A phenomenal bowling spell by Shafiq Syed set up Wallsend’s thrilling one run victory over the Wests Journeymen in the Newcastle District Cricket Association’s Suburban Districts competition at the weekend.
In the rain-affected round, the hosts were sent into bat at Jesmond Park.
But, they could only manage a moderate 9-88, with Praveen Dasari (22) and Varun Sharma (16) the notable contributors to the tally.
Scott O’Donohue starred for the Journeymen with 3-21.
He was ably supported by Sam Verschoor (2-11) and David Sullivan (2-14).
The visitors then appeared in the box seat to chase down the small target.
However, that’s when Syed wove his magic with the ball.
He removed opener Cameron Wells (0), Dion Sandoz (0) and Luke Brooks (3) to leave the Journeymen reeling at 4-5.
And, despite dropping to 6-13, the team fought back through the terrific efforts of O’Donohue (38) and Verschoor (16).
But, Harry Cornford (11) was tragically run out, ending the side’s campaign on 87.
Syed finished with the figures of 5-8 off seven overs.
In 2021-22, he’s captured a total of 12 wickets at an average of 13.
At Don Waring Oval on Saturday 12 February, Nelson Bay enjoyed a 27-run victory over Merewether.
The home team compiled a competitive 8-179 on the back of Matt Palmer’s unbeaten 78 and Bryce Causley’s 59.
Ben Troke (2-17), Jayson Pratten (2-19) and Quinn Waters (2-41) shared the honours with the ball.
In reply, Merewether was bundled out for 152.
However, the side was far from disgraced with most batters making starts.
Paul Dan led the charge with 34, with Tim Hodges and Jarrod Marlborough chipping in with 30 and 29 respectively.
Matt Blyth was the pick of the Nelson Bay attack, snaring 4-21.
Ashish Prasher also contributed to Merewether’s demise with 2-40.
Unfortunately, the crucial showdowns between the Adamstown Rosebuds and Wests Water Board at Adamstown Park, the Mary Ellen Mudrats and Port Stephens Pythons at Connolly Park, and Redhead and Premier Hotel at Liles Oval fell victim to the weather.
Those fixtures were deemed draws, with all six teams sharing the points.
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