Penrith come out swinging

Penrith  Cricket Club burst into the new season blasting Parramatta in four of the five grades on Saturday to declare the club would be aiming to claim the season’s major titles.

Michael Castle in action. Penrith v Parramatta one-day cricket game at Howell Oval in Penrith.

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Penrith  Cricket Club burst into the new season blasting Parramatta in four of the five grades on Saturday to declare the club would be aiming to claim the season’s major titles.

The solid result announced the club is back with a resolve to make it to the finals again and to retain the champion club title.

Coach Michael Wholohan said the emphatic victory demonstrated the inherent potential in the club.

Ryan Gibson at the crease.

Penrith first grade batted first scoring 8-284 and bowled out Parramatta for 170.

Wholohan said Pat Cummings scored 62, Ryan Gibson 60 and Jonathon Samut 65 to set a daunting total for Parramatta.

“They all played well and it’s an encouraging start to the year,” he said.

Wholohan said the bowlers backed up the batsmen with Josh Lalor taking three wickets.

Jake Wholohan and Luke Hodges took two wickets each while Cummings also showed his bowling prowess to take two wickets.

Wholohan said Hodges made his debut in first grade and was likely to improve with the experience.

Ryan Gibson plays a shot.

“He has been a local junior with (the) club for a good four-five years, played Green Shield and has made his way up the grade. Winning the club championship was a great achievement last season, we will have to work hard to emulate that,” he said. “Clubs would be looking out for us now. Winning four out of five grades against Parramatta was a good solid start for the year.’’

Wholohan said the first-grade team aimed to have a good round against University of NSW next week.

“We certainly have quite a few second graders who have first grade experience so hopefully some of those good young players will continue to develop and make the transition into the top grade over the next season or two.

To strengthen the side the club will have English import Tom Kohler-Cadmore, returning for round three. Kohler-Cadmore has played first class cricket for Worcestershire in the County ­Championships.

Parramatta’s Brad Taylor.

“He scored a couple of centuries last year, and we hope he’ll have a good strong season again for us.”

“Tom settles in quickly and is a good trainer; he spends a lot of time practising and is professional and dedicated in his game.

“He helps younger players and is a fantastic role model for them.

“We are hopeful of making the playoffs again; it was disappointing to lose the semi-finals last year; so we will train hard and take it one game at a time and if things go our way we’ll be thereabouts come finals time, but obviously there’s a lot of hard work between now and then.”

Penrith play University of NSW from 9.30am on Saturday at Howell Oval, Penrith.

Parramatta bowler Daniel Jackson.