MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS MID NORTH COAST - 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2026.
10 players and 5 partners met up at Bartlett Park, Forster for our annual clash against Ken Ogilvie’s Mid North Coast side. Unfortunately, we only had 10 players against MNC’s 11, but this didn’t detract from the day which was played with vigour and terrific spirit.
The rules of the game were determined prior to play with:
5-overs to be bowled from alternate ends,
20 overs for one team, then 20 for the other, then another 20 and 20,
No free hit to batsmen, and
Retirement after facing 30 balls, regardless of runs scored.
John Granata was CBC’s captain for the game, promptly lost the toss and was advised that we would be fielding first, with Messrs McWilliams and Sharpe from MNC opening the batting.
It was terrific to welcome Ed Cross back for this game and he opened the bowling, conceding a single in the first over. John Granata shared the
new ball, conceding 3 runs, but tossed the ball to Scott Marshall as he didn’t like bowling into the wind. In the 5th over, Sharpe despatched a well-timed, but lofted drive off Ed Cross to deep mid-on where Arv Naidu accepted a solid catch. MNC were 1-19.
Paul entered the fray and scored freely from the outset, kick-starting McWilliams – this pair putting on 34 runs in 4 overs until McWilliams lofted an off-drive from John Granata (his 2nd spell) to the ever-present Arv, who gladly accepted another solid catch. MNC were 2-53 and were looking ominous.
Jason came on to bat, scoring freely from the outset. Paul retired on 38 runs after facing his 30 balls, being replaced at the crease by Chris. MNC batsman Jason retired on 37 runs after facing his 30 balls and was replaced by Peter H.
Chris and Peter were still at the crease when MNC’s first 20 overs were complete. Their score was 2-128 with 3 retirees in the shed.
CBC’s turn to bat with openers Arv Naidu & Ed Cross striding confidently to the synthetic pitch. Unfortunately, Ed looked to drive a ball in the 3rd over and was bowled by Peter B for 1. CBC was 1-5 when Steve Allan joined Arv at the crease having just swapped his wicket-keeping pads for his batting ones.
Both batsmen were seeing the ball well, with Arv retiring in the 8th over on 17 runs (after 30 balls).
Scott Marshall entered the fray and scored 10 runs from 18 balls before being bowled by Holland. CBC was 2-50 with Woody not out on 17 from 21 balls faced to date.
Martin Dubler joined Steve at the crease and was still there when Steve retired on 25 runs, being replaced by Brian Walker, who remained not out 3 when CBC’s first 20 overs came to an end. Martin Dubler was 5 not out. We were 2-63 and like MNC, we had 3 retirees in the shed.
Lunch came and went and MNC returned to the crease. Not out batsman Chris elected to retire on his not out score of 13 from 21 balls, so Peter H (not out 0 from3) was joined by Peter B. Martin Dubler was bowling in tandem with Rob Harding when Peter H lost concentration and was bowled for 19 from 21 balls.
Two overs later and Martin secured his second when Peter B fell victim to a smart stumping by keeper Woody. MNC were now 4-175 after 37 overs with Ben not out 16.
Don came into bat, only staying for 5 balls before retiring on NIL, so captain Ken Ogilvie could have a bat. After 40 overs, MNC finished up with 4-195 with Ben remaining not out on 22 and Ogilvie, not out 5.
Bowling figures for CBC were:
John Granata: 2-43 (7 overs)
Ed Cross: 1-30 (8 overs)
Scott McMahon: 0-40 (6 overs)
Arv Naidu: 0-26 (7 overs)
Rob Harding: 0-30 (5 overs)
Martin Dubler: 2-22 (7 overs)
CBC’s 2nd stint at the crease saw not out batsmen Walker (3) and Dubler (5) return to the Centre strip. Runs were difficult to come by and Brian was unable to increase his first-dig score of 3 before being run out at the bowlers end. 3-66 and Gregg Ritchie strode to the crease only to return 3 balls later after suffering a debilitating groin-strain mid-stroke and being bowled that ball. 4-66 and captain John Granata joined the frey needing only 20 runs to achieve his 1,000 runs for the Club.
Alas, instead of getting his desired runs, John lasted 7 balls before being run out for a duck. 5-69 with Dubler not out of 6 after 27 balls faced.
Rob Harding replaced John, remaining at the crease when Martin finally faced his 30th ball and retired on 8 runs.
Wayne Christie to the crease. Rob’s innings was brief, but he hit a glorious 4 on his 4th ball. He scored 5 off his 6 balls faced: 6-76 and our first recycler (John Granata) joined Crystal at the crease. Unfortunately Gregg was unable to recycle due to his injury.
