 Gordon DCC 3rd Grade v. Blacktown
After another week of work, more necessary covers drills and towards the end of a frustrating season, Gordon’s third-graders travelled to Killara enthused by the prospect of an exciting run-chase, an outright victory and the outside chance of a place in the finals. However, misplaced pride and petty-mindedness soon extinguished any such excitement as the second day of this game degenerated into desperate farce with Blacktown patting back full-tosses, batting out the day for nobody’s gain and unfortunately cricket’s loss. It is a sad day when points and personalities obscure our view and we forget that this is a game, our hobby that we play for our enjoyment.
Dan "Chewy" Mahaffey with hair Dizzy Gillespie would be proud of!
Few noteworthy moments to report then from this second innings (despite the captain’s evident desire to tell you all about his run out) when the greatest thrill came towards the end of the day as Dan Mahaffey strived for a 10-wicket haul. With equine mane flowing in the evening sun, Dan strained every sinew, stretched every seam to leave wicket-keeper, Higgins, positively salivating at the thought of a final catch that would give Mahaffey – and possibly himself – two handfuls. Alas, it was not to be as restrictions forced the end of the spell and finally the end of the game.
Mahaffey was Gordon’s hirsute hero on Day 1 as he destroyed Blacktown’s fragile line-up. His accurate in-swing was too much for the visitors to handle and was rewarded with five worthy wickets and can claim a hand in the three that fell to Medcalf, who bowled tidily the other end. On a sporting wicket, Blacktown had been efficiently dismissed for 131.
With 28 overs remaining to secure the first innings win, Gordon’s openers set about the task in sparkling fashion. Matthew Kelly launched a brace of maximums on his return before Jack Hammond and Steve Colley took over the reins. Jack’s team-mates enjoyed the respite as, for once, it was Hammond’s bat that was doing the talking with a number of firmly-struck drives. After a steady start, he exploded into life to make an accomplished half-century on his third grade debut. Colley too found a welcome return to form with an unbeaten 46 that saw his side home, signing off with two sixes from the final two balls of the day.
All in all, a convincing display by the Stags but unfortunately not quite enough to maintain hopes of a finals berth. The 3rd Grade will travel to Manly, looking forward to a more competitive game, remembering that cricket should be just that: competitive yet still a game.
Guy Hicks - The man that broke Sydney's drought
Scores
Gordon 3/158 dec (Jack Hammond 51, Steve Colley 46 no) defeated Blacktown 131 (Dan Mahaffey 5-34, Nick Medcalf 3 for 52, and 9/249 (Dan Mahaffey 4 for 33, Ed Howitt 2 for 30) on first innings | 
