By Randall Woodley
“Every batsman surveys the field before taking strike, and usually the fielders get imprinted on his mind. They can almost see every fielder in their mind’s eye. But in my head, I don’t see the fielders. I only see the GAPS!” – Ricky Ponting.