John still needs 20 runs for his quest to be complete and scored 5 of these before lofting a ball to deep backward-square, only to be caught by Big Ben Carney. 7-85 in the 33rd over with Crystal 1 not out (13 balls) and Arv Naidu (17no) returning as our first retiree. Arv and Wayne increased the score to 98 before Wayne retired hurt (1 after 29 balls). Second retiree Steve Allan (25no) joined Arv (now 26no) at the crease, faced one ball and was bowled. CBC was now 8-98 and Martin Dubler joined Arv for the final over.
At the end of 40 overs, CBC finished up at 8-105 with Arv Naidu 33no and Martin Dubler 8no.
A solid SILVER for the result with Arv Naidu adjudged Man of the Match by both MNC and CBC for his all-round performance of 33no, 0-26 from 6 overs, and 2 catches.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS PORT JACKSON CRICKET CLUB – 18TH FEBRUARY, 2026.
It was already 30 degrees when we arrived at Kensington Oval in Kensington. The forecast temperature was 35 degrees. As was the case last Wednesday we were short of players. Only six available. The Port Jackson team we were playing arranged six players of their own and, from their surplus players each captain made a choice in turn so that we ended up with eleven players a side. The substitutes for CBC were Siriwardena Mangala, John Jackson, Ajoy Roy, Doug Latto and Bob Saville
Kensington Oval was in good order and well grassed. It was thick kikuyu grass which had a dampening effect on run scoring. Many twos became ones and even some balls that made it close to the boundary resulted in one run.
John Granata was again our captain and duly won the toss. His decision was to bowl.
Wier Harvey and Frank Baliotis opened the batting for Port Jackson and were facing up to Rob Drummond and John Granata. Wickets were to prove hard to come by.
Rob’s three overs cost seventeen runs and John’s came to twenty two.
After Sam Issa and Siriwardena Mangala had bowled two overs each making it ten in total the score was 0 for 66.
After one more over each, Sam had conceded twenty two runs and Siriwardena thirteen.
It was about at this time that Harvey (21) and Baliotis (18) retired.
Mal Whittaker and Niel Brady were the next batsmen and they too batted for their allotted thirty balls. Mal with better than a run a ball on 36 and Niel on 21.
They were replaced by John Parker and Mal Sharpe.
John Jackson and Ajoy Roy had taken over the bowling from Sam and Siriwardena and bowled four overs each. The wicketless caper continued with twenty six runs coming from John’s bowling and nineteen from Ajoy’s.
They handed the ball to Ian Ross and Tony Adnum. Both had thirteen runs scored off their three overs without the first wicket being registered. Twenty six overs had been bowled and the score was 0 for 149.
Rob Harding was next at the bowling crease and Siriwardena came back on at the other end. Success! Rob Struck with his third ball. Mal Sharpe played forward defensively, the ball passed the bat and crashed into his right pad. A vociferous appeal from all and sundry saw umpire Winney raising his right index finger. 1 for 151 in the 27th over.
After the next over, Bob Saville had had enough ‘keeping and Tony Adnum took over the gloves. After three overs behind the stumps, Tony was advised (he thought) that he had to ‘keep with a helmet on. He took off the pads and gloves in disgust. After he was advised he could stand back from the stumps without a helmet he calmed down and got dressed again.
John Parker had retired on 17. Roger March was Mal’s replacement and Paul Georgianis took over from John.
Rob got to bowl two overs and only four runs resulted. Siriwardena sent down another block of three overs with one run scored from each. The scoring rate had slowed considerably.
Both Roger and Paul became the next retirees on 11 and 12 which brought David Massey and Greg McLeay to the crease.
Rob Drummond and John Granata came back to bowl the final six overs. Rob’s first was a maiden. It turned out to be the only one of the innings.
It was a majority of dot balls for the remainder of the innings. John’s sixth and final over and the final one of the innings proved very eventful. The fourth ball was driven by David Massey straight to Sam Issa at a short mid-wicket and called for a single. Everyone was thinking suicidal. Sam quickly had the ball back to John with David only about halfway down the wicket. 2 for 179 with only two balls of the forty overs to be bowled.
Last batsman, David Wright came in to face John. Greg scored a single to bring David on strike for one ball. That is all John needed. The well pitched up delivery got through David’s defence and rattled the stumps. A golden duck.
Port Jackson finished on 3 for 180. A formidable total with the slow outfield.
Rob Harding took the first wicket to fall and finished with 1 for 4 from his 2 overs. John Granata was the other wicket taker and finished with 1 for 30 from 6 overs. Tony Adnum and Ian Ross both finished with 0 for 13 from 3 overs. The other bowlers were Ajoy Roy 0 for 19 from 4, Siriwardena Mangala 0 for 20 and somehow managed to bowl 7 overs, Rob Drummond 0 for 21 from 6, John Jackson 0 for 26 from 4 and Sam Issa 0 for 29 from 5.
A leisurely lunch was partaken by everyone.
