Around the Grounds: 10-12 January

Despite challenging weather conditions and some return from break teething pains, there were sensational performances accross the fields and rivers.

WOMEN'S CRICKET

With the First Grade game abandoned and Second Grade and Brewer Shield not due to return until this weekend, it was up to Third Grade to fly the Universities flag in their first T20 match of the summer. They got off to a great start by winning the toss, deciding to send Bankstown in. However Bankstown got off to a flying start, with their openers piling on 51 runs before the first wicket fell. Universities were able to exploit a few cracks in their armour to see Bankstown finish their 20 overs at 3/130. Diana Lozell (1/23), Lian Lam (1/12) and Jayne Bennett (1/18) took a wicket each, which stemmed the flow of runs. However Universities were unable to match the runs in reply - only captain Kirsten Wraith (30*) and Sarah Healy (15) were able to manage double figures, as the team finished with 8/70. They will look to bounce back next week against Campbelltown-Camden, who also had a first round loss.

MEN'S CRICKET

A great return from the break for UNSW's First Grade team, recording a win over their more fancied opponents Gordon to get 2020 off to a flying start. Gordon won the toss and chose to bowl and UNSW openers Himanshu Kakkireni and Benedict Geddes got off to a flying start. Geddes top scored for UNSW with a solid 75, backed up by captain Brandon McLean with 65 to put together a solid total of 5/230 after their 50 overs. UNSW struck quickly in Gordon's innings, taking out the top order to have their opponents 5/62. Gordon then managed a strong stand to get to 138 without another wicket lost, but Declan White (4/52), who was UNSW's best with the ball put an end to that partnership and the team chipped away to have Gordon all out for 203 in the 47th over for an important win.

The news wasn't so good in Second Grade, with Gordon pulling out a dominant performance. UNSW batted first and struggled to put together a partnership, with only Ankit Patel (36) able to dominate the bowling for a time. In reply Gordon made short work of UNSW's 9/152, running down the total in just 28 overs. Both of UNSW's wickets were taken by Tanzeelur Rahman (2/16). Third Grade had a strong win, thanks in no small part to Rohan Indap's unbeaten 113. Gordon fought hard to come within 21 runs of UNSW's 212 total, but were all out in the 49th over. Samuel Edwards (5/37) starred with the ball to ensure Gordon fell short.

Fourth Grade put on an 'edge of your seats' performance that came down to the final over, but eventually came away with the win. Captain Jack Roach smashed 88 from 85 balls to set up the team's 5/246, while Mitchell Law (3/41) and Adam Finkelstein (3/27) did the damage with the ball to see Gordon all out for 241 after 49 overs. Fifth Grade fought valiantly but weren't able to get the win, their 9/183 not quite enough to stop a rampaging Gordon team. Fidah Chowdhury (57) top scored for UNSW, while Nirmalan R Thanabalasingam (2/16) and Prosha Rahman (2/40) both had good outings with the ball.

The Green Shield, for Under 16s, has also been played over the past few weeks - UNSW has played six games with two wins so far in the competition. Some stars of the future have been on show for UNSW, including Nicholas Everitt who has scored 262 runs at an average of 52.4 and is sitting sixth overall in the competition's batting rankings. Joseph Gillard has also been batting excellently, with 159 runs at 39.75 and sitting in 31st place in the rankings. The top bowlers have been Edward Walker, who has nine wickets, an average of 18.33 and is 24th in the bowling rankings, closely followed by Hirav Gandhi with eight wickets at 13.25, sitting in 29th place.

ROWING

The UNSW Rowing Club had some fantastic results at the Taree Regatta over the weekend, winning 20 gold medals, seven silver and 16 bronze to finish in third place on the medal tally. Even more importantly, they finished ahead of bitter rivals Sydney Uni - the cause of much celebration. Keep an eye on the UNSW Sport website over the coming week for more details on their incredible achievements so far in the 2019/20 season.