The Ghosts tough start to the 2014-15 SCA draw continued on Saturday as the locals hosted the Sydney Cricket Association first grade Premiers for three of the last four seasons, Sydney University.
Ghosts Captain Scott Coyte won the toss and elected to bat in the perfect conditions that had greeted both sides. With injuries and representative selection affecting two positions in the regular team, Coyte headed into the game with full confidence in his young debutantes Jaydyn Simmons and Dan Constable.
The Ghosts lost two quick wickets to find themselves with two quality batsmen in Damien Mortimer and Josh Clarke both back in the sheds with the tally at just 18 runs.
However, the in form Ryan Gibson was still at the crease and with great anticipation the spectators asked the question: Can he go four centuries in a row?
He almost did. He started nicely and looked settled at the crease playing in the manner he has done for his previous 9.5 hours at the crease thus far in the season. He and Scott Coyte put on a smart 50 partnership before Coyte (28) feathered one to slip when the score was 70.
Gibson remained at the crease until eight minutes after lunch, hitting 11 boundaries, when he attempted to hit one square of the wicket and was caught LBW for 78 runs. Gibson’s dream run to season had continued.
He now has an aggregate of 513 runs after 3.5 rounds which is phenomenal given 966 runs is the first grade season aggregate record, held by Martin Haywood since 1990-91.
For those that remember Marty’s tremendous batting from 15 years ago there is an eerie resemblance between both their manner, styles and statures when at the crease
Previous to lunch Adam Coyte was unlucky in his dismissal: Gibson hit a firm straight drive that deflected off the bowler’s hand on to the stumps so Coyte departed without scoring.
Brad Maguire batted solidly for two hours for his 43 runs with the two debutantes after Gibson had departed. Dan Constable was caught for five and when replaced by Jaydyn Simmons the ship steadied for a further 40 runs. Simmons was to remain at the crease until the last wicket fell, finishing with an outstanding first up effort of 58 when he was caught at mid-off.
Defending 250 runs on a good wicket, against such a solid opposition, was always going to be tough but the Ghosts got away to a great start having University at 3-51 heading into the last hour. Abdul Kherkhah had taken 2-21 including the prize wicket of Greg Mail. Despite the Ghosts toiling intently for the closing part of the day’s play, the students went to stumps at 3-95, Adam Coyte taking the third scalp. The Ghosts remain in this match with early wickets next week the key.
The second grade fixture is in the balance and almost a reflection of firsts. But it is the Ghosts who need to consolidate early next week. At 4/103 chasing Sydney Uni’s 176, the first session will be vital.
Earlier in the day the Ghosts had enjoyed a tremendous start having the Students at 9 wickets down for 90 runs until a last wicket partnership of almost 90. All the Ghosts bowlers had produced the goods especially Mitch McGrath and Jordan Browne who took 4 and 3 wickets respectively.
On Raby #2 the locals did it tough, especially Ghosts skipper Michael Baker, who stood at the non-strikers end only to watch his top order disappear on his way to 51. Baker was patient and solid. The Ghosts third XI have their work ahead of them next weekend when University return at 3-89.
At St Paul’s College the fourt grade match went to stumps on Day 1 with Sydney University 9-266.
By JASON ELLSMORE
