FOLLOWING the Christmas break the Karuah Tea Gardens Sharks cricket club A grade team played Paterson in the first game back at Paterson.

The Sharks scored a close win in the first round and this game was also expected to be close.

The Sharks were close to full strength and most batsmen showed good form going into the break.

Batting first the Sharks managed a good start then at the fall of the first wicket Josh Simms made his presence felt for the first time this season. He became the third century maker for the Sharks A grade team following Brent Bills (136) and Dave Foot (172). Simms in his usual aggressive batting style plundered the bowling for 109, good support came from Adrian Callagahan 43 not out. The Sharks' final tally was 230.

In pursuit of the Sharks' competitive total Paterson were losing wickets at vital times and struggled to maintain the required run rate. Josh Simms rounded out an excellent match taking 2 for 30 and was well supported by Brent Bills 2 for 19 and Mark Bills 2 for 27. Paterson ground their way to 181.

C Grade

The Sharks were away to top team Seaham which was always going to be a challenge. The Sharks batted first and were on target for a competitive total while Jim Drinkwater was at the crease. He compiled a good 46 and received support from Brent Johnson 22 and Jack Bills a defiant 15 in a long stay at the crease. The Sharks were only able to muster 122 and needed to bowl well. Seaham showed why they are the top team although they received some help via dropped catches from the Sharks. Seaham passed the Sharks' total 5 wickets down.

Sam Rees

Publicity