First Win for the Season and a Milestone to Match: Stewart Brings Up 100 for the Tigers

Weekend Wrap: First Win for Our First-Grade Tigers!

It was a full weekend of action for the Helensburgh Tigers, with all four senior grades taking the field. First and Second Grade began their One Day competitions, while Third and Fourth continued their early-season momentum. There were some excellent team efforts, brilliant individual performances, and a major milestone to celebrate — as Club President Dave Stewart brought up his 100th match for Helensburgh.

🏏 First Grade – Round 1 vs University

First Grade claimed their first win of the season with an impressive performance against University. Batting first, the Tigers built a solid total of 9/183 from 35 overs, anchored by a superb innings from Rhys Fowler, who struck 64 in a dominant display that included several powerful boundaries. Luke Baillie also contributed a composed 29, helping the Tigers recover from a slow start and post a competitive total.

In reply, the Helensburgh bowling attack fired from the outset, led by a sensational spell from Harrison Fairfax, who tore through the University batting lineup to finish with 5/10 from just 5.5 overs. Fowler capped off a brilliant all-round game with 4/32 from six overs, ensuring University were bowled out for 150. A fantastic all-round effort and a great confidence booster for the side moving forward.

🏏 Second Grade – Round 1 vs University

Second Grade put in a determined effort in their first one-day fixture but fell just short of victory against a strong University side. The Tigers batted first and posted 173 from 47.5 overs, thanks largely to a classy knock of 76 from veteran batter Mark Cottom, who held the innings together in testing conditions. Liam Burrill chipped in with a handy 14 as Helensburgh pushed towards a defendable total.

Defending their score, Rob Craig bowled with great rhythm to claim 3/40 from 10 overs, while Brett Morris was as reliable as ever, returning 1/28 from 9.2 overs. Despite some tight bowling and committed fielding, University reached the target in the 45th over. Plenty of positives to take from the match as the team continues to build into the season.

🏏 Third Grade – Round 2 vs Wollongong White

Third Grade battled hard in a low-scoring but entertaining match against Wollongong White. After being sent in, the Tigers made 124 from 41.2 overs, with Finn Stewart leading the way with a confident 47 and Michael Barilla contributing a valuable 25 in the middle order.

Helensburgh fought right to the end with the ball, reducing Wollongong to 6 wickets down before they passed the total in the 38th over. Kaiden Wildey was the standout bowler with 3/22 from 7 overs, while Allan Manning kept the pressure on with 1/18 from 9 overs. In the field, Barilla impressed with four sharp catches, showing the Tigers’ strong team spirit and commitment in the field.

The match also marked a special moment for 12-year-old Harrison Arena, who made his grade fielding debut — a proud achievement and a sign of the bright future ahead for our junior players.

🏏 Fourth Grade – Round 2 vs Wests Illawarra Red

Fourth Grade played out a thrilling contest against Wests Illawarra Red, narrowly missing out in a high-scoring game. Batting first, the Tigers produced one of their best batting efforts of the season so far, posting 7/200 from 45 overs. Dave Stewart led from the front with a commanding 82, showing both patience and power, while Brandon Waters played fluently for his 51, with the pair putting together a key partnership that set up the innings beautifully.

In reply, Wests chased down the target with 22 balls to spare, finishing at 7/204 from 41.2 overs. Bailey Brittain (2/51) and James Parkes (1/26) bowled strongly, keeping the pressure on throughout.

This game was particularly special, as it marked Club President Dave Stewart’s 100th match for Helensburgh — a huge milestone for one of the club’s most dedicated contributors both on and off the field. Congratulations, Dave!

A great weekend overall for the Tigers — highlighted by First Grade’s first win, strong performances across the grades, and more promising signs from both our senior and junior players stepping up. The club’s in a good place as we continue to build through the season.

💛🖤 Go the Tigers!