To the delight of the Port Jackson players the weather had changed dramatically. Clouds had rolled in and a stiff cool breeze was blowing. The temperature had dropped dramatically.
John Jackson and Ajoy Roy opened the batting for CBC. They were facing up to Paul Georgianis and Niel Brady. During the opening eight overs, neither John nor Ajoy were having trouble with the bowling. But, only fifteen runs were on the board. Paul bowled four overs and was replaced by John Parker who only had two overs. David Massey took over. Niel sent down his maximum six before Mal Sharpe came to the bowling crease.
John and Ajoy eventually retired on 12 and 10 respectively. They were replaced by Rob Drummond and Doug Latto.
In Mal’s second over, Doug was caught out with the slow outfield. He drove Mal’s delivery into a gap and called the run. The ball did not pierce the gap as normal. The ball was fielded, returned and the wicket broken with Doug well short. He had made 6. 1 for 37 in the 15th over. Ian Ross was the next batsman.
Rob Drummond was the next retiree on 10. Sam Issa joined Ian. The slow flow of runs continued. David and Mal bowled four overs each and were replaced by Greg McLeay and Mal Whittaker. The next wicket fell in Greg’s second over. Sam drove a pitched up delivery towards mid-off and called for the run. Ian was slow to get out of the blocks. The return to the ‘keeper found Ian just short. He had contributed a handy 10. 2 for 60 in the 23rd over. Bob Saville strode to the crease to join Sam.
Bob was not to last long. In the next over bowled by Mal he found himself in a similar position to Ian. The difference this time was that he had played the shot and called for the run. He was run out for 3. 3 for 65 in the 24th over.
John Granata was next in. Sam was wishing Bob had not called for a run. The next ball, after the run out, he drove pretty well but uppishly to mid-on. He didn’t quite get enough of the ball and Niel Brady was there to accept the catch. Sam was on his way for 9. 4 for 65 in the 24th over.
Rob Harding came in to face what the Port Jackson boys were calling a team hat-trick. Rob wasn’t concerned and calmly played his first ball efficiently away on the off-side.
Greg bowled three overs and Mal four. Roger March fronted up to the bowling crease and David Massey returned at the other end.
John Granata retired on 6 followed by Rob Harding a little better on 11.
Roger March’s five overs resulted in only seven runs and David Massey bowled two more overs. Paul Georgianis and John Jackson took over the bowling to finish the innings.
Siriwardena Mangala had replaced John and John Jackson recycled and took over from Rob. These two saw out the remaining overs. Siriwardena was 6 not out and John17 not out.
Tony Adnum did not bat due to the helmet rule and umpired the innings from square –leg.
CBC managed 4 for 100. Three of the wickets being run outs.
Another disappointing result.
At about the 18th over, players were forced from the field due to a short and sharp heavy downpour. The covers were quickly placed on the wicket. Another shower came at about the 30th over and lasted for three overs. On this occasion play went on regardless.
CBC awarded John Jackson as their Man Of The Match.
Mal Whittaker from Port Jackson was picked as their Man Of the Match by CBC.
Port Jackson awarded Rob Harding as Man Of The Match for CBC.
Our next match, the second last for the season is against the Gentlemen Of Nowra Eleven on Sunday 8th March, 2026 at a ground to be confirmed. As at 18th February, 2026 there were insufficient players available to form a team so, the match is likely to be cancelled.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS HUNTER LORD’S TAVERNERS – 11TH FEBRUARY, 2026.
Wednesday the 11th February, 2026 turned out to be a very hot and humid day. Even at Waterboard Oval, Blackalls Park. Next door to Toronto. We were being hosted by Hunter Lord’s Taverners who, for various reasons, we hadn’t played for a little while.
As has been the case during this season, we had trouble fielding a complete side and had the help of four players from the Central Coast Cyclones. Namely, Ken Pieroz, Garrie Sinclair, Ron Durant and Bob Jarvis.
John Granata, who has been tireless in his efforts in organising our matches, was captain for the day.
The match was to be played over 36 overs per side with drinks each twelve overs. To help to keep the game flowing, and to avoid a lot of changes in the field, nine overs were to be bowled from one end before changing to the other.
The Taveners won the toss and elected to bat.
Evans and McNeilly were the opening batsmen. John Granata and Sam Issa took up the challenge with the Kookaburra. Oh! And the rule was one delivery down the legside OK, but after that called wide. John managed three wides in his first over but was on the mark after that.
Twelve runs came of John’s three overs and Sam’s three cost six runs. However, with the fourth ball of his third, Sam had Evans cutting the delivery square. Bob Jarvis intercepted the ball and took an absolutely brilliant catch, one handed above his head. Taverners 1 for 18 in the sixth over. Williams was the new batsman.
