SCG XI Open Account with Historic Win
The historic inaugural match for the SCG XI has ended in victory, overcoming a
valiant Paddington CC XI at Alan Davidson Oval on Wednesday November 26, 2008.
By Matt Trodden
The strong SCG XI, involving players from the Sydney CC grade club and SCG cricket
members, accounted for the Paddington CC XI, winning by 49 runs.
After winning the toss, SCG XI captain Neil Maxwell decided to bat, gaining early control in
some solid top-order partnerships. There was some good top-order input from SCG
Associates, Craig Hawkins (27) and Tom Godfrey (36). After the loss of a couple of wickets,
a good partnership between Godfrey, and former Sri Lankan international Russel Arnold (36)
steadied the ship again for the SCGXI. As the total continued to grow, wickets fell steadily,
with Sydney CC 1st grade opening batsman Anthony Brooks playing the anchor role, scoring
27*. Some good hitting and smart, quick running towards the end of the innings swelled the
total to 9-189 at the end of the 35 overs.
After the change of innings, SCG XI entered the field confident of defending their more than
competitive total. Some solid early batting from the Paddington openers saw them get
through the opening attack. The introduction of Ben Matthews proved the catalyst though,
taking the first scalp thanks to a great catch at first slip by Markham Matthews, before
finishing with 1-3. The 2nd wicket partnership for Paddington proved extremely fruitful,
continuing them through to 85 before young leg-spinner Matt Trodden (4-27) made a crucial
breakthrough, getting a skied catch following some heavy hitting. Wickets continued to flow
for the next couple of overs, with Markham Matthews (3-5) contributing from the other end
following a simple spooned catch to NSW rookie James Crosthwaite. This combination
proved the key to the victory, contributing 7 wickets to the cause at a time where Paddington
were starting to gain some momentum. The last few wickets fell towards the end of the 35
overs, with Paddington finishing at 140. Other bowlers to contribute were young leg-spinner
Akshay Nichkawde (1-12) and Crosthwaite (1-27).
It was a good victory in the end for the SCG XI, who proved too good for the valiant
Paddington CC XI. It was a historic result in the history of the club, in the first ‘out’ match for
the SCG XI. The club continues this tradition in the annual ‘Tiger Cup’ at the SCG against St
George DCC on Friday December 12th.
Team: Neil Maxwell (Captain), Russel Arnold, Tom Godfrey, Anthony Brooks, James
Crostwaite, Matt Trodden, Andrew Downie, Ben Matthews, Markham Matthews, Craig
Hawkins, Ackshay Nickale, Andrew Hoppett,