Gordon cricketer Harry Fry fought at Gallipoli, Fromelles and throughout the Somme, received a Military Cross …and somehow returned home.

On ANZAC day each year the Gordon Club pays its respects to those who fought in the First and Second World Wars including some of the most gruesome battles recorded in Australian military history.

Members of the Australian 5th Division July 19, 1916

Over the years we have detailed those who lost their lives, including the son of our First President Reg Black and the military exploits of many players who returned to continue their cricket at Gordon and in some cases go on to play for NSW and Australia.

In the First World War, 51 Gordon cricketers left our shores to fight for “King and Country” and 6 didn’t return, Reg Black, Alan Bruce, Gother Clarke, Fred Easton, Colin McCulloch and Jack Rule. These men fought in Egypt, Gallipoli and France and are remembered for their sacrifice.

When a search is made of the many players who did return, it is quite noticeable that many didn’t continue playing cricket. A number of course did, such as Charlie Macartney who went on to be one of our greatest cricketers, but the majority didn’t.  Their careers generally started between 1912 and 1915 and that is the last record of their involvement in cricket. Why didn’t they keep playing? A review of many of the National Archive records shows why. They simply were not fit enough to take the field again. Injuries were often serious and many were affected by the gas poisoning they couldn’t avoid during their years on the front line.

When reviewing the records it is actually a miracle that only 6 of our players lost their lives. The story of Harry Fry is testimony to that.

Harold Willoughby Fry started playing for Gordon, in the 1914-15 season in third grade and took 20 wickets at 7.95 in 5 games. What no doubt was looking like the start an excellent career with the club, was stopped very suddenly when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on December 17, 1914.

After training in Egypt he joined the First Field Company (Engineers) as a Lance Corporal in Gallipoli as a reinforcement in June 1915 after the heavy losses sustained since April 25. Somehow Harry survived including two trips to hospital in Malta and was evacuated in December 1915. Harry was then transferred to the 5^th Division Engineers (14^th Brigade) in France and was posted to Fromelles in France in June 1916.

In what the Australian War Memorial describes as “the worst 24 hours in Australian History” the 5th Australian Division containing 6,000 men was ordered by the British commanders with the British 61^st Division to attack the German front line.

The plan was badly flawed. British maps of the German trenches showed an elaborate network of front line and supporting trenches, but most of these had been abandoned due to flooding, and the German line was actually a few hundred yards to the rear. The sector had been quiet for 14 months, and during that time the Germans had constructed a number of hidden concrete machine gun emplacements.

The bombardment began at 11 a.m. on 19 July, with the infantry attack timetabled for 6 p.m. A German counter-bombardment inflicted heavy losses before the attack began. The attack by the British 61st Division was a total failure. German machinegun fire forced them to retreat without occupying any of the German front line. The Australians did rather better. On their left the 14th (New South Wales) Brigade and 8th Brigade captured the German front lines and began to consolidate their positions.

The new Australian line was indefensible. By the morning of 20 July the 8th Brigade had been forced to retreat back to its starting point, and the 14th Brigade was ordered to fall back in turn. Incredibly, the 5th Australian Division suffered 5,533 casualties, over 90% of the infantry involved in the attack.

One of the survivors who played a significant part in securing the Australian position was Harry Fry who received a Military Cross for his bravery. The citations reads:

“At Fromelles on 19^th/20^th July, 1916 he located and constructed a gap across “no man’s land” in the area of the 14^th Brigade. Owing to the energy and ability of this officer this gap was completed and trench boarded before dawn on 20^th and proved to be the greatest value to our troops who occupied the enemy trenches, both from bringing up ammunition and for their retirement when that became necessary. The length of the gap was 585ft of which 450ft was entirely new work” 

Harry had not only survived, but his work allowed the few that had survived with him to return to the Australian and British lines. Harry was promoted to Lieutenant.

Harry remained with the reinforced Fifth Division which now included Charles Cook another Gordon cricketer who played in the 1911 and 1912 seasons.  