The CCC pairing of Bob Jarvis and Ron Durant took over the bowling. Their bowling was tight and accurate and they sent down three overs each. During Jarvis’ third over, McNeilly retired on 11 after facing his 25 deliveries and this brought Captain Hodge to the crease. But, prior to that and, with his first ball, Sam had the last laugh when he trapped Williams in front for 8. Taverners 2 for 34 in the 12th over. Westling took over from Williams. Ken Peiroz and Garrie Sinclair were next to send down three overs each. The well flighted leg spin of Peiroz was a feature. In Sinclair’s third over Hodge retired on 19. Quirk was next in.
No wickets were forthcoming and when the Kookaburra was handed to Martin Dubler and Rob Harding 62 runs were on the board from 18 overs. Martin sent down four overs and Rob three. Both conceding eighteen runs. In Rob’s third over, Westling retired on 9. The score was now 2 for 96. Pussegoda came in to join Quirk.
Without addition to the score and, on the first ball of Dubler’s fourth over, Quirk played the delivery straight to Sam Issa at short cover. He called and took off for the run. Pussegoda at the other end could see the suicidal nature of the situation. He stood his ground shouting NO! NO! NO! By this time Quirk was about halfway down the wicket. He stopped, turned and ended up three metres out of his ground when Sam’s return was accepted by ‘keeper Terry Hagan and the bails were removed.
3 for 96 in the 25th over.
Johnston was Quirk’s replacement. Tony Adnum took over from Rob and Sam Issa came back to the bowling crease. The final ball of Tony’s first over was a bit of a long hop, it kept low and turned a bit. Clarke tried to pull the ball square, played over the top and was bowled. He had added three. 4 for 204 after 26 overs.
Sam bowled two overs for six runs. Gillard was the next batsman. Gillard was the next wicket to fall. Ron Durant and Bob Jarvis had taken over the bowling. Gillard played all over the first delivery of Bob’s fourth over. Gillard bowled for eleven. 5 for 125 at the start of the 32nd over.
Spitzkowsky came and went. He managed to defend five balls from Bob. The final ball of the over got through Spitzkowsky just clipping the bails to send him on his way without troubling the scorers. 6 for 125 after 32 overs.
Ratcliff was number twelve for the Taverners. In Bob’s next over, facing his second ball, Ratcliff played and missed. The appeal by all and sundry was upheld. Ratcliff became the second duck of the innings. 7 for 127 in the 34th over.
This brought McNeilly back. Johnston who had been hanging around since the twenty sixth over, became Ron’s first and only victim. He played and missed and his wicket was dismantled. Bowled for ten. 8 for 127 in the penultimate over.
Bob bowled his sixth and final over. McNeilly did not add to his retirement score. The fourth ball he faced, in his second stint, struck him on the pad. Once again the umpires index finger of his right hand was raised. McNeilly on his way for eleven. 9 for 135 in the final over.
Westling returned and scored a single off the first ball he faced. Hodge defended the final two balls and the Taverners innings closed on 9 for 136.
Bob Jarvis was the pick of the CBC bowlers collecting 5 for 13 from his six overs. His haul included three leg before wickets which is unheard of in Golden Oldies cricket. Sam Issa took 1 for 12 from his 5 overs, Ron Durant 1 for 16 from 6 and Tony Adnum 1 for 16 from 3. John Granata bowled 3 overs for 12 runs, Garrie Sinclair 3 overs for 13, Ken Peiroz 3 overs for 14, Martin Dubler 4 overs for 18 and Rob Harding 3 overs for 18 were the other bowlers.
Cathy Black single handedly provided a wonderful lunch of sandwiches, cakes, fruit and drink. It was most welcome and enjoyed by all that partook. Thank you Cathy.
The CBC innings got off to a slow and disastrous start. Unfortunately it did not improve much for twenty two overs.
Tony Adnum and Ken Pieroz were facing up to McNeilly and Johnston. Both bowlers were on the spot from the get go. Tony played out a maiden over and Ken picked up a single from the last ball of Johnstown’s first over. The second ball Ken faced from McNeilly saw his stumps dishevelled and bowled for 1. 1-1 in the third over.
Martin Dubler joined Tony. The first ball of the next over, bowled by Johnston, saw Tony attempting to cut the ball square. The ball cut nicely off the wicket, under Tony’s bat and into the stumps. Tony was on his way without scoring. 2 for 1 in the fourth over.
Terry Hagan, after a sterling effort behind the stumps in the Taverners innings, strode to the wicket. Immediately he made a change to proceedings. His first ball from Johnston was dealt with and it cannoned into the square leg boundary.
Two balls later, a single brought Martin back on strike. He nicely defended Johnstown’s next ball but, the final ball of the over went straight through to the stumps. Just like Tony, Martin had not added to the total. 3 for 6 after 4 overs.
