After posting a big first-innings total on day one, SYCU’s bowlers ran through Pine Lodge’s batting line-up twice on day two, securing a dominant win.
SYCU had already set the tone with 308 in their first innings, Shobhit Sabharwal starring with a blistering 6-102 off 79 balls, hitting nine sixes, while Sebastian Menzhausen’s patient 91 provided stability.
Tyler Green (33) and Keegan Armstrong (28) also contributed valuable runs in what proved to be an entertaining spectacle down at Lemnos Recreation Reserve.
Ethan Baxter’s 3-19 in Pine Lodge’s first innings applied early pressure, helping SYCU control the match.
Pine Lodge’s reply on day two was fragile from the start.
Early wickets from Sam Nash and Joseph Hammond quickly put the visitors on the back foot. Hammond was devastating, claiming 5-48 as Pine Lodge were bowled out for 10-95.
Dylan Hardy (27) and Karan Saini (18) offered minor resistance, but Nash’s accuracy and composure, along with sharp fielding from Callow, Armstrong, and Green, kept Pine Lodge under relentless pressure.
The second innings for Pine Lodge was a repeat of the first.
Liam Trevaskis (44) and Hayden Cann (42) tried to build partnerships, but Sam Nash was unplayable, taking another 5-18. Abraham Lake and Joseph Hammond shared the remaining wickets as Pine Lodge were dismissed for 10-99, giving SYCU a win by an innings and 114 runs in the Haisman Shield.
It was a day that showcased SYCU’s bowling depth, batting firepower, and fielding discipline.
While Nash and Hammond were the standout performers, contributions from Sabharwal and Menzhausen ensured the victory was thoroughly deserved.
Pine Lodge president and coach Travis Waters acknowledged the result but emphasized the positives for his side.
“It was obviously a bit disappointing, it’s been a long season for us,” Waters said.
“We’ve had some turnover due to injuries and other reasons.
“Before the end of the year, we’ve been giving a few kids a go for the future, but confidence is probably quite low.
“We’ve blooded four or five 15- or 16-year-olds this year, and it’s been about giving them a taste of it.”
Waters singled out Liam Trevaskis for praise ahead of the young player assuming the captaincy.
“He’s taken over as our A-grade captain after Christmas, he is only 21.
“He made 44 yesterday. There are positive signs there, and it’s about building on everything for next year. He’s solid with the bat and has also been our wicket keeper before today.
“He’s been outstanding with his leadership in difficult circumstances.”
THE GAME
SYCU 6-308 (Shobhit Sabharwal 102, Seb Menzhausen 91, Travis Waters 1-35) def. Pine Lodge 95 & 99 (Dylan Hardy 27, Joseph Hammond 5-48, Sam Nash 2-25; Liam Trevaskis 44, Hayden Cann 42, Sam Nash 5-18)
STAR PLAYER:
Sam Nash (SYCU): Nash was unplayable on day two, claiming five wickets for just 18 runs in Pine Lodge’s second innings. His control and consistency kept SYCU in complete command, complementing Joseph Hammond’s earlier first-innings heroics and securing a dominant victory.