Helensburgh Cricket Club: A Solid Run in 2nd Grade & Beyond

As we move toward the final stretch of the cricket season, Helensburgh Cricket Club’s 2nd Grade team is firmly in the hunt for finals action, with six rounds left before the postseason begins. The side has been performing admirably, sitting in second place on the ladder with an impressive 6 wins and 2 losses so far. This form is even more notable considering the level of competition in the league.

The most recent victory in round 11 against Corrimal was a dominant one. Helensburgh 2nd Grade chased down Corrimal's total of 78 all out with ease, posting 2/79 for a comfortable win. The standout performance came from Harry Fairfax, who was at the heart of both the batting and bowling efforts. Fairfax picked up 5 wickets for just 13 runs off 13 overs, an extraordinary spell that dismantled the opposition. He also contributed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 35, further solidifying his position as the team's most valuable player so far. With 268 runs and 16 wickets to his name, Fairfax leads both the club’s batting and bowling charts, a phenomenal effort that has undoubtedly been crucial in keeping Helensburgh near the top of the table.

With six rounds remaining, 2nd Grade will need to continue their strong form to secure a top spot heading into the finals. Their consistency will be key as they aim to build on a solid foundation and finish the season on a high note.

3rd Grade: A Push for Improvement

While 2nd Grade is thriving, the 3rd Grade side has faced a more challenging season. Currently sitting 11th on the ladder with 2 wins and 5 losses. However, their recent form has shown promise. They secured a crucial victory over Keira in round 9 before the Christmas break, winning by 78 runs. Helensburgh posted 183 runs, while Keira was bowled out for just 105.

Key performances in the win included Andrew Ainsworth, who top-scored with 50 runs, and Rowan Knight, who added 45. Matt Chaplin was the standout with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs off 9 overs, showcasing his all-round ability. So far this season, Ainsworth leads the run-scoring tally with 199 runs, while Logan Ackerman has been the team’s most successful bowler, claiming 13 wickets.

4th Grade: Building Momentum for a Strong Finish

Like the 3rd Grade, Helensburgh’s 4th Grade team has also had its fair share of ups and downs, currently sitting 9th on the ladder with 3 wins and 6 losses. However, their recent form suggests they could still turn their season around. Their last win, also in round 9 before Christmas, came against ND White in a thrilling encounter. Helensburgh posted 2/138 in their run chase, defeating ND White, who finished with 9/133.

Finn Stewart was the standout performer for Helensburgh in this match, not only scoring an unbeaten 54 runs but also taking 3 wickets for 26 runs off 9 overs. His all-round contributions have been pivotal for the team throughout the season, with Stewart currently leading the club’s run tally in 4th Grade with 229 runs, as well as being the side’s most successful bowler with 13 wickets.

With seven rounds remaining, the 4th Grade side will be looking to finish the season strongly.

Looking Ahead

As the season enters its final stages, all three grades of Helensburgh Cricket Club will be focused on maintaining their competitive edge and securing strong finishes. With standout performances from players like Harry Fairfax, Andrew Ainsworth, Rowan Knight, and Finn Stewart, the club’s future looks bright across all grades. Whether they are vying for finals in 2nd Grade or pushing for an improvement in 3rd and 4th Grade, the players of Helensburgh Cricket Club will undoubtedly continue to give their all in the closing rounds of the season.