Cricket News - The Parramatta Cricket Report - Round 13 - Day 1 - Mon 12-Feb-07

Last Saturday, Parramatta First Grade played the first day of a two day round vs Randwick Petersham with First Grade at home at Old Kings Oval.Parramatta was in a strong position at stumps courtesy of two great centuries, 116 from opener Nick Watkins and 115 not out from number 3 Jason Kelly. Captain Michael Wood won the toss and decided to bat on another good Old Kings wicket.
An excellent opening partnership of 88 between Alex Murphy (28) and Nick Watkins laid the platform for a big score. Alex Murphy continued his consistent form by batting through most of the morning session before finally being dismissed for 28 from 91 deliveries. Watkins, a member of the Australian Deaf team, continued his fine performances since moving back to the top of the order with his second century of the year, scored from 195 balls in 225 minutes with 14 fours.
Watkins and Kelly added 113 for the second wicket to take Parramatta to 1/200 before the second wicket fell on 201. Kelly was well established however, and continued to bat in partnerships, first with Trent Marsh, then a 64 run partnership with Michael Wood and a further 28 with Luke Forbes. Kelly, 29, a Parramatta Junior from the Wenty Waratahs Club, is in stellar form since returning after Christmas from a serious broken finger suffered when fielding earlier in the season against Wests. Kelly has now scored 529 runs at an average of 52.9 for the season, including this century and the record 193 he scored a few weeks ago against Sutherland.
Kelly’s 115* came off 182 balls, and included 13 fours.
Randwick’s NSW State Players Simon Katich and Nathan Hauritz will be key to Randwick’s chances next week, and depending on wicket conditions, Parramatta may choose to add a few more runs next week before declaring.

Greg Monaghan
President