Eastern Suburbs win inaugural Jim Maxwell Plate

11-Dec-2020 On Sunday the 6th of December Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club took on The Primary Club at Waverley Oval in Round 4 of the Jack Pace Shield.

As well as being a Jack Pace Shield competition round, the game also served as the inaugural playoff for the Jim Maxwell Plate, in recognition of Jim’s Presidency of both Clubs.

The Primary Club of Australia is a registered charity founded in 1974 by a group of cricket lovers whose fundamental aim was to give those with disabilities the opportunity to engage in physical activity. This came off the back of the charity’s establishment in England 50 years prior.

The Dolphins won the toss on a picturesque afternoon at Waverley Oval, with Captain Chris Thanos electing to bat. Thankfully for the Dolphins Chris backed his decision up with action, notching a fine 52, being supported by one of our young guns and 2019/20 Green Shield Premiership player Matt Hield, who scored a quickfire 64 off 38.

The Primary Club had a steep task on their hands, requiring 212 for victory and lacking numbers by virtue of the fact they had two other teams competing across Sydney at the same time. As such Eastern Suburbs agreed to loan a few batsmen for their innings.

One of our youngest and finest Alex Sidhu, also a member of our 2019/20 Green Shield Premiership side, stared for the opposition, bringing up a measured 54 off 66 balls.

However, with minimal support and a late batting collapse, The Primary Club were all out for 136. A fighting effort considering conditions and availability.

This means that the Jim Maxwell Plate now resides in The Tank at Waverley Oval, for now.

The clash is one the two clubs are looking to make a yearly event, raising awareness to noble cause and paying tribute to one of the most famous voices in Australian Cricket, Jim Maxwell AM.

If you would like to read more or donate to The Primary Club, click here.

---