Three cricket wins to Woy Woy

Woy Woy Cricket Club has launched its season with three "solid wins" in the top grades against Narara at Gavenlock Oval on October 4 and 11.

"Woy Woy's young and enthusiastic first grade team, led by Leigh Taylor, were victorious in scoring a solid 188-run victory against Narara's 152 in a rain-affected match over the past two weekends," publicity officer Mr Jim Martin said.

Club president Mr Greg Alce said he could not recall Woy Woy being victorious in all three top grades against one of the competition favourites - Narara.

"It was particularly pleasing so early in the 2008-2009 season and we hope this will continue to set the club up for a strong challenge to the premiership," Mr Alce said.

Woy Woy head coach Mr David Hook said the dividends were finally beginning to pay off, keeping this "determined young side together".

"With the Woy Woy under-21 team winning the Central Coast under-21 competition in the 2006-07 season and with three young players who played representative cricket within the junior divisions, we had high expectations for these players maturing into solid and determined cricketers," Mr Hooks said.

"Both teams had key players out for the first round.

"Nevertheless, many clubs now see Woy Woy as the dark horse in the 2008-09 competition."

Mr Martin said Woy Woy veteran John Jewiss put in a "solid performance" with 42 runs, setting Woy Woy on a platform for a strong position.

"Excellent contributions by low and middle order batsmen Quinton Donald 19, Jason Moore 31 and Jason Hayward 27, contributed to the 9/188 tally," Mr Martin said.

"Ashley Shoebridge was the best of the Narara bowlers with figures of 4/53.

"Narara batted gallantly in the second innings with Andrew Bull looming to score 42 while Richard Gallighan hit 46 runs.

"Narara were 4/108 with seemingly plenty of overs and wickets in hand.

"However, with the build up of pressure from Woy Woy, they seemed to implode with four run-outs in a vein bid to close the gap on Woy Woy's score.

"Mitchell Way provided very tidy bowling for Woy Woy to dismiss middle and late order batsmen with figures of eight overs 3/19.

"Noel Ellis, returning from Sydney district competition, bowled frugally and gave Woy Woy the edge with some great run-outs.

"With the second grade match between Woy Woy and Narara having a first week wash-out, the game became a 50 over one-day bonanza.

"Narara set Woy Woy a 185 run chase off 48 overs.

"James Sainty and Mat Savelberg showed outstanding bowling for Woy Woy, as did skipper Adam Kelly's 39 not out in a surge to victory.

Mr Martin said Woy Woy were successful over Narara losing only five wickets.

"Trent Barnett, Woy Woy's third grade captain, starred in Woy Woy's win over Narara, while Troy Bailey also batted well for 31 not out," Mr Martin said.

"Woy Woy chased Narara's 174 with a score 7/178.

Locals J Bursel, A McGreggor and G Dreaves all got three wickets for Woy Woy.

"James Grahame was the best batter for Narara with 57 runs and Mal Barsing was the best bowler for Narara with 3/56."

Press release, 13 Oct 2008 Jim Martin, Woy Woy Cricket Club