CBC were struggling to keep the runs scored ahead of the overs bowled. Unfortunately, things were not to get much better.
Garrie Sinclair joined Terry who picked another single. Garrie mistimed his drive from the first delivery he received and provided McNeilly with a straightforward caught and bowled. 4 for 7 in the 5th over. Unlucky for CBC the “ ducks recycle first” rule was not being used.
Bob Jarvis was the next to touch gloves with Terry. He managed to face three deliveries before Johnston got one past his bat. Another batsman to not trouble the scorers. 5 for 8 in the sixth over. This was getting embarrising. Was the CBC innings going to last more than a dozen overs or so? Fortunately, McNeilly and Johnston handed the Kookaburra to Spitzkowsky and Williams.
Sam Issa replaced Bob. Sam showed a bit more fight and provided some support to Terry who couldn’t understand the problems the other batsmen were having. The odd boundary was flowing from Terry’s bat. Sam ensured the score reached double figures and when he departed, bowled by Williams for three, the score was 6 for 31. This was in the tenth over.
Captain John Granata joined Terry hoping to score the thirty one runs he needed to emulate Tony Adnum’s 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. The second ball of Spitzkowsky’s third and final over was driven straight by Terry for two and he retired on 27. The innings total was 34!!!
Westling and Clarke were next at the bowling crease. Whilst his first priority wasn’t being achieved, John was stubbornly defending his wicket and frustrating the Taverners bowlers. He was joined by Rob Harding. Westling’s first over was a maiden. The first ball of his next over beat Rob’s defensive shot and had him bowled for four. 7 for 43 in the 15th over.
Ron Durant joined John. Whilst Clarke’s bowling was tight and economical he was not adding to the Taverners wicket haul. It was Westling in his next over that took care of that. John returned a simple catch back down the wicket. He had added five. Twenty six to go John. 8 for 45 in the 17th over.
Wayne Christie replaced John. Quirk and Hodge would turn out to be the final bowlers used by the Taverners. The second ball of Quirk’s first over found Wayne wanting and he became the seventh CBC batsman out bowled. Also the fifth batsman out without scoring. 9 for 46 in the 19th over.
Retiree Terry joined Ron who had been stuck on one run for as long as anyone could remember. Terry started where he left off. As he did with the first ball he received the first time around, he calmly despatched Quirk’s first delivery to the boundary. Ron continued to hold an end up and was happy watching Terry go about his business.
Quirk proved to be the villain with the help of Ratcliff. Another hefty blow by Terry which was on the way for another boundary was intercepted by Ratcliff to remove Terry on forty one. Ron stubbornly remained one not out from the twenty five balls he faced. Terry had scored 65% of the CBC innings total of 63.
One of the lowest and possibly the lowest score in our thirty one year history. Everyone was probably grateful, due to the oppressive heat, that the CBC innings lasted only 22.3 overs.
CBC awarded Ken McNeilly MOTM and the Taverners awarded Bob Jarvis as their pick.
The CBC MOTM committee did not have to meet to select a winner. Of course, Terry Hagan was the unanimous choice. Terry was also recipient of the “Bradman Stump” for his 41. The “Bradman Stump” was not available at the ground. If anyone knows of its whereabouts please advise John Granata or Tony Adnum.
Our next match is on Wednesday 18th February, 2026 against Port Jackson Cricket Club at Kensington. John Granata is looking for more players to fill a team so let John know immediate if you are available to play.
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS CENTRAL COAST CYCLONES - 7TH JANUARY, 2026.
A blue sky, a ground in near perfect order and a pitch the MCG curator could only dream of greeted CBC when we arrived at Rogers Park, Woy Woy, on the 7th of January for the first game of 2026. Our opponents were the Central Coast Cyclones (CCC). They provided us with
a player on loan - Leigh Peacock. Richard Warren, who had previously donned the yellow shirt a few years ago in Darwin, and a Central Cost local, also joined us . Both proved to be worthy additions to our team. We also had a real umpire, Mal Emerson.
CBC fielded first, wisely as it seemed, for it was very hot in the middle of this basin of a park. Rob Drummond, captain, and John Granata, chief organizer, opened the bowling. Rob’s first 3 overs proved very difficult to play and he had 0 for 5 from those 3. John, on the other hand,
was impossible to play, with a wicket from his 3rd ball and another in his 3rd over to finish his first and only spell at 2 for 8 and CCC at 2 for 12 after 7 overs. It made what happened later even more unfortunate.
