Weekend Wrap: Senior Tigers Dig In as T20 & One-Day Seasons Take Shape

It was another action-packed weekend across the grades, with 1st and 2nd Grade continuing their T20 campaigns, while 3rd and 4th Grade launched into their one-day season. Although results didn’t fall our way in every fixture, there were promising performances, key milestones, and positive signs as squads continue to evolve.

🏏 1st Grade

Game 1 vs University

Helensburgh were asked to bat first in challenging conditions, eventually posting 9/83 (16.4 overs). Runs were hard to come by, with Rowan Knight (18) and Luke Baillie (14) showing patience and control in the middle. Despite a disciplined effort from the bowling group, University were able to build partnerships and chase down the total, finishing 6/138 (20 overs).

Ball in hand, Harrison Fairfax impressed again with 2/38 (4), working hard through the middle overs, while Angus Leadbitter’s 2/25 (4) added pressure and kept the Tigers in the contest.

Game 2 vs Keira

In their second match of the day, the Tigers posted 8/83 (20 overs), with Will Hoy (25) top-scoring in an innings that showed good intent, and Hunter Chaplin (11) offering support. On a surface that rewarded disciplined bowling, Keira were able to capitalise, reaching 2/84 (11.1 overs).

Wickets went to Tim Lloyd (1/8) and Leadbitter (1/29), showcasing consistent contributions across the attack.

Despite the losses, the side continues to develop rhythm as combinations settle and younger players find their feet in the T20 arena.

🏏 2nd Grade

Game 1 vs University

Runs proved difficult to accumulate for the Tigers, who finished 8/74 (20 overs). Mark Cottom (15) battled well against a tight attack, and Brett Morris (13)* added valuable late runs. University then chased steadily, ending 1/77 (10.1 overs).

Rob Craig claimed the sole wicket, finishing with 1/27 (4) and building pressure with changes of pace.

Game 2 vs The Rail

A terrific response followed in the afternoon match, with Helensburgh reaching 1/53 (8 overs) before rain shortened the innings. James Cattley (26)* looked composed and positive, while Cottom (13) backed up his earlier knock.

Defending a modest total, the Tigers produced an outstanding bowling performance to dismiss The Rail for 51 (16 overs). Tight lines from Brett Morris (3/11) and Rob Craig (3/18) proved decisive and swung momentum early.

⭐ Special Highlight: A fantastic moment for all involved, as father and son pairing Ben and Digby Haran donned the Tigers shirt side-by-side. A wonderful milestone the club is proud to celebrate.

🏏 3rd Grade

vs Wollongong Maroon

3rd Grade launched into their one-day season with a strong total on a lively surface, reaching 191 all out (42.2 overs). Andrew Ainsworth (73) anchored the innings superbly, mixing patience with boundary shots, while Allan Manning (45) played a key support role to help build momentum during the middle overs.

Despite the strong start, Wollongong Maroon were able to chase the target at 4/194 (38.5 overs), taking advantage of a fast outfield and holding key partnerships throughout the innings.

Wickets fell to Manning (2/35) and Fin Stewart (2/30), both of whom asked the right questions against set batters.

⭐ Debut Spotlight: Congratulations to 12-year-old Harrison Arena, who made his Grade fielding debut — a huge achievement at such a young age and a great indication of talent emerging through the ranks.

🏏 4th Grade

vs Northern Districts Sky

The Tigers produced a commanding batting display to start their campaign, piling on 8/250 (45 overs). Dave Stewart (74) was outstanding at the top, rotating the strike cleverly and punishing loose deliveries, while young talent Hugo Dwyer (22) showed maturity beyond his years.

The bowlers then took control, dismissing ND Sky for 187 (41 overs) thanks to consistent pressure and good catching in the deep.

Best with the ball:

• James Parkes — 3/20 (7 overs)

• Catherine Wilson — 3/23 (9 overs)

Both bowlers found movement and controlled the scoring through key periods.

⭐ Debuts Everywhere: A warm welcome and congratulations to:

• Hugo Dwyer

• Bailey Brittain

• Nick McIntyre

  
  

all making their Grade cricket debuts — outstanding to see new Tigers stepping up.

🐯 Club Summary

Across the board this weekend we saw:

✅ development from emerging juniors

✅ valuable experience against quality opposition

✅ strong bowling spells across multiple grades

✅ proud family moments and debuts

While results remain mixed, the effort and energy across the club remain extremely positive.

A big thank you to all players, volunteers, scorers, umpires, and supporters who continue to keep our Tigers roaring.

Bring on next weekend!