Helensburgh Cricket Club Weekend Wrap – Round 15
- graemeburrill
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
A mixed weekend for the Helensburgh Cricket Club across all grades, with some standout performances and a few tough losses. Here’s a rundown of the action from Round 15
1st Grade – Helensburgh vs Albion Park Rail
Result: Helensburgh win
Helensburgh 5/216 (50 overs)
Albion Park Rail 94 all out (34.2 overs)
Helensburgh’s 1st grade side put on a dominant performance, securing a comprehensive victory over Albion Park Rail. After Albion Park Rail won the toss and elected to bowl, Helensburgh posted a solid total of 5/216 off 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Lyndon James, who top-scored with 78 runs, while Shay Brady added a valuable 55 runs.
This match marked Lyndon James' final appearance for the club before heading back to the UK. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed having Lyndon with us this summer, and his contributions both on and off the field will be missed. Safe travels, Lyndon, and thank you for everything!
In response, Helensburgh's bowlers were in fine form, dismantling Albion Park Rail for just 94 runs in 34.2 overs. Will Hoy was the standout with the ball, claiming 3/22 off 7.2 overs, while Harry Fairfax backed him up with 3/24 off 9.1 overs. A strong all-round performance ensured a dominant victory for the 1st grade.
2nd Grade – Helensburgh vs Albion Park Rail
Result: Helensburgh win
Helensburgh 154 all out (44.3 overs)
Albion Park Rail 9/120 (43.4 overs)
In a tightly contested match, Helensburgh's 2nd grade won after posting 154 all out in 44.3 overs. Kevin Read was the standout with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 63. Liam Burrill also contributed with a handy 18 runs.
On the bowling front, Rob Craig was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/29 from 7.4 overs, while Liam Burrill followed up with 3/16 from 6 overs. Albion Park Rail couldn’t quite chase down the target, falling short at 9/120 after 43.4 overs, giving Helensburgh a well-earned win.
3rd Grade – Helensburgh vs North Districts Blue
Result: Helensburgh loss
Helensburgh 138 all out (42 overs)
North Districts Blue 6/140 (37.4 overs)
In a disappointing outing, Helensburgh's 3rd grade side struggled with the bat, posting 138 all out in 42 overs. Gavin McGuirk top-scored with 34 runs, while Allan Manning chipped in with 31 runs.
The North Districts Blue side chased down the target relatively comfortably, finishing at 6/140 in just 37.4 overs. Helensburgh's bowlers Jarvis Chaplin (2/14 off 5.4 overs) and Logan Ackerman (2/23 off 5 overs) fought hard, but the total was ultimately too low to defend. A tough loss, but there were positives to take from the bowling performance.
4th Grade – Helensburgh vs Wollongong
Result: Helensburgh loss
Helensburgh 7/256 (45 overs)
Wollongong 8/259 (42 overs)
Helensburgh's 4th grade posted an impressive 7/256 in 45 overs, with stellar contributions from Michael Barilla (89 runs) and Brent McQuillan (82 runs).
A special mention to Marcus Lang, who made his 4th grade debut, stepping up from the 15A’s.
However, despite the strong total, Wollongong chased it down in a thrilling encounter, finishing at 8/259 in 42 overs. Scott Baker (2/26 off 9 overs) and Bailey Brittain (2/35 off 9 overs) were the pick of the bowlers, but it wasn’t enough to stop Wollongong from clinching the win in a close contest.
Looking Ahead
While the 1st and 2nd grades had dominant wins, the 3rd and 4th grades will be looking to bounce back after tough losses. There's plenty to build on, and we know the teams will be ready to hit back hard next week.
Thanks to all players, coaches, and supporters for their efforts and dedication. Let’s get ready for another big weekend of cricket next week!
