Weekend Wrap: Tigers Deliver Milestones, Match-Winners and Memorable Moments

It was another action-packed weekend for Helensburgh Cricket Club, with all four senior grades taking the field and delivering a mix of strong wins, courageous efforts, and standout performances. Across the grades, players stepped up with centuries, milestone matches, and game-changing spells—making it a thoroughly entertaining and encouraging round for the Tigers faithful.

First Grade – Round 5 vs Dapto

The standout moment of the weekend came before a ball was even bowled, as club stalwart Shay Brady celebrated a major personal milestone—his 100th First Grade appearance for Helensburgh.

Dapto won the toss and elected to bat, but the Tigers’ bowling unit responded brilliantly. Spearhead Luke Falkiner produced his best performance of the season, ripping through the opposition with a remarkable 6/26 from 10 overs. His pace, control and consistency dismantled Dapto’s batting order and gave Helensburgh the ascendancy from the outset.

Lyndon James backed up Falkiner superbly, delivering a tight spell of 2/18 from 10 overs to ensure Dapto never gained momentum. The visitors were eventually dismissed for 106 in 38 overs, giving Helensburgh a manageable chase.

With bat in hand, Lyndon carried his form straight into the second innings, compiling a classy 52 in a composed run chase. Milestone man Brady added a stylish 31, helping guide the side to 4/110 in just 15.5 overs—a convincing and well-earned victory.

Result: Helensburgh (4/110) defeated Dapto (106)

Second Grade – Round 5 vs Dapto

Second Grade also faced Dapto, with Helensburgh choosing to bat first on a surface that rewarded patience. The Tigers posted a competitive 9/193 from their 50 overs, thanks to steady contributions throughout the order. Mark Cottom (35) and Josh Holden (23) anchored the innings, helping the side build a platform while navigating some disciplined bowling from the opposition.

Defending the total, the Tigers fought hard, with Anthony Arena leading the attack with 3/34 from 10 overs, regularly threatening the edge and keeping the run rate in check.Brett Morris (2/26) also bowled with excellent control and picked up key wickets to keep Helensburgh in the hunt.

Despite the effort, Dapto managed to chase down the total in 44.1 overs, finishing at 8/194, leaving the Tigers ruing a few missed chances but taking plenty of positives from the contest.

Result: Helensburgh were defeated by Dapto

Third Grade – Round 6 vs Keira Red

The Third Grade clash delivered one of the standout batting performances of the entire season. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Helensburgh exploded with the bat thanks to an extraordinary knock from Callum Hockey, who produced a magnificent 134. His innings—filled with power, placement, and patience—set the tone for a commanding total of 9/282 from 45 overs.

Late in the innings, Brad Bell added further momentum with a composed and undefeated 53 not out, ensuring the Tigers posted a strong and imposing score

However, the run chase from Keira Red was equally aggressive. The opposition put together a fast-paced batting display, reaching 4/286 in 31.3 overs. Although wickets from Allan Manning (1/67) and Logan Ackerman (1/39) kept Helensburgh fighting, Keira’s powerful middle order proved too strong on the day.

Despite the loss, the Tigers’ batting performance—particularly Hockey’s century—stands as a major highlight for the season so far.

Result: Helensburgh were defeated by Keira Red

Fourth Grade – Round 6 vs Albion Park Rail

Fourth Grade rounded out the weekend with a gritty and composed win. Albion Park Rail won the toss and batted first, but Helensburgh’s bowlers applied sustained pressure across the innings. James Parkes (2/35 from 9 overs) bowled with excellent discipline, while Hugo Dwyer (2/33 from 6.1 overs) produced a strong supporting spell to help roll Albion Park Rail for 204 in 44.1 overs.

Chasing the target, the Tigers displayed maturity and patience with the bat. Jon McGuirk anchored the innings perfectly, finishing 63 not out, while Dave Stewart (35) chipped in with an important contribution at the top. Together, they guided Helensburgh to 5/209 in 41.2 overs, sealing a confident victory and ending the weekend on a strong note.

Result: Helensburgh (5/209) defeated Albion Park Rail (204)

A Weekend to Build On

With two wins, two competitive losses, a First Grade milestone, standout batting efforts, and some superb bowling figures, the Tigers walk away from the weekend with momentum and plenty of positives. The performances across all four grades show depth, growth, and the potential for even stronger results in the rounds ahead.

Congratulations again to Shay Brady on 100 First Grade games, and well done to all players representing the club with pride.

Onwards to next week—Go the Tigers! 🐯🏏