WEEKEND WRAP: Tough Conditions, Strong Efforts Across All Grades

It was a challenging weekend for the Helensburgh Tigers, with rain interruptions, revised targets under Duckworth–Lewis, and some strong opposition batting performances shaping the outcomes. Despite the results, there were promising individual displays and plenty of positives to build on as the season continues.

🏏 First Grade vs Wests Illawarra

Wests Illawarra won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a commanding total of 7/369 from 50 overs, with the Tigers’ bowlers working tirelessly throughout the innings. Lyndon James (2/56 off 10) and Harrison Fairfax (1/73 off 10) were the pick of the attack.

Under DLS conditions, Helensburgh received a revised target of 346 from 45 overs. Despite the steep chase, the side showed fight with the bat, reaching 170 all out (34.1 overs).Rhys Fowler (50) played a composed innings at the top, while Ben Hughes (36) added valuable runs in the middle. Ultimately, First Grade fell short, but the group will take key learnings into next week’s fixture.

🏏 Second Grade vs Wests Illawarra

Helensburgh won the toss and chose to bat, grinding their way to 9/159 from 50 overs on a difficult deck. Anthony Arena (56) held the innings together with an important half-century, while Rowan Knight (15) provided resistance in the middle overs.

A highlight of the day was Finn Stewart making his Second Grade debut, a well-earned milestone for the young Tiger.

Rain interruptions led to a revised DLS target of 80 for Wests, which they chased down, reaching 0/83 (17.3 overs).Despite the loss, the Tigers showed discipline with the bat and continue to develop their one-day form.

🏏 Third Grade vs Port Kembla

After winning the toss and batting first, Helensburgh worked hard for their 111 all out (41.3 overs).Kaiden Wildey (25) and John McGuirk (24) fought through testing bowling conditions to keep the innings moving.

With the ball, Wildey backed up his efforts superbly, taking 3/19 from 9 overs, while Logan Ackerman claimed 2/29 from his 7 overs .Port Kembla steadied late to finish 6/112 (32.4 overs), handing the Tigers a narrow defeat in an otherwise competitive match.

🏏 Fourth Grade vs Northern Districts White

Helensburgh elected to bat first, with several players contributing toward a total of 160 all out (39.2 overs). Andrew Ainsworth (30) and Brent McQuillan (29) led the way with important knocks.

A special moment for the club came with Dave Brittain making his Fourth Grade debut, taking the field alongside his son Bailey — a proud father-and-son milestone.

The Tigers began superbly with the ball, reducing Northern Districts to 7/80 (24 overs) before rain forced the match to be abandoned. Following the stoppage, Helensburgh was awarded the win via Duckworth–Lewis. Geoff Mallon (4/25 off 7) was outstanding, while young Hugo Dwyer (1/8 off 3) continued his impressive season with another tidy spell.

🐯 Looking Ahead

While Helensburgh came away with one win and three losses last weekend, the effort, individual highlights, and continued improvement across all grades provide plenty of confidence moving forward. The Tigers will regroup and come back firing next round.