In March 1917, Harry and Charles were part of a flying column of the Fifth Division that pursued the Germans to the Hindenburg Line, capturing Bapaume. In May the Division relieved the First Division in the Second Battle of Bullecourt, holding the breach thus gained against furious counterattacks. In September it managed to turn an allied defeat into a major victory at the Battle of Polygon Wood.

After this battle Harry Fry was “mentioned in despatches” by General Douglas Haig again for his bravery.

In March 1918 the Fifth Division was rushed to the Somme region to help stem the German Offensive. There it guarded the vital Somme River bridges. In April it counterattacked at Villers Bretonneux, recovering the town and hence became part of one of our most famous victories.

The Fifth Division then fought in the Battles of Hamel in July and Amiens in August. In September it forced the Somme River at Peronne and fought on to the Hindenburg Line. Harry and his friend Charles served with the Division during that whole time.

During his time in France, Harry had two leaves approved and spent time at the British Depot of Brightlingsea where he did further studies in Engineering. During the second visit from 1^st January 1919 to 1^st April 1919, he met and married Olive Aldous who returned with Harry to Australia in June that year. He must have been a fast worker our Harry!!

From December 1914, Harry had been involved in some of the most famous battles in Australian history in which more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

Harry didn’t play again for Gordon, probably due to the injuries he received during the war, but the good news is that Harry survived to the age of 89 and died in 1976 in Castle Hill.

It would have been an honour to have met Harry.

Lest we forget

The Webmaster  

Gordon Colts get back-to-back Metropolitan Cup premierships 

We rocked up to the home of Gordon cricket for our second week in a row, getting use to the large change room and all the history posted on the walls. 

Iqbal Ahmed celebrates retaining the Metropolitan Cup 

After our ground staff (and starting XI) packed the covers away we were told we were going to be chasing leather all day. I knew it was going to be a painful day when I heard the sound of a cougar coming from the bushes followed by a big “cooommmmmeeee onnnnn Peeeennnnnrrrrriiiiiiffffffffffffffffffffffffff” looking up I saw this sound coming from a Penrith player’s mother. This noise was heard at least once an over for the entirety for the day. 

A few early drives by the Penrith openers (And some YEEHAAS by the supporters) showed how good the deck was and should have been a day to cash in for all batsman! Tight lines from Dave “the favourite son” Leiboff (2/3 from 9 overs including 7 maidens) and Deva “The Mumbai Millionaire” Nirthanakumaranaranranaran (0/12 from 7) saw us get a couple of early poles and Penrith 2/10. ‘The Boff’ once again getting reward for bowling in the right areas. 

We had talked about bowling in partnerships in the sheds and this was a clear example of it. This was backed up in the field with everyone pulling their weight, special mentions to Tim “the VuVu” Van Zylen and Ben “the ball magnet” Armstrong.

The team goes up after Coleman takes off the bails - the final wicket and victory was ours 

Following up from the openers Captain Millar and Daniel “Partridge Junior” Stickland kept the pressure on. Stickland was rewarded with 3 wickets and a bump on the head. (3/8 from 8). After a diving catch from Andy Coleman, he proceeded to throw the ball in the air which caught Sticky just above the eye as he ran through to celebrate. 

Millar is not a man to be kept waiting as a Penrith batsmen found out, taking a bit longer between overs. He made it a point to make him have a restful day knocking his castle over on the next ball. At this point Penrith were 6/not to many before lunch on day 1. ‘Ronald McDonald’ Armstrong kept the pressure on with Adam “never trust a bloke with two first names” Aarons just before lunch, which came at a handy time, with the Penrith number 7 looking dangerous and playing a few big strokes. 

6/48 at lunch.

Dave Leiboff, Dave Millar and Mark Fonseka make hay on a great batting deck 

Lunch was good, I’m quite happy with the Subway provided during times when we are fielding, but I’m still craving the Fogo chicken burger. 

Back onto the field a loud cheer went up as Iqbal “the people’s champion” Ahmed. He bowled okay. Getting extra bounce on this Chatswood track. Excited by this extra bounce, Iqbal attempted to bounce the batsman with a vicious ball that got up to his shoulder…very very slowly. The people’s champion picked up the wicket of the hard hitting Penrith number 7 with a sharp catch by Jason Leiboff at first slip. Adam Aarons then bowled a batsman who didn’t offer a shot and we were 2 wickets away from cleaning up Penrith cheaply. 

