Waratah Mayfield has no plans to relinquish the Sleapy’s Cup after claiming the inaugural silverware at the weekend.
For the first time, the Newcastle District Cricket Association club went into battle with University of Newcastle to not only vie for the trophy but raise funds for the local charity.
In the four matches contested on Saturday 8 November, the organisation behind the concept – to support Sleapy’s Foundation – claimed victories in three of the grades to snare the overall honours.
Waratah Mayfield proved too strong in the “firsts” at Waratah Oval, surging to a six-wicket win.
Uni posted a competitive 174 on the back of Kanish Panseja’s 41 and Varunesh Sharma’s 29.
In reply, the hosts reached the target four scalps down, thanks to half-centuries to Adrian Isherwood (58) and Rainger (55 not out), who claimed 3-28 with the ball, too.
Muhammad Farooq picked up 2-42.
In “seconds”, Waratah Mayfield prevailed by a massive 131-run margin at Bernie Curran Oval.
With Cameron Clarridge (32), Liam Simpson (28) and Conrad Watson (28) leading the way, the team amassed 183.
Then Daniel Redpath bagged 4-11 as University succumbed for 52, despite a late knock by Harshit Joshi (28 not out).
The visitors had some joy in the “thirds” at Waratah Park No. 3.
Aided by Evan Graham’s 37 and Vali Graham’s 27, the side managed to post 154 from its 40 overs.
That’s in spite of Brendan Cunningham snaring 4-12.
Waratah Mayfield’s quest ended on 143, 11 runs in arrears, although Mitchell Boyd (42) and Samuel Whitbread (30) kept them in the hunt for a long time.
Jacob Lloyd was the destroyer, taking 3-18.
In the “fourths” at Ray Watt Oval, an unbeaten century to Grant Hines set up Waratah Mayfield’s triumph.
Thomas Gray (69) and Andrew Casey (53) guided University to 6/152, with Bradley Carter collecting 2-17.
But, Hines, ably supported by Lachlan Rowe (28), blasted 104 in his outfit’s total of 3/153 to seal the deal.
Waratah Mayfield committeeman Jack Dundas hailed the day, and evening, an outstanding success.
“It was brilliant, with lots of buy-in from everyone… from both clubs, sponsors, families and local MPs,” he said.
“While the total amount is still being determined, a big night at The Stag & Hunter Hotel will boost that figure.
“It’ll become an annual event for sure.
“I’ve already started speaking to businesses and groups for next year.”
Meanwhile, Sleapy’s Foundation will now prepare for this weekend’s Sleap Walk, which takes place from The Station on Saturday 15 November.
Participants, who must wear their favourite PJs, jammies, jim-jams or best “sleepwear”, can register from 4pm.
All funds raised will go towards the not-for-profit’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Courtyard at the John Hunter Hospital.
- The Newcastle Weekly is the media partner of Sleapy’s Foundation
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