Around the Grounds: 28 February - 1 March

It was a warm and sunny weekend, the perfect weather to go around the grounds with our UNSW sporting community in the name of #unswpride.

WOMEN'S CRICKET
A big win for First Grade over Northern District made for delightful viewing - kickstarted by an incredible bowling performance from the team. Captain Olivia Porter led the way taking 4/24, ably supported by Jade Allen (2/16) and UNSW Elite Athlete Program member and Ben Lexcen scholar Carly Leeson (2/19). Norths found themselves floundering and were all out for 138 in under 47 overs. Not satsified with her outstanding bowling figures, Porter also starred with the bat, scoring 58 runs. Leeson (20) was again strong in support, along with Erica James (24). Universities won the game by five wickets with 17 overs to spare.

Things were a little bleaker in Second Grade, where Universities went down to Norths. Universities struggled to break through in their bowling despite an early wicket and Norths raced to 3/238 from their 50 overs. In reply Universities couldn't put a partnership together, with Mahika Kandanala the best of the batters with 14. The team hung on as long as they could but were all out for 89 after 41 overs. Third Grade were also unable to get past St George-Sutherland in their T20 match, managing 6/50 from their 20 overs. Diana Lozell was the best of the batters with 21. The Slayers cruised past that score, with the only wickets coming through India Keating (1/20) and Emily Cooksey (1/28).

MEN'S CRICKET
Halfway through a two day game against Manly-Warringah and UNSW are in a bit of trouble. After Manly declared at 8/305, a few quick wickets had UNSW rattled - they finished the day at 2/6 and will look to resume with more patience and poise this weekend. Vivek Kashyap, Thomas Scoble and Suthangan Thanabalasingam each took two wickets on the first day.

Third Grade also bowled first, managing three wickets by the close of play for the day, with Manly at 3/287. Aaron Crofts was the pick of the bowlers with 2/78. In Fourth Grade UNSW batted first, making 105 from 56 overs, but struggled to put together a partnership. Adam Finkelstein was UNSW's best with the bat, finishing with 19 runs. Manly finished the day batting and will resume at 2/103 following wickets to Aditya Ramakrishnan and Nick Everitt. Fifth Grade bowled first and kept Manly to 281, with some strong bowling performances from Brendan Napier (3/33), Prosha Rahman (3/58) and Blaize Irving-Holliday (2/35).

Special mention to Carly Leeson, who also turned out for Randwick-Petersham in men's Fifth Grade, scoring 22 with the bat and taking 1/20 so far with the ball.

WATER POLO
The Australian Water Polo League is on short break over last weekend and this weekend, but now is as good a time as any to check in with our teams and see how they're faring in the season so far. With eight games under their belt so far, the UNSW-Wests Magpies (men's) are sitting in third place on the ladder, though they have played fewer games than the two teams ahead of them. The UNSW-Wests Killer Whales (women's) are in fourth place after eight games, having also played fewer games than the three teams above them on the ladder. Both teams will play four games - two each against Fremantle and UWA - at the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre from Thursday 12 March to Sunday 15 March. Get down there and support our incredible women and men!

The Killer Whales are adding some extra laps to their swimming training during the break, raising money for suicide prevention and awareness. This is a fantastic cause that is close to the hearts of the players and any donations would be greatly appreciated.

RUGBY
UNSW Elite Athlete Program member James Ramm made a sensational debut for the NSW Waratahs, scoring a try in his first senior match with the team in their 29-17 win over the Lions. Ramm comes to UNSW through our strong partnership with Randwick Rugby and is one of the recipients of the Randwick Rugby - St Hilliers Sports Scholarships.