We stayed patient and were rewarded with the two last wickets Iqbal claiming both. I must mention a sharp catch at second slip from Dave Millar off Iqbal to remove the last batsman. I must mention it because if I don’t, Dave will remind me about it about 50 times before next season! Penrith finishing up with 97 runs and an equal number of cougar noises.

Adam Aarons takes a key wicket, Dan Stickland bags a few and Iqbal Ahmed cleans up the tail 

With 40 minutes before tea, Tim and I were given instructions to bat till tea. Clearly I didn’t pay attention and neither did Coleman and we were 2/20 after not long. Vu Vu and Ronald stuck around and were building a good partnership before Vu Vu was judged LBW of a non-turning spinner. The number one son, Dave Leiboff, and Benjamin Armstrong steadied the ship until tea. The partnership grew after tea and until Ben was looking to clear the fence and was bowled. 

Let’s not talk about Iqbal’s ball, or Adam’s leave (which meant he was involved in both wickets where a shot was not offered).

The number two brother entered and joined the first and put together a very decent partnership which helped us pass the total. Dave playing some powerful pulls and some delicate “Fonzy’s- you know that shot behind point” and Jason following his form from last week driving the ball comfortably. 

Jason lost his wicket in the pursuit of runs with about 10 overs left. Skipper Millar joined Dave at the crease and saw out the reminding overs. 7/115 at the end of the day’s play.

We knew that with a lead of 20 runs that the first hour was so important. Survive that, capitalise in the second hour, then we would be home and on the way to the Orchard to celebrate a premiership. If we failed, Penrith, and its cougar noise, would throw everything at us in a bid for quick runs and then apply the pressure again with the ball.

Dave and Dave started off decently before Millar cut a ball hard to second slip. This brought our no.10 to the crease Daniel Stickland. He stuck around with Dave Leiboff and had a very handy 40 run partnership. Dave continued to strike the ball well on his way to 69. Sticky (11) has come up with the goods with the bat in the last two digs and built partnerships with whoever he is batting with. When Sticky got out we were 9/162 with plenty of time left in the day. Deva was all geared up for a big innings and felt in form after his decent knock last week.

The team celebrate a man-of-the-match performance by Dave Leiboff - a great all-round display 

Unfortunately Dave got out soon after, a well played innings but he would have definitely wanted more. With plenty of time still left in the day Penrith knew if they came out and batted aggressively they could be in for something later on.

The Slumdog Millionaire had other ideas (3/31) picking up the first 3 wickets. Dave Leiboff bowled steadily again without reward and the Penrith side began to mount a rear-guard attack, pushing to 100 for the loss of 3 wickets at the mid-point of the day.

To be honest, our fielding was a bit sloppy, but the pressure remained and we knew that it would continue to build on the Penrith side as the overs ticked away and they weren’t getting as many runs as they would have liked.

The peoples champion had been tossed the ball just before the drinks break, but it was just after that he began to weave his magic, firstly with an LBW, then bowling a bloke, enticing a lofted stroke for a catch and then finishing off the innings with a stumping. 4wickets. Standard.

However, the moment of the game was just after Iqbal struck first, breaking the decent partnership. 

Dave Millar leads the song after clinching another premiership as captain 

The following over the ball was played to Dave Millar and the batsman set of for a run. Well kind of. The new batsman sold his in-form partner a dummy, as the skipper pounced, still on the ground and threw down the stumps. Side on. Just the one stump to aim at. Gus Logie, eat your heart out!

Two new batsman were in and that was pretty much the game.

Chasing 64 for victory, a nasty little target, the Vu Vu had casually mentioned he was going to score 63 and let Fonzy get 1. He started off with the right mentality punishing the ball to all parts and before long we were 27 after 4 overs. Vu Vu 26, Fonzy on 1. Fonzy had only faced one ball. The Vu Vu fell on 26. Coleman and Fonseka finished off the chased and eased to a 9 wicket victory in front of the victorious 5th Grade side and many club officials and supporters.

Back-to-back premiers for the Colts boys.

