Simon Keen century cements big Sydney first grade win for Blacktown

Self-belief  is thriving among Blacktown Cricket Club players after a massive Sydney First Grade win against Eastern Suburbs.

• Doonside’s Matt Moylan named Panthers captain
• Chess prodigy wins national title at age seven

Self-belief  is thriving among Blacktown Cricket Club players after a massive Sydney First Grade win against Eastern Suburbs.

The win means Blacktown has now extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches.

Strong performances with bat and ball helped Blacktown to an unlikely triumph after Eastern Suburbs set 320 runs in the first innings.

A five-wicket haul from leg spinner Gabriel Joseph limited the dangerous Eastern Suburbs batting attack.

Andrew Salter also pitched in, taking two wickets from his marathon effort of 22 overs.

Despite a mammoth total from their opposition, Blacktown scored 321 in 88 overs to notch the win.

Simon Keen (119) and Tim Doonan (63) were the best performers.

“We were very happy to see Simon finally break through for his first century of the season,” Blacktown captain Tony Clark said.

“Simon on his day is as good as the best batsmen in this competition so hopefully this big score helps him find some more confidence.

“Tim has been another star performer and his consistent runs have been the backbone of our batting efforts this season.”

Clark said the win demonstrated how far Blacktown had come in recent seasons.

“Two years ago Blacktown was bowled out for 70 against Eastern Suburbs,” Clark said.

“This result goes to show how far we have come as a club.

“Everyone performed incredibly and it made the victory all the more satisfying.”

Blacktown will hope to continue its winning ways when it hosts Parramatta at Joe McAleer Oval on Saturday.

“We need to keep up our great run,” Clark said.

“We are focused on a finals berth.”