Those 2 bowlers were replaced by Scott Marshall and Darryl Semmler and, while both bowled well, the score started to tick over. Indeed, almost all of the following batsmen reached double figures and O’Sullivan, Byfield and Hoving each retired after reaching 30 runs. Scott bowled 6
tidy overs for 41, Darryl 7 for 36 runs. Sam Issa bowled unluckily but ended his 7 overs (on the trot) with 1 for 39, Ian Ross 1 for 32, Paul Moujalli 0 for 25 and Richard Warren, with some inspired half-trackers and mullygrubbers which might have scored him a run in the English
team, 0 for 18. By then CCC had acquired an imposing 7 for 215 from their 40 allotted overs. The big news of the day, though, was that around the 25th over, John Granata attempted a stop at square leg, only succeeding in splitting the webbing of his left hand. He was gone for the rest of the game, meaning he still remains some 30 runs away from the historic double of wickets and runs currently held by only Tony Adnum. He ended up requiring an operation to his hand the next day and all hope he ends up recovering quickly to soon play another 20 games or so to have him reach his milestone.
Also Gregg Ritchie unconventionally attempted to catch a ball with his nose. He succeeded in stopping the ball, but also succeeded in stopping himself for a while. Bravely, he returned later to the field to save the captain a few headaches himself in setting a field with only 9 men.
We were certainly ahead in the first part of their innings and so started ours optimistically, knowing that with our batting lineup we only had to keep our heads down, play watchfully and the scoreboard would take care of itself. Indeed, that’s what our captain would have said if he
had given us a pep talk while our opposition did their warmups and stretches out on the ground. Advantageously, the heat out on the ground intensified, we thought to our advantage, but CCC didn’t seem to notice it.
Darryl and Arv Naidu (who had kept very well) opened carefully. Arv in particular played particularly well and retired on 22 to be replaced by Richard Warren. Darryl retired on 11 and so by the time CBC had lost our first wicket we were 1 for 41 and our second at 92. This was an
extraordinarily good start. Richard dug in and contributed with 14 and our captain (Rob) made a fine 30 retired. Scott Marshall combined well with Rob until he (Scott) was bowled for 11. Leigh Peacock strutted his stuff with an effective 7 and Ian Ross combined with the tail for 29
not out. Darryl returned (ending on 18) to witness Wayne Christie (2) and Paul Moujalli (3) strike some lusty blows. Gregg Ritchie, despite his headache, had a couple of visits to the crease. Despite winning the first part of the second innings, CBC didn’t get quite close enough, ending the day on 9/147. If only John Granata had been able to continue-his 30 would have just about got us there in the end.
But it was a fine effort by CBC, and CCC were starting to become a little concerned at one point. They were deserving winners. They did, however put on some welcome beers and anointed Rob Drummond (who else? 30NO and 2-13) as their CBC man of the match. Scott Byfield was our choice of CCC man of the match (31NO and 4-24). Ian Ross was our CBC man of the match. John Granata is doing well.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS SRI LANKA LIONS – SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER, 2025.
This match was played at Woodbury Reserve, Glossodia. For the first time, Sri Lanka Lions were the home team.
It was a warm, sunny day. Ideal conditions for cricket. Steve Allan was our captain. The match was to be played over 35 overs per side. Steve won the toss and elected to bat.
John Granata was forced to withdraw with a calf muscle injury and Wayne Christie was unable to get to the ground. Sri Lanka provided us with Nalim to make up our eleven.
We welcomed Sam Issa (Player No. 249) for his first match.
Darryl Semmler and Ben Fahim opened the batting for CBC. Anuruvbna and Anoj opened the bowling for the Lions. Ben was bowled on the last ball of the first over. He was totally beaten by a huge swinging Yorker from Anurubna. 1 for 3 after 1 over.
Tony Adnum was the next batsman. He had great difficulty in connecting with the ball. He faced nine deliveries before being bowled by Anurubna without scoring. 2 for 12 in the 5th over.
Captain Allan strode to the wicket. Steve had no trouble making contact and drove the first ball he received through mid-wicket to the boundary.
Anurubna and Anoj were replaced after three overs each by Anusa and Jamer. Darryl and Steve were going along nicely until Anusa’s second over. Steve drove a delivery to the leg-side and called the run. Try as he might, Darryl just failed to make his ground and was run out for 17. 3 for 27 in the 9th over.
Michael Kench joined Steve. The first ball of the next over, bowled by Jamer, Steve played and missed and was bowled for 8. 4 for 28 in the 10th over.
Ian Ross was Steve’s replacement, After three overs each, Anusa and Jamer were relieved at the crease by Don and Jude. Michael and Ian were going along nicely until Ian got an edge to a Jude delivery. The ‘keeper gloved the ball and Ian was on his way for 4. 5 for 54 in the 16th over.
Steve Long was next in. He gave great support to Michael until Michael retired on18.
Scott Marshall replaced Steve. Chanaka replaced Jude with the Kookaburra and Anurubna came on for Don. Steve was unfortunate to get trapped in front by Anurubna. He had added a handy 23. 6 for 85 in the 23rd over.