The song was sung, with a changeroom full of supporters and beers were consumed - with the opposition and our supporters.

Thanks to everyone from Gordon who came down and supported us over the last weeks and throughout the season; there are countless names to mention. However, I would especially like to thank Jim Cattlin and Michael Michael for their assistance over the past couple of weeks.

A special mention to Mrs Leiboff for making my day after Dave Millar took a catch. She just wanted to clarify whether it was Iqbal who took the catch? Admittedly a mistake anyone could have made.

Finally, a quick mention to Ed Howitt Snr, who has now scored the Colts to 3 of their 4 premierships in recent years. Thanks good sir!

Until the next drink is consumed from the Metropolitan Cup… Up Gordon, Get Fah You Bah.

Mark Fonseka

The winning side - Deva, Ben Dave, Jason, Mark, Iqbal, Ed Snr (Scorer)

Adam, Dan, Dave (c), Andrew, Tim

Although the road to finals was a long 16 rounds (2 losses, 3 draws, 10 wins, 1 outright win), the Gordon 5th Grade team came away with the Minor Premiership. 

A fantastic effort with important contributions from the 36 players below throughout the season:

I’m sure those lucky enough to play finals cricket would agree it is an experience. It can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, bring out the best and worst in performances, and lead you to either loving or even hating the game. 

After the disappointing 1 wicket loss to Randwick in the quarters, we bounced back strongly with a 118-run win against Sutherland – great momentum leading into a grand final.

Tom Carruthers snares one of many in the finals series

Just to make a grand final is an achievement in itself. Many of the team had either never played in a grade grand final, or if they did, had suppressed memories of a loss, which can be difficult to overcome. Of note was Matt Todd, who reminded the youngsters how lucky they were to be in this situation as it has taken him 20 years to have the opportunity to win a grand final.

Day 1, we were not getting ahead of ourselves, particularly, as we had not played Sydney University all season due to rain affecting our round 1 match. Our approach was simple, to play like any other match with the same 3x P’s; plans, patience and pressure. We were confident in the team and the ability we possessed to win (echoing the words of Geoff Hickman).

Losing the toss, we were forced to bowl on what seemed like a good batting deck with a lightning outfield. The other important decision, from which end to open, was left to chance with Tom Bangs choosing the hand I held the bail in.

An edge goes through 3rd slip

I cannot help but think, what-if Tom choose my end because he had the ball on a string; devastating in line, length and movement and was justly rewarded. Removing Sydney University’s best batsmen Skinner (4) and Cowan (0) who placed number two and four on most runs scored in 5th grade, Tom lead us to a commanding position of 6-38 (with 5 of his own! and one to Tom Carruthers).

A 7-wicket run partnership of 36 from Sydney University attempted to pull back some of the momentum but was stifled by an efficient close to the innings (109 runs in 37.2 overs) with Toddy and myself picking up two wickets each. With the exception of an 18-run over to forget (sorry TC!), the first innings performance, not just bowling but also the fielding (2x catches to Carruthers, 1x Klemt, 1x Kinghorne) was everything skipper Tom Cockburn and the team could hope for.

With plenty of overs left in the day and a small total to chase, Tom Cockburn and Saahil Turki went out with purpose and application. Seeing off both opening bowlers and building the score to 43 without loss, you could say ‘they did their job’! From what little momentum Sydney University had left after their first innings, we took it in our stride.

As in most final matches, there will be a twist and unfortunately we could not avoid ours. 4 wickets fell in quick succession (3 of them LBWs). There were flashbacks to our round 13 match against Randwick; chasing 99, trotting along at 1-38, we were bowled out for 85. Safe to say there were heightened nerves and heart rates.

The responsibility of consolidating the innings then fell heavily on Tom Carruthers and Tristan Cooper’s shoulders. No easy task but the focus and patience applied by both TC’s wrestled the impetus back in our favour with a 68-run partnership, taking us past Uni’s total.

The ever faithful 5th Grade supporters

This great stand provided the lower order with a little less stress and a tad more confidence to go out and play our strokes but with a mindset that there was plenty more overs left to play.

