturday the Lions will find themselves in the same boat as their south west counterparts, the Ghosts in trying to avoid starting the season with two consecutive defeats