Rob Harding joined Scott. Anusa and Anoj returned to the bowling crease. Both Scott and Rob were having little trouble with the bowling but, on his 30th delivery and retirement, Scott popped it back to Anoj and was out caught and bowled, He had added 8. 7 for 90 in the 26th over.
Don and Jamer were now the bowlers and Sam Issa was the next batsman. In the first over of his second spell, Done got through Sam’s defence and rattled the stumps. Sam was out for 7. 8 for 100 in the 19th over.
Substitute Nalim was next in. Rob was still going along steadily. Nalim managed three scoring shots before he was bowled by Jamer. 9 for 110 in the penultimate over.
Tony Adnum returned to the crease to join Rob. At least Tony got bat to ball in his second stint and he and Rob saw out the final over and a bit. CBC finished with a modest 9 for 119 from their 35 overs.
After the lunch break, Anurubna and Don opened the batting for the Lions. Michael Kench and Ben Fahim took up the attack for the CBC.
Michael and Ben sent down two overs each without success. They were replaced by Rob Harding and Tony Adnum.
Tony, with 98 wickets to his name and, striving for another two had a catch at close cover dropped in his first over.
There was a little controversy in Tony’s third over. Anurubna played at a turning ball outside off stump. It appeared that ‘keeper Steve Allan had missed a possible stumping. Appeals were turn down by the umpire. Steve, and a few other players were adamant that Anurubna had been bowled. The umpire reversed his decision and raised the index finger of his right hand. However, sanity prevailed and in true CBC fashion, Anurubna was recalled.
However, next ball Tony got one to go straight on. Anurubna played inside the and failed to make contact. The ball struck him on the pad low down. This time the appeal was immediately upheld and there was no calling back. Anurunda had scored 29. Tony had number 99 in the bag. 1 for 45.
In the next over, Rob got a beauty through Don and it cannoned into the stumps. Don had added 22 2 for 52
Rob sent down four overs and Tony five.
Scott Marshall and Ian Ross were the replacements. The new batsmen were Chanaka and Jude. Ian was on the money in his third over when Jude pulled the second delivery to mid-wicket. Ben Fahim took off from square-led in an effort to stop the ball. Not only did he stop it, his full length dive, taking the ball in both hands secured a brilliant catch. Even his sunglasses survived. It was the catch of the season even though only two matches have been played. 3 for 95.
Both Scott bowled two overs without success and Ian five..
Darryl Semmler took over from Scott and Tony bowled his sixth and final over. Darryl sent down just one over and was replaced by Sam Issa.
The third ball of Tony’s final over was to Chanaka. It kept low and, Chanaka attempted to pull the ball to mid-wicket and missed. The bails went flying and Chanaka was on his way for 13. 4 for 101. Wicket number 100. Congratulations all round for Tony reaching the milestone of 100 wickets and 1,000 runs. The first for the Club. A pitch invasion by Tony’s grandsons Sam and William followed. Luckily there is not a $5,500 fine at Glossodia.
Michael Kench bowled a third over after Darryl. Sunith and Anusha were at the batting crease.
Sam took his first CBC wicket in his third over when he had Anusha trapped in front for 9. 5 for 109.
Sudineeya joined Sunith and these two took the Lions score to 5 for 120 in the 28th over. CBC were totally outclassed on the day but never gave up trying.
Tony Adnum finished with 2 wickets for 29 from his 6 overs. Other wicket takers were Sam Issa 1 for 9 from 3.3, Ian Ross 1 for 14 from 5 and Rob Harding 1 for 20 from 4. Scott Marshall sent down 2 overs for 6, Darryl Semmler 1 for 6, Ben Fahim 2 for 16 and Michael Kench 3 for 18.
Tony Adnum was awarded CBC Man of The Match and he also received a pair of “duck” socks.
Steve Long was recipient of the “Bradman Stump” for his 23.
Michael Kench received Man of The Match from the Lions.
Our next match is against Hunter Lord’s Taverners on Sunday 7th December, 2025. The match will be probably played at Toronto. Keep a watch out on your emails from John.
Don’t forget the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th November, 2025 at Rob Drummond’s premises.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS MID NORTH COAST – 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.
It was a lovely spring day that greeted us in Forster, with forecast temperature in the mid-twenties. The match was played at Lake Street Sporting Complex at Forster as the Tuncurry Oval was unavailable. It was a synthetic wicket which was in first class condition. The covering on the wicket was as good as brand new.
The toss was won by our “skipper” John Granata and he sent the Mid North Coast into bat. The Mid North Coast openers were Warren McWilliams and Ray Mangan.
Rob Drummond opened the bowling with John. They both sent down four accurate overs and when they handed the ball to Tony Adnum and Darryl Semmler, the score was 2 for 13. John claimed the first wicket with the first ball of his second over when he had Warren brilliantly caught by Rob at point for 1. The ball was top-edged and somehow Rob managed to catch the ball with his right arm more than fully extended. 5 runs were on the board. Russ Harris joined Ray.
Rob was in the action again in his fourth over. Russ Harris drove a delivery to mid-off and called the run. Arv Naidu was on patrol and was quickly to the ball. His accurate return to Rob at the bowlers end saw Russ well short of his ground. He was run out for 4 and the Mid North Coast were 2 for 10 in the 8th over. Jase Smythe was the replacement.
John, in particular, was right on the money. His four overs cost four runs and he had a wicket into the bargain.
Tony and Darryl sent down six overs each without success. Tony, needing two wickets to achieve the first 100 wickets and 1,000 runs for the club, had two relative easy catches put down in his fourth over. One at mid-on and the other at mid-off. During Tony and Darryl’s overs both Ray Mangan (12), Jason Smythe (27) and Don Berry (28) retired after facing 30 deliveries each.
The Mid North Coast went to the break with 2 for 87 on the board.
Before the resumption, John Granata called the team together for a much needed team talk. It turned out to be a $50 note being jokingly handed out by John to the two players who had dropped the catches off Tony’s bowling.
Greg Boyer and David Relf were at the crease for the second half of the Mid North Coast innings. Rob Harding and Arv Naidu were in control of the Kookaburra. Talking of Kookaburra’s, a couple came and perched above the scorer to check that the scores were being kept correctly.
Rob and Arv were wicketless from their six overs. Butch Boyer (41) and David Relf (12) both retired.
Dave Wilson and Bill Ireland were the replacement batsmen. Rob Drummond and John Granata bowled the final eight overs. Dave Wilson retired on 10 which brought Ray Mangan back to the crease.
John Granata got one through Ray’s defence with the final delivery of the innings. Ray’s middle stump was knocked back. He was out for 16 and Bill Ireland was not out 8. The Mid North Coast innings closed on 3 for 156 after their 40 overs.
John Granata was the pick of the CBC bowlers taking 2 for 12 from his 8 overs. Rob Drummond finished with 0 for 16 from his 8 overs. The other bowlers sent down 6 overs each. Rob Harding conceded 23 runs, Arv Naidu 28, Tony Adnum 34 and Darryl Semmler 40.
Tony Adnum and Arv Naidu were the CBC’s opening batsmen. They were facing Jason Smythe and Ray Mangan. Runs were coming slowly. The soles on Tony’s boots decided to part company with the boots. Running was difficult so in Ray’s third over, Tony decided it was runs or out. He lashed out at the third delivery only to sky a catch back to the bowler. He was out for 4. 1 for 13.
Rob Drummond joined Arv. These two were not troubled by the bowling. Arv retired on 17 and Steve Long was his replacement.
Russ Harris and Greg Boyer were the new bowlers.
In Greg’s second over, Steve drove the third delivery towards mid-on. He had really got it in the middle. Unfortunately, Warren McWilliams got in the way and took the catch. Steve had contributed 4. 2 for 40.
Steve Allan was next in. Steve and Rob took the score to 71 at the break.
After drinks, Rob was next to retire on 28. Darryl Semmler took over from Rob.
Dave Wilson and Don Berry sent down two overs each. Dave had success with his fifth delivery. Steve pulled a shortish ball square. The ball flew straight to Ray Mangan who held the catch. Steve had contributed 17. 3 for 76. Brian Walker was next in. It was up to Warren McWilliams and David Relf sent down seven overs each..
David got one through Brian’s defence and bowled him for 3. 4 for 86.
Darryl Semmler retired on 13.
Gregg Ritchie and Rob Harding were the new batsmen at the crease.
In Warren’s sixth over, Gregg played over a delivery and was bowled for 7. 5 for 99. John Granata , needing 38 for 1,000 runs selfishly batted down the order and was the next batsman.
Jason Smyhte and Ray Mangan were brought back into the attack. The first ball from Jason, Rob played the delivery straight back to him. Rob had added 10. 6 for 115.
Wayne Christie joined John and these two saw out the remaining overs. Wayne was 3 not out and John unbeaten on 7.
CBC finished with 6 for 121.
Rob Drummond was awarded MOTM by Mid North Coast and was the recipient of the “Bradman Stump for his 28 retired. CBC selected Arv Naidu for the MOTM award.
We welcomed some CBC supporters in Ian Holston, Charles and Carolyn Wulff and Tony’s sister Sandra.
Our match against Sri Lanka Lions on 28th September, 2025 has been cancelled. The Lions wanted the match played on Saturday 27th September, 2025 which we could not accommodate.
The next match is against Gentlemen of Nowra Eleven at Nowra on Sunday 12th October, 2025.
We are struggling to find a new home ground after Wilberforce Cricket Club advised us that their ground at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce was no longer available to us.