Carruthers’ innings ended on a top score of 43, Cooper 31, Cockburn 26, Turki 12, and Klemt added a classy 35. Myself, Bangs and Toddy enjoyed our lead and advanced the score to 224 (off 68.1 overs).

A lead of 115 and an awkward 7-over period to end day 1, the Stags were keen to continue our momentous rollercoaster ride. With two big in-swingers to start the 2nd innings, I then threw in an out-swinger which drawing an error and a great grab in the slips by Carruthers – what a start and the end to day one!

Day 2, and Sydney University had a mountain to climb. Again, we simply needed to apply the 3x P’s – “just another day at the cricket”.

Not as dominant as Tom Bangs in his first innings spell by virtue he was taking polls and LBWs, I found myself with three more quick wickets; safe catches by Toddy and Cooper. Bangs was also in the action again taking the prize wicket of Skinner, taking the score to 7-41.

Dave Monaghan accepts his Man of the Match award

Another lower order fight back saw Sydney University approach a total that would make us bat again. However, Dan Richtor had other ideas providing the break through with Toddy reminding me how to catch.

Matt Todd went on and picked up 5th-grade-wicket number 59 for the season, a record breaking achievement that has been the backbone of the team’s success all season.

Tom Cockburn although relatively young has a mature head on his shoulders and has led the team to this successful position. All season he has had a knack of when to change bowlers and field placings to produce a wicket(s). Having four wickets in the bag, he wanted me to partner with Toddy from the other end and grab a ‘5fer’. Thinking the rollercoaster had reached its peak … edge … Carl Kinghorne takes a diving catch behind the wicket – OH YEAH, WE WON THE FINAL!!!!!

A great result for the team, the club, the selectors, and the supporters.

A worthy mention must go to Max Newman, who unfortunately could not play the final but was instrumental with bat and gloves all season. He topped the charts for 5th grade batting with 545 runs.

After a disappointing end to season 2010-11 going down to Manly in the semi final, to win the double header of minor premiership and premiership, and to win so convincingly in the final (by an innings and 23 runs), it’s great reward for all involved.

For those buoyed to go on next year and defend our title, all the best, and those moving on to bigger and better things good luck and up Gordon, get fah you bah!!

David Monaghan

Financial role available for suitable applicant

Announcement from Ian

After seven years at the financial helm of the GDCC I won't be standing for nomination to the post of Honorary Treasurer for next season.

So to enable an orderly handover of records etc. to a new incumbent after the close of the Club's financial year at 31 May 2012, the Club is looking for new blood to look after these activities.

Please either contact me (Phone : 0438784134  (Work) or 98784132 (home) email gillypackman@hotmail.com) or the GDCC President Andrew Falk (phone : 0418208532, email : president@gordoncricket.com) if you are willing to take on this key role or maybe if you are able to suggest someone in the Club, Grade or Juniors, (player / supporter / parent etc) who you think may fill the bill !   

Note that the remuneration for the Treasurer role is comparable with other similar positions within the SCA Grade competition.

Ian Packman

Honorary Treasurer GDCC

In the biggest game of the season to date, Gordon made the trek out to Blacktown to take on the Sutherland Sharks in a must win semi final. An absolute picture of a ground awaited us, as the Sharks won the toss and elected apply the pressure early with the new ball.

Andrew Crosland comes of age with the ball during the finals series 

A shaky start saw Saahil (4) snick one off early to a good catch in the slips, followed by Tom ‘The Burner’ Cockburn (12) missing a straight one leaving us in trouble at 2-17. As has been the case in more games than not this season, the revival was lead by Max Newman (45). Playing straight and putting away the loose ball, Max and Tommy Carruthers (13) saw us to 47 before the bowlers struck again. Andrew Crosland (18) and Max then saw the side to lunch at 3-87.

After the interval, the bowlers struck, removing Crosy and leaving the Stags in trouble at 4-90. Tristan Cooper (4) came and went, as the ever reliable Max continued on his way. Dan Richtor (28) and Max then saw the score to 128 before a good piece of bowling removed Max, caught and bowled. Dan quickly followed to a brilliantly bowled waist high full toss, as Gordon stumbled to 7-150, far short of what was desired. Carl Kinghorne (26) then combined with the most underrated player in the club as Dave Monaghan, calm as ever, strolled out to the wicket. 

