Penrith overcomes Sydney University to claim first Belvidere Cup in 36 years

Penrith Cricket Club has ended a 36 year drought after claiming the 2018/19 Belvidere Cup with a first innings win over minor premiers Sydney University.

Penrith Cricket Club has claimed the 2018/19 Belvidere Cup. Picture: Ian Bird/ Cricket NSW

• Passion and determination gives Sharp the edge
• Game on for Wanderers E-League stars

Penrith Cricket Club has ended a 36 year drought after claiming the 2018/19 Belvidere Cup with a first innings win over Sydney University at Bankstown Oval on Sunday.

Penrith began their first final in 16 years strongly, holding Sydney Uni to 207 on the first day of the three-day fixture.

A stellar effort with the bat from Player of the Final Tyran Liddiard (97) helped Penrith total 249 in their first session at the crease.

Penrith bowler Trent Weir celebrates a wicket. Picture: Robert Pozo

Sydney Uni went on to declare at 7/191 in their second innings to give themselves 55 overs to try and claim an outright win.

However Penrith held on to seal the victory at 1/79.

“I’m feeling on top of the world,” Penrith captain Ryan Smith said after the match.

“It’s been a whole range of emotions over the last three days but it’s just ecstasy at the moment.

“(We’ve) worked so hard and to get the Belvidere Cup back to Penrith is a massive achievement and we’re extremely proud.”

The victory marks Penrith’s first top grade premiership in 36 years. Picture: Robert Pozo

Smith added that this was just the beginning of a very bright future for Penrith Cricket Club.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of blokes to be around for seven months of the year,” he said.

“We’ve built a strong bond and the great thing is they’re such a young bunch of guys that they’ve got a lot of cricket ahead of them.

“I think that things are only going to get better for us as a team.”