Shane Watson makes record-breaking century in Sydney Premier Cricket
Watson's historic Sydney knock
Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson blasted the highest-ever score by a Sutherland batsman against local rivals St George in any grade in Sydney Premier Cricket on the weekend.
Watson smashed 14 fours and 11 sixes in his historic 151-ball 184 – surpassing the great Norm O’Neill’s 168 in the club’s first match in September 1965.
Image Id: 744467CCC20146CC852CB1FCBB47D6F0 Image Caption: Shane Watson scored 184 for Sutherland // Tony Biviano
The 36-year-old combined with opening batsman Jarryd Biviano for a 300-run partnership, which was a club record for the second wicket, eclipsing the 285-run stand Nic Maddinson and Matt Hughston shared in Sutherland’s semi-final victory against Eastern Suburbs in 2009-10.
After being sent in by St George, Sutherland lost their captain Chris Williams when the score was just one but that brought 59-Test, 190-ODI veteran Watson to the crease.
The 300-run batting masterclass lasted 49.3 overs as both batsmen feasted on an attack that featured former Test bowler Trent Copeland.
Image Id: 8A4D28DA3410417096AEEC5AE635E058 Image Caption: Shane Watson celebrates his century for Sutherland // Tony Biviano
Copeland was the clear standout with the ball for St George, claiming 4-97 from 29 overs but it wasn’t enough as Sutherland declared on 9-427 to allow a nasty seven-over spell at Saints before the close, with the stumps score reading 1-14.
Meanwhile, NSW Blues contracted player Charlie Stobo took 6-74 from 19.4 overs to restrict Western Suburbs to 241, as Gordon finished the day on 2-71 in reply.
In Queensland, Bulls players Charlie Hemphrey and Bryce Street combined for a 129-run stand to help Sandgate-Redcliffe reach 8-371 against Toombul. Hemphrey hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 110, while Street struck four sixes and 10 fours in his 94.