The pair batted supremely well to put on a vital 60 runs to push the Stags over the 200 mental barrier. 

A loss in concentration saw Kinghorne dismissed with Gordon on 211. A flashy cover drive from Tom Bangs (3) was one of the highlights of the innings but his stay was short lived. The stage was now set for the player of the year to continue his new found form with the willow. 

Max Newman plays the role of the glue within the Gordon innings 

Toddy (40 n.o) and Monaghs (79) then set about demoralising the Sutherland attack. Boundaries were flowing to all parts of the ground as the Sharks’ heads dropped. 

All their early hard work was being erased by some brilliant tail end batting. Monaghs eventually fell, but not after the damage had been done. The pair put on 80 runs for the final wicket, catapulting Gordon to a massive score of 297. 

With 9 overs to bowl at the end of the first day, Gordon toiled hard but failed to find a break through. Sutherland 0-30 at the close of Day One. As it turns out, the same runs were made by the Colts and their opponents, Sydney University, were in a very similar position!

Day 2 saw Sutherland off to the brighter start with both openers hitting boundaries and keeping the scoring rate ticking over. With the score on 62, Bangs (2-69) snuck one through the gate, removing the opener and getting the breakthrough Gordon needed to start their day. 

A brief partnership ensued, but it didn’t last long as Tommy C (2-30) claimed the other opener with the score on 90. This sparked a collapse as tight lines from Crosy (2-28) and Monaghs (0-21 off 13) combined with solid fielding saw Sutherland collapse to 5-105 as Toddy claimed his first (4-23). 

Tommy Bangs continues to put in great performances for the 5s 

Sutherland never recovered losing wickets in regular intervals as Toddy did what he does best. The last wicket fell with Sutherland on 179, still 118 in arrears.

Arguably Gordon’s best performance of the season, especially the rear-guard action, as they move within one game of the coveted Sherwood Trophy.

Andrew Crosland

Over a fantastic weekend, Gordon won both the 5th Grade Premiership and the Metropolitan Cup with convincing outright victories over Sydney University and Penrith respectively. As with the previous week, the two games mirrored each other somewhat as they progressed.

The 5th Grade win saw two great bowling performances from Tom Bangs and Dave Monaghan while the Colts’ victory was a wonderful team effort.

Please note that until more photos are posted on the website, visit our Facebook page for plenty of photos from the two days.

5th Grade 

Sydney University won the toss and batted on their No.1 Oval. The ball swung early and Tom Bangs was brilliant in the first session. He ripped through the early batting and Uni sat precariously at 6-38, with Tom having 5 of them. Tom Carruthers also picked one up as Gordon were totally dominant. A partnership of 36 followed but once it was broken, Matt Todd and Dave Monaghan finished off the innings most efficiently.

109 was the total and it was essential that the Stags got off to a good start. Tom Cockburn and Saahil Turki did a great job, putting on 43 and dampening the Uni spirit somewhat. Just when it was looking straightforward however, the partnership was broken and immediately a clatter of wickets saw the Stags sitting at a wobbly 4-51. What followed was the pivotal partnership of the game. Tom Carruthers and Tristan Cooper showed great maturity, restoring order and adding a priceless 68 to go past the Uni total. 

At Tristan’s dismissal, Reagan Klemt came in and also showed fantastic poise to add another 32 with Tom. He continued on to a really important 35 before Dave Monaghan played his usual invaluable innings of 30* and Matt Todd added a little icing at the end. A first innings lead of 115 became even better when Dave took a quick wicket on Saturday evening to leave Uni in a pile of trouble.

Sunday morning came around and the home team looked a little unsure as to how to approach the day. Their approach was unsuccessful with the innings collapsing spectacularly to 7-41. Dave Monaghan was especially lethal taking three more wickets in a brilliant spell (he had 4-1 at one point!) ably assisted by Tom Bangs. 

