8 January 2007
by Graham Croker
Sydney University opener Ed Cowan has a double reason for a big partnership when they resume batting in the Sydney Grade Cricket competition match against UTS Balmain at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday. They will be hoping to overcome UTS Balmain’s total of 273 to earn vital for first innings points, and also hone their batting for NSW’s four-day Pura Cup match against Victoria, starting on Tuesday.
Cowan (10) and Greg Mail (8) put on 24 while facing six overs before stumps on day one of the two-day match. Opener Joe Denly provided the backbone of UTS Balmain’s 273 with a patient 106 that included 15 fours and two sixers. He was eventually bowled by Tom Kierath after 203 minutes at the crease.
A compact right-hander, Denly made his country debut for Kent in 2004 and toured India with England Under-19s in 2005. His 127-run partnership with Craig Hankinson (67) set UTS Balmain up for a tantalising total.
Pete Sanders took the Sydney University bowling honours with 3-35 off 11 overs, while Ian Moran (2-46) and Stuart MacGill (2-38) also chipped in.
Sydney University (35 points) sit well down the Sydney Grade Cricket competition ladder in 12th position with six rounds to play. Fairfield-Liverpool (59 points) head the ladder, with Randwick-Petersham (56), Northern District (54) and Bankstown (52) making up the top four.