with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket competition enjoyed another fantastic season in 2024 / 25. The competition featured a dedicated girls’ junior division for Under-11s, mixed-age competitions ranging from Under-8s to Under-17s, the senior mixed John Hayne Cup, ten senior grade teams, and five senior T20 competitions.

The local men’ s A Grade competition for 2024 / 25 saw the two standout teams of the season progress to the grand final. Berowra finished the regular season with 12 matches played, securing seven wins and suffering just one loss, ending on 71 points. Their grand final opponents, West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club( WPHCCC), finished second with 64 points, having

WPHCCC ready for the grand final. Photo: WPHCCC.

claimed six wins and one loss. However, the season did not begin smoothly for either team, as Berowra’ s Round 1 match against Hornsby Gold was abandoned, while WPHCCC had their fixture against Hornsby Green similarly called off in September. Ironically, the two grand finalists faced each other in Round 2 at Parklands, where minor premiers Berowra emerged victorious with a commanding sevenwicket win. Chasing a target of 119, Berowra reached the total in 19.1 overs. Kushal Patel delivered an exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4 / 16 from eight overs. With the bat, Harry Hando fought hard for 36 before being stumped by Blake Davenport, while Mitch Fullagar smashed a rapid 40 off 20 balls before falling to Jack Hando, who took 2 / 11 from four overs.

In Round 8, Berowra delivered a dominant performance against Hornsby Gold, posting 6 / 201 in their 40 overs. Mitch Fullagar led the charge with 51 from 31 balls, supported by Albert Watts( 31) and Kushal Patel( 30). Their bowling attack then dismantled Hornsby Gold for just 79 in 25.3 overs, with Cooper Davenport taking an outstanding 5 / 20 from eight overs.

Berowra continued their impressive form in Round 12 with a crushing 172-run victory over St Ives

Wahroonga, scoring 7 / 221. Contributions came from Kushal Patel( 44), Blake Davenport( 42 *), and Albert Watts( 39). The bowlers then tore through the opposition, with Bradley Fiedler taking 5 / 14 from 6.4 overs, while Adam West( not Batman) grabbed 2 / 5, and Benjamin O’ Connor finished with 2 / 14.

Meanwhile, WPHCCC showcased their strength in Round 4 against St Ives Wahroonga, posting a formidable 232. Sean Clarence top-scored with 68, while Ashane de Silva( 44) and Shaan Bakshi( 43) added solid contributions in a match that was ultimately declared a no result. A crucial 130-run victory over Hornsby Gold in Round 5, featuring a powerful 61 from Michael Gunn, helped set the tone for their season. In the Round 14 return fixture against Berowra, WPHCCC claimed a vital three-wicket win in the final two-day match before the finals, securing second place. Key performances included Phil Wurth( 47), Harry Hando( 40), and Jack Hando, who picked up 4 / 23 from 8.4 overs.

In the semi-finals, Berowra’ s star players stepped up. They declared on 7 / 325 in 91 overs, with Cooper Davenport blasting 119 and Mitch Fullagar scoring 110. The match was later abandoned, sending Berowra straight to the grand final. WPHCCC, on the other hand, secured a 74-run victory over Hornsby Green. Billy Gaunt starred with the bat, scoring 44 in the first innings and 70

in the second. Tisveer Mistry delivered an outstanding bowling display, taking 4 / 12 in the first innings and 3 / 12 in the second, while Tom Hando picked up 5 / 19.

In the grand final, Berowra were bowled out for 184, with Richard Johnson top-scoring with 82. WPHCCC’ s Tisveer Mistry( 3 / 31) and Harry Hando( 4 / 39) were instrumental with the ball. In response, WPHCCC chased down the target, finishing on 7 / 188 to claim the premiership by three wickets. Jackson Preedy played a matchwinning innings, remaining unbeaten on 86, while a fill-in player contributed a crucial 67 to secure the title for West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club.

It was yet another thrilling season of local cricket, highlighting the talent and competitive spirit within the district.

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

Last year, the Western Sydney Wanderers endured a challenging season under Marko Rudan, making a valiant effort to break into the top six and secure a finals berth. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as they finished the 27-game A-League Men’ s season in seventh place with 37 points, securing 11 wins and four draws. Despite their best efforts, the men in red and black from Sydney’ s west fell just short of their target.

The off-season, however, proved fruitful for the Wanderers, who appointed former Central Coast Mariners and Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic. Stajcic, who played in the NSW Premier League with Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Bonnyrigg White Eagles, and Bankstown City Lions, understands what Wanderers fans and the people of Western Sydney expect: a team that fights with heart and represents their identity with pride. Affectionately known as“ Staj” by his players, he has reignited the Wanderers’ fire, and they are currently flying high in third place with 34 points after 20 games. This puts them just three points away from last season’ s total, with projections suggesting they could finish with 46 or 47 points – or even as high as 55. With 10 wins and four draws,

they have also established themselves as the league’ s best attacking side, netting 47 goals. Not only do they look set to make the finals, but they also appear to be genuine contenders for this year’ s A-League championship.

Over the past six weeks, the Wanderers have delivered a string of impressive performances. They secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brisbane Roar away, followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium – a match they will feel they should have won. A solid 2-1 triumph at home against local rivals Macarthur Bulls set the stage for an emphatic 4-0 win in Gosford against last season’ s treble winners, the Central Coast Mariners. They then followed up with a resounding 4-1 home victory over Perth before making a significant statement with a 4-2 win against Melbourne Victory last weekend.

Their recent form has been exceptional, with key contributions from Bozhidar Kraev, who has now scored six goals in 20 appearances, and former Socceroos regular Brandon Borrello, who has also found the net six times while providing seven assists. His attacking prowess has been a highlight of the season. Other standout performers include Socceroo Joshua Brillante, captain

and goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, Socceroo Alex Gersbach in defence, and Jack Clisby, who has been marauding down the left flank as an overlapping wing-back. Young star Nicolas Milanovic has also been sensational, scoring nine goals and registering five assists. Additionally, the squad boasts the experience and class of former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder, and Premier League champion, Juan Mata, whose influence has been invaluable.

Unlike in previous seasons, the Wanderers are no longer reliant on just one or two outlets for goals and distribution. Instead, their well-balanced and talented squad gives them a genuine opportunity to claim their first A-League title.

As they push towards the finals, the Wanderers face back-to-back away fixtures against Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, before returning home to take on second-placed Western United on 13th April. They then host Melbourne City on 19th April, travel to face the Newcastle Jets on 26th April, and conclude the regular season away to Macarthur Bulls on 3rd May. With a favourable run-in, it seems as though the football gods may finally be smiling on Alen Stajcic and his men from Western Sydney.

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