Ryan Gibson looks set to repeat former Australian international Michael Bevan’s purple patch for the Campbelltown- Camden Ghosts when he resumes his first grade Innings next Saturday on 83 not out at Raby.
A young Bevan was propelled into the NSW Sheffield Team in the early nineties on the back of several tremendous consecutive innings for the Ghosts. Gibson has started his 2014-15 season with 129, 115 and 67 (for NSW 2nd XI) against quality bowling. Gibson looks set to go three centuries in a row for the Ghosts should his captain not declare overnight.
Gibson was once again clinical in his approach at Raby #1 on Saturday on the first day of the Round 3 SCA fixture versus Sutherland. He combined with Tom Rogers (32 not out) to steer the Ghosts past the Sutherland total of 10/177 on the last ball of the day’s play to give the home side a first inning’s victory.
Earlier Captain Scott Coyte led his bowlers superbly after losing the toss and being asked to bowl on a well prepared Raby wicket. Coyte repeated last week’s five wicket haul finishing with 5-25 from 10 superb overs.
The Sutherland batsmen found it hard to settle as the wickets fell regularly throughout their 62 over innings. Pressure was applied form both ends and all five remaining wickets were shared. Tom Rogers, Adam Coyte, Tylar Edwards, Wayne Bull and Josh Clarke each claimed a wicket in the hottest part of the day. Josh Clarke and Ryan Gibson took two catches each.
Both Scott Coyte and Josh Clarke had been caught for 22 as stumps were drawn with the Ghosts passing the visitors for the loss of three wickets.
It is obvious that Coyte’s intention will be to push for outright points next weekend and an aggressive day’s cricket is anticipated.
Ghosts second grade travelled to Glenn McGrath Oval at Caringbah and after winning the toss and electing to bat found themselves in early trouble losing their first three wickets when the score was 10.
Ben Bourke (63 runs) and Dan Constable (64 runs) patiently combined for a fourth wicket century partnership and a handy recovery after a disastrous start.
Second Grade travelled to Glenn McGrath Oval at Caringbah and after winning the toss and electing to bat found themselves in early trouble losing their first three wickets when the score was 10.
As Ben Bourke (63 runs) and Dan Constable (64 runs) patiently combined for a fourth wicket century partnership the Ghosts had begun to rebuild on their disastrous start.
Brady Spelta added 49 before a brilliant 102 from young Jordan Browne, batting at number 8. The Ghosts were now well out of trouble declaring at 9/359 as Chris Inger enjoyed himself at number 10 in the order adding 41 runs without being dismissed.
Captain David Ward’s declaration proved fruitful with Hamish Oxley and Tristan Muir removing both Sutherland openers to leave them at 2/22 and a massive task next Saturday.
Young batsmen Jack Bray (85 runs) and Jarred Lysaught (46 runs) were in great touch on Raby # 2 in the third grade fixture. The Ghosts were bundled out for 224. Joshua Appleton has captured the first Sutherland wicket and with the game in balance the visitors will return at 1/22.
In 4th Grade the Ghosts are 0/12 chasing Sutherland’s 258 runs on Sutherland Oval after Luke Courtney (3-50) and Aaron Viles (2-35) bowled well.
ACROSS town, The Fairfield Liverpool Lions face an uphill battle if they are to record their second win of the season.
Playing against Blacktown away from home, the Lions bowled in the first innings and could do little to stop the home side from amassing a big score of 9 for 380.
For the Lions, Luke Doran was the standout bowler, taking 4 for 76 with Anthony Clarke capturing 2 for 85.