A 45 run partnership brought a little respectability to the score but Dan Richtor’s wicket finished it and two more quick ones saw Uni dismissed for 92, still 23 runs away from making Gordon bat again. Dave finished with the extraordinary figures of 5-8 from 11.3 overs and thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award.

Congratulations to all concerned, especially skipper Tom Cockburn in his first year of captaincy with the club.

Gordon 224 (Tom Carruthers 43, Reagan Klemt 35, Tristan Cooper 31, Dave Monaghan 30*, Tom Cockburn 26, Matt Todd 14, Saahil Turki 12) defeated Sydney University 109 (Tom Bangs 5-21, Matt Todd 2-26, Dave Monaghan 2-28, Tom Carruthers 1-22) and 92 (Dave Monaghan 5-8, Tom Bangs 2-23, Dan Richtor 1-8, Matt Todd 1-15, Tom Carruthers 1-31) by an innings and 23 runs.

Colts 

Colts bowled first on an excellent Chatswood wicket and Dave Leiboff struck immediately, taking two early wickets. He was well supported by Dan Stickland, Dave Millar and Adam Aarons and Penrith collapsed to be 8-67. A small recovery ensued but Iqbal Ahmed made sure the total was not going to be too big, taking a very handy 3-29. All out 97, but a couple of early wickets made the Stags’ innings look a little jittery. Despite a couple of handy knocks from Tim Van Zuylen and Ben Armstrong, 6-72 looked a worry. 

Dave Leiboff, who was batting very well, was then joined by his brother, Jason and they added a crucial 37 to take the score past Penrith’s total. At 7-115 overnight, runs plus occupation of the crease were going to be crucial for Gordon to take advantage of their good position.

Sunday morning arrived but an early wicket had the Stags only 27 ahead with plenty of overs remaining. Dan Stickland then joined Dave and their partnership of 38 not only added priceless runs but took 16 overs off the time. When the innings finished at 164, Gordon was in a dominant position. Dave Leiboff’s 64 was a match winning dig – he came in at 3-36 and was the last out, displaying a great fighting temperament.

Penrith had to score quick runs, knocking off the 67 run deficit and getting a lead of about 120 so they could have a shot at rolling Gordon in around 30 overs. Deva Nirthankumaran had other ideas, taking an early wicket (through a brilliant diving catch by Andrew Coleman) and then striking twice in one over to have the Panthers wobbling at 3-34. From here, the innings changed somewhat as the two Penrith batsmen ran between wickets more urgently and began to hit some big shots. They added 68 before the turning point of the afternoon. 

A ball was smoked to short extra cover where Dave Millar dived, fielded and, while still on the ground, hit the one stump he could see at the bowler’s end to run out the non-striker (who had dobbed a couple up big sixes in the previous few overs). It was a brilliant piece of fielding and from there the innings fell away quickly. Iqbal Ahmed struck immediately and then went through the remaining Panthers, while Adam Aarons also chipped in with a wicket. Penrith were all out for 130, leaving Gordon 64 to win from the 34 overs left in the game.

Early wickets might have meant a few nerves in the chase. However, Tim Van Zuylen went out with a very positive attitude – by the third over, he was 26 (and Mark Fonseka had not faced a ball!!). He was unfortunately dismissed, but Mark and Andrew Coleman continued to bat really well, urged on by the victorious 5ths who had made it back to home base, and the job was completed in the 11th over. A comprehensive win, much deserved by our mighty Colts. It’s interesting to note that all 11 players’ names appear in the abbreviated scores, indicating what an excellent team effort it was. 

Well done, and special congratulations to Dave Millar on his 4th Metrop Cup premiership (his third as captain).

Gordon 164 (Dave Leiboff 64, Tim Van Zuylen 22, Jason Leiboff 17, Ben Armstrong 15, Dan Stickland 11) and 1-64 (Tim Van Zuylen 26, Mark Fonseka 19*, Andrew Coleman 19*) defeated Penrith 97 (Dan Stickland 3-8, Iqbal Ahmed 3-29, Dave Leiboff 2-3, Adam Aarons 1-14, Dave Millar 1-16) and 130 (Iqbal Ahmed 4-30, Deva Nirthankumaran 3-31, Adam Aarons 1-8) outright.

Michael Falk