Records tumble in McDonald’s Men’s NSW Premier Cricket
Centuries to Parramatta skipper Scott Copperfield, right, and keeper-batsman Dhruv Kant anchored their team’s stunning win. Photo: SuppliedAdam Lucius
A decision to set up camp in enemy territory paid off in a big way for Northern District after it claimed a remarkable outright victory over Eastern Suburbs in a record-breaking weekend of McDonald’s Men’s Premier Cricket.
It’s the first time in more than 10 years the Rangers have claimed maximum points and it could not have come at a better time as a number of teams made their move on the competition table across both days of the weekend.
Leaders Sydney University also secured an outright win over Campbelltown-Camden, while there were first innings wins for fellow top three teams Sydney and Manly-Warringah.
At Old Kings Oval, Parramatta broke a club record in chasing down Hawkesbury’s 398.
NDs headed into the clash with Easts in eighth spot and needing at least first innings points to stay in touch with the top six.
More than half the team spent Saturday night at Bondi to give themselves the best possible preparation and it could not have worked out any better.
After rolling the Dolphins for just 88 on day one, the Rangers made 8/186 before declaring just before stumps.
They couldn’t believe their luck when NSW skipper Peter Nevill chopped on on the last ball of the day to leave Easts 1-16.
The hosts mustered 145 in their second dig on Sunday and took three quick wickets before NDs passed them inside 13 overs.
NDs now sit fifth on the table.
“It was a massive result for us considering where we were on the ladder,” Rangers captain Ben Davis said.
“We went in thinking we could get the six points but to get the 10 is unbelievable, especially considering the quality of the side we were up against.
“The table is still pretty tight but our destiny is largely in our own hands now.”
As for the overnight camp, Davis said: “We had a swim at Bondi on Saturday night and some dinner and a couple of quiet beers.
“It was a different way to prepare and it was good to mix things up a bit.”
Sydney Uni went nine points clear at the top of the table after comfortably seeing off Campbelltown-Camden at University Oval.
Opening bowler Ben Joy collected his 200th First Grade wicket on the way to a five-wicket haul which helped oust the Ghosts for just 103 on day one.
Uni made 188 before bowling the visitors out a second time for 143 and scoring the 59 required for victory for the loss of just one wicket.
Centuries to Parramatta skipper Scott Copperfield (106) and keeper-batsman Dhruv Kant (126 not out) anchored their team’s stunning win over the Hawks.
Chasing 399 for victory, the home side reached its target with five wickets in hand to record the club’s biggest successful first innings run chase.
Copperfield went 116 innings before scoring his maiden top grade century in round nine.
He now has two tons within a fortnight.
There were second consecutive centuries for Jay Lenton (Manly) and Steve Eskinazi (Sydney) as their teams stayed in the top three via first innings victories over Blacktown and Bankstown respectively.
Detailed results here
