Weekend Review: Senior Grades Show Strong Fight Across the Club

Helensburgh Cricket experienced another full weekend of one-day action across the senior grades, with a mix of close contests, standout individual performances and three strong victories to finish the round.

First Grade – Round 7 vs Northern Districts

Helensburgh won the toss and elected to bat but found conditions challenging, eventually being dismissed for 125 in 33.1 overs. Jack Cattley top-scored with a fighting 29, while Warren Craig added 14 in the middle order.

Northern Districts chased down the target with minimal trouble, reaching 3/126 in 27.3 overs. Despite the loss, Helensburgh’s bowlers continued to work hard, with Rhys Fowler (1/21 from 7 overs) and Angus Leadbitter (1/36 from 7 overs) producing disciplined spells.

Second Grade – Round 7 vs Northern Districts

Second Grade delivered a thrilling result in a tightly contested match. Batting first, Helensburgh posted 6/181 from 48.2 overs, built around a superb knock from Mark Cottom, who fell just short of a century with an outstanding 95. Ben Stewart chipped in with 14 as Helensburgh set a competitive total.

In reply, Northern Districts were bowled out for 180 in 48.5 overs, handing Helensburgh a narrow but well-earned victory. Josh Holden was the standout with the ball, claiming 5/41 from 9.5 overs, while Brett Morris (1/20 from 10 overs) provided excellent control.

Third Grade – Round 8 vs Wests Illawarra Red

Wests Illawarra Red won the toss and elected to bat, but Helensburgh’s bowlers ensured the contest stayed tight. Chasing 137 for victory, Helensburgh reached 7/141 in 31.1 overs to secure the win.

Gavin McGuirk (32) anchored the innings, while Liam Burrill (18 not out) guided the side home late. With the ball, Helensburgh was superb, led by Kaiden Wildey’s outstanding 5/28 from 7.5 overs, well supported by Finn Stewart (2/16 from 6 overs).

Fourth Grade – Round 8 vs Northern Districts Gold

Fourth Grade produced one of the performances of the weekend. Batting first after winning the toss, Helensburgh compiled a strong 6/243 from 45 overs, highlighted by Dave Stewart’s composed 50 and a valuable 39 not out from John McGuirk.

Northern Districts Gold were then restricted to 8/173 from 29 overs, with Catherine Wilson delivering a standout bowling display, finishing with 5/65 from 8 overs. Geoff Mallon (1/31 from 8 overs) provided excellent support as Helensburgh sealed a convincing victory.

Overall, it was a positive weekend for the club, with strong contributions across all grades and plenty of momentum to carry into the upcoming rounds.