Gallery | Brilliant bats lead Old Students to convincing Haisman Shield triumph over SYCU

Both sides entered the clash at Princess Park searching for their first victory, but by day’s end, there was no mistaking which outfit had learned more from its opening-week missteps.

Batting first, SYCU made a lively start and looked in command before Students tightened the screws, losing openers Tyler Green (23 runs) and Jake Callow (four) within the space of four balls.

The visitors eventually rebounded, largely thanks to returning import Sebastian Menzhausen, who struck the ball sweetly and controlled the innings with confidence for a knock of 85.

Cooper Adkins (31) added stability, while Shobhit Sabharwal (31 off 24) provided the fireworks by sending five to the ropes and one right over it in a devastating albeit fleeting cameo.

But when the moment came to stem the flow, it was James Meek who delivered for Old Students.

The seamer finished with 4-66, including a dazzling burst at the death that saw him claim two wickets in two balls to end SYCU’s innings at 7-193 — and set himself up for a hat-trick opportunity in next week’s match.

From there, the chase was pure composure.

Openers Sam O’Brien (50) and Callan McCabe (32) laid the perfect foundation, pacing the innings with class as the Students marched toward the target.

Once they had softened the attack, skipper Felix Odell and Oscar Lambourn finished the job, both unbeaten on 51 not out as the Students cruised to 2-194 with three overs to spare.

“Any time you chase down 200 you’re pretty happy with how things went,” Odell said.

“But to do it only two wickets down was good. The two openers, Sam and Cal, got us off to a really good start and took the pressure off for the rest of the chase, and we could cruise it through to the end.

“It was good for a few of us to make 50s, so that was all really positive.

“I have to give a shout out to Sam O’Brien making a 50 at the top of the order and Oscar Lambourn as well, coming in at four and seeing us over the line with another 50.”

While the batting dominance was clear, Odell was just as pleased with the turnaround from a week earlier — particularly with the ball.

“It sort of came down to the bowling side of things more so last week,” he said.

“We didn’t come out the way we wanted to — not enough discipline — and we looked to improve on that this week.

“They put us under pressure regardless at the top, but there’s still improvement to be made there in terms of minimising extras and that kind of stuff.”

The Students’ first win of the campaign restores balance after the round one loss to Central Park-St Brendan’s — and with that early pressure off their backs, Odell said his side could look ahead with confidence.

“I’m happy with the way things are going at this stage of the season,” he said.

“We’ve obviously got a long way to go, but we look forward to what’s left to come.”