Andrew's Rawson Cup Cricketers win the 2010 Final
22 March 2010Congratulations to the Andrew's men for winning the 2010 Rawson Cup Cricket Competition.
Report by Rob Edwards.
The much anticipated final round of 2010 Rawson Cricket saw the clash of the two undefeated colleges, St Andrew’s and Wesley. The morning began early with the captain of the victorious 2000 Rawson Cricket side Chris Brown taking his time to address the players about the importance of the game, not only for the current students, but for that of the wider college community, including the alumni. His words appeared to have a calming effect upon the nervous freshers, transforming this energy into college pride, complimented by the piping procession of Tyler Drayton from the steps of the Main building to the battleground.
Thick morning dew blanketed the St Paul’s outfield, leaving both captains with thoughts only of winning the toss and batting. Wesley captain Dave Miller landed the first blow of the match by sending the “baggy blues” into the field.
The match began in a relatively inauspicious fashion. The scoring by the Wesley openers landed Drew’s well and truly on the back-foot. At the 8 over mark, Wesley had flown to 1 for 54. Adjustments to the tactics were swiftly made, and the introduction of the first change pair of Liam Robertson (3 wickets) and Charlie Cull (2 wickets) saw the game quickly swing in the favour of St Andrew’s. Disciplined bowling and energetic fielding capitalised upon the mistakes of the batsmen, Angus Sinclair effecting two sharp catches in the slips.
With the Wesley score lingering at 5 for 70 at the first drinks break, the job was far from complete. With the knowledge that the lower order had saved them in the previous two matches, every player was reminded of the importance of maintaining their intensity through the 10 wicket innings. Skipper Rob Edwards assumed the bowling responsibilities from the northern end of Paul’s Oval, with Liam Robertson from the southern. The pair made short work of the tail, Edwards collecting a four-wicket return, and Robertson concluding the innings with the score All Out 96. It was a testament to the determination and execution of the St Andrew’s side that the match was changed in such a short period of time. However, Rawson Cricket is unlike any other form; seemingly low totals can prove defendable and crowd involvement can play an important role.
Opening Batsmen Ben Cannon and Alex Barwick were sent to the crease with a clear message of positive intent. After useful starts, both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Drew’s teetering at 2 for 20. Freshers Cam Patrick and Liam Robertson entered the fore, and seemed to assume the challenge with relative ease against the bowling attack of Wesley. A series of blazing strokes in front of the wicket, both along the ground and over the top, saw the score motor along to 60 in a matter of minutes, not overs. Whilst this could have been a reflection of nerves, it appeared their risk taking mentality was reaping rewards. A couple of quick wickets fell with the runs required well within management, allowing Angus Sinclair and Rob Edwards see the side to a comfortable 5 wicket victory.
Following the rapturous celebrations, including a more than vocal rendition of the Andrew’s Song, the presentation of the Captain Norman Packer Memorial Cup by Wesley punctuated what could only be described as a perfectly scripted day for St Andrew’s College.
The two teams played out the final in a tremendous spirit, and whilst the Wesley players were clearly dejected by their loss, their sportsmanship is to be commended, as are the talented individuals within their side.
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Meanwhile, this is how they made it to the final.
St Andrew's have begun their 2010 Rawson Cup campaign in an excellent fashion, with two convincing wins, one over St Paul's and the other over St John's in the first week of the competition. They now face the final against Wesley next Wednesday 17 March on St Paul's Oval, 10-5pm.
The St Andrew's bowling attack put on a clinic for the Paul's batsmen on Tuesday, with opener James Cahill (4/6) and captain Rob Edwards (4/6) returning the most impressive figures. Disciplined bowling was complemented by outstanding fielding, meaning the batsmen only required a short time at the crease to chase down the low total.
As most of you will know, the second game of the Rawson campaign is notorious for causing hiccups for those sides successful in the previous round. St Andrew's dispelled this myth when they faced St John's on Thursday. Having won the toss and elected to bat, the Drew's top order benefited from some dropped catches by John's. Chancing their arm one too many times, the top order fell in quick succession, leaving the college at 5 for 70. The one constant amongst a number of batting partnerships was Liam Robertson. His innings of 118, punctuated by an array of powerful drives and deft touches, steered the side to a dominating 227. Tight bowling honoured the achievements with the bat, with Rob Edwards (2/9) and Liam himself (2/18) the most rewarded.
The final round against the undefeated Wesley College is scheduled for Wednesday the 17th on St Paul's Oval, and should prove to be a contest between the two most talented and powerful forces in intercollege cricket this year.
ROUND 1
Wesley 208 (J. Walsh not out 83, J. McNamara 35, C. Roberts 5/26, D. Miller 3/13) def. John’s 111 (B. Rabjohns 35, M. Sunderland 26, D. Caldwell 3/18, T. Moore 3/51)
Andrew’s 4/31 (A. Sinclair not out 9, C. Patrick not out 5, R. Edwards 4/6, J. Cahill 4/6) def. Paul’s 29 (E. Anderson 6, M. Nolan not out 3, J. Gillespie 1/18)
ROUND 2
Wesley 8/105 (J. Cowman not out 29, H. Brownhill not out 25, D. Miller 4/16, J. Cowman 3/12) def. Paul’s 104 (H. Marples 22, A. Grant 16, Walker 16, C. Sayers 5/24, J. Gillespie 3/23)
Andrew’s 227 (L. Robertson 118, Patrick 18, L. Robertson 2/15, R. Edwards 2/9), def. John’s 116 (L. Smith 30, M. Freeth 22, B. Rabjohns 4/42, T. Moove 2/41)
