Helensburgh Hit Form with Three Big Wins in One Day Action
- graemeburrill
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
š Helensburgh Cricket Club ā Senior Weekend Wrap-Up
It was a big weekend for our senior Tigers, with all four grades in action across the One Day competition. While First Grade went down to a strong Keira side, there were plenty of positives across the club ā highlighted by a brilliant century from Mark Cottom, a five-wicket haul to Kaiden Wildey, and dominant team wins in Second, Third, and Fourth Grades.
š¦ 1st Grade ā Round 2 vs Keira
Helensburghās First Grade side faced a tough challenge against a strong Keira outfit in Round 2 of the One Day competition.
Keira 1 won the toss and elected to bat, setting an imposing total of 9/395 from their 50 overs. Despite the onslaught, the Helensburgh bowlers stuck to their task, with Josh Holden (2/60 off 8) and Warren Craig (2/19 off 3) leading the way and picking up wickets to help contain the scoring late in the innings.
In reply, the Tigers struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Keira bowling attack, eventually bowled out for 89 in the 25th over. Lyndon James (27) provided some stability at the top, while Harrison Fairfax (14) added some resistance in the middle order.
While the result didnāt go their way, the team will look to regroup and bounce back stronger as they continue to build form and consistency through the season.
š¦ 2nd Grade ā Round 2 vs Keira
A standout performance from Mark CottomĀ inspired Helensburghās Second Grade side to a memorable victory in their One Day clash with Keira.
Keira won the toss and elected to bat. With rain interrupting play, the match reduced to 45 overs each. Keira's total was 4/222. The Tigersā bowlers did well to contain the scoring, with Liam BurrillĀ (2/40 off 9) and Anthony ArenaĀ (1/51 off 9) delivering tight, disciplined spells.
Under DLS conditions, Helensburgh was set a target of 240 from 45 overs ā and they made it count. Leading from the front, Mark CottomĀ produced a batting masterclass, crafting a magnificent 136 not outĀ to steer the Tigers home. He received valuable support from James CattleyĀ (22), as the pair helped set up a successful chase, with the side finishing at 7/241 off 44.3 overs.
It was a hard-earned and deserved win, built on teamwork, patience, and one of the standout individual performances of the season so far.
š¦ 3rd Grade ā Round 3 vs Port Kembla
Third Grade continued their impressive start to the One Day season with a convincing win over Port Kembla. Bowling first, the Tigersā attack was relentless ā Kaiden WildeyĀ produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to claim 5/29 off 4 overs, while Allan Manning (2/32 off 9)Ā kept things tight from the other end. Port Kembla were restricted to 8/91 from their 20 overs.
In reply, Helensburgh made light work of the chase, reaching the target at 1/94 from 18 overs. Andrew Ainsworth (51 not out)Ā continued his strong form with the bat, supported by Finn Stewart (23)Ā in a professional run chase. Ainsworthās leadership and Wildeyās five-wicket haul capped off another outstanding team performance.
š¦ 4th Grade ā Round 3 vs Port Kembla
Fourth Grade were in a dominant mood, piling on the runs in a high-scoring win over Port Kembla. Batting first, the Tigers amassed a massive 5/349 (45 overs)Ā thanks to a superb knock from Brent McQuillan (90), who fell just short of a well-deserved century. Brandon Waters (67)Ā also impressed with a polished innings, while several others chipped in to push the total well beyond 300.
Defending the big score, Helensburghās bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. James Parkes (4/30 off 8.1)Ā and Mark Wheatley (2/16 off 4)Ā led the way, dismissing Port Kembla for 185 (32.1 overs)Ā to secure a comprehensive win.
š”ā« Summary
It was a strong weekend overall for Helensburgh, with wins in Second, Third, and Fourth GradeĀ showcasing the depth and spirit across the senior ranks. With momentum building and plenty of standout individual efforts, the Tigers are well-placed heading into the next round of One Day action.
