 Mixed results but we are well positioned for the Christmas break
Thirds and fourths keep in the hunt
(John Blake, Iqbal Ahmed and Adam Cubbage double checking the fourth grade tables during their match at Killara)
The first and second grade batsman will be wondering over their turkey dinners what might have been in their matches against St. George, however still finding themselves in 6th position in firsts and 3 points out of the 6 in seconds they can enjoy their puddings with the knowledge they are both in this competition with a real shot.
Thirds and fourths had good wins, however the weather and some stubborn resistance saw the 5ths draw their match. Colts, after the covers we lifted off part of the wicket square over night were unable to get on in safe conditions.
 First Grade
To score 300, partnerships are very important and the first grade batsman were not able to put any together in their match at Hurstville. The St. George bowling attack was well drilled and on top for the whole of our innings.
(Harry Evans during his 51 at Chatswood)
Wickets fell at a far too constant rate to challenge the score needed and our run of five wins was broken by mid afternoon.
Craig Simmons showed great courage to make 48 batting with a runner after injuring his hip last week.
First Grade Scores
St George 7 for 309 (Ed Zelma 3/64 (20), Julian Stephenson 2 for 54 (17), Brendan McDonald 1 for 83 (26) and 1 for 83 defeated
Gordon 167 (C Simmons 48)
Second Grade
Despite the shaky weather, the chase was always on in this game. Aggressive batting in the first session moved the score along but wickets fell at crucial times. Harry Evans and Matt Jones both batted well but were dismissed with big scores beckoning.
(A father at the cricket. Matt Jones and Owen Jones)
Four Four Four Out
After lunch the scoring continued briskly but a cluster of wickets after about an hour saw Gordon seven down with still about 120 to get. Nick Dowsley was batting very sensibly and, with Julian Stephenson, put the Stags in with a real chance.
However a wicket just before tea and one straight after saw Gordon fall short by 61 runs. Nick was the last man out for a very responsible and stylish 74. A couple of other batsmen needed to take on that responsibility too.
 Second Grade Scores
St George 321 (C Archer 5-68 J Ritchie 2-13) defeated
Gordon 260 (Nick Dowsley 74, Harry Evans 51, Matt Jones 42).
(Jack Ritchie against Saints at Chatswood)
Third Grade
This was a dominating performance from our thirds bowling attack to dismiss Saints for 77 and then have them 7 for 63 in the second innings.
The star of the day was Dan Mahaffey who continued with the 3 wickets he collected last week to finish with 5 for 13 off 17 overs. With the score on 6 for 27 the possibility of 10 points was considered, however some late order resistance left the stags with not enough time in the end to force an outright victory. James Campbell also bowled very well to collect two wickets in the first innings and 3 in the second.
 The win moves thirds to 7 points from the top 6 and definitely on a roll for January and a move into semi final contention.
(Anthony Sherman against Saints at Killara)
Third Grade Scores
Gordon 177 (Steve Colley 47, Sam Pearce 33, Blair Lindsay 23) defeated
St George 77 (Dan Mahaffey 5 for 13, James Kennedy 2 for 19, James Campbell 1 for 14)
and 7 for 63 (James Campbell 3 for 13, Jim Gatting 2 for 14)
Fourth Grade
The chase of St George's 263 started well, despite an early wicket, with Anthony Sherman and Las Kannangara batting well. After they were dismissed, Guy Hicks and Brett Marvell continued to push the score along. Rain brought a temporary halt to the innings but, on resumption, the Stags pressed on towards the target.
A couple of quick wickets were followed by a torrential downpour which threatened to end the game. However, some enthusiastic super-sopping and a positive approach from both the umpires and the St George team, saw the innings resume with Gordon needing 30 with four wickets left. Guy was dismissed after playing an excellent innings, but Chad Soper and Iqbal Ahmed took the Stags through to a good win.
 Or did they...
The winning run was hit, the players left the field, the stumps were removed, the first cool drinks were popped, the song was sung, the bags were packed (Christmas Party tonight), and the scores were pronounced equal. Gordon still needed one more run to win.
(Guy Hicks during his 87 at Killara)
The stumps were replanted, the song was unsung, bottle tops were replugged, bags were unpacked, the players returned to the field, a couple of balls were faced, and Iqbal chipped one over square leg for 4. Now the game was over. Thankfully. Talk of a crazy hat-trick was shelved and the 4ths went to the Christmas Party well entrenched in the top six. Another terrific chase, finished off by another really mature innings from Chad Soper and the Ik.
Fourth Grade Scores
Gordon 7-267 (Guy Hicks 88, Las Kannangara 46, Brett Marvell 32, Chad Soper 20*, John Blake 16, Iqbal Ahmed 11*) defeated
St George 8 dec 263 (Iqbal Ahmed 3-37 John Blake 3-55) on first innings.
 Fifth Grade
The weather again saw this game not reach a result with Saints fighting back after being in real trouble at 6 for 47 and finish with 6 for 106 when the late afternoon heavy rain saw the match finish early.
(Las Kannangara during his 46 at Killara)
Dan Lake showed his promise with 2 for 14 while all the other bowlers fought hard to get the result we wanted.
The draw leaves 5ths 12 points from the top 6, however we know these guys are fighters and they will flourish after Christmas.
Fifth Grade scores
St George 6 for 106 (Dan Lake 2 for 14) drew with
Gordon 9 for 181 H Selby 28 A Weaver 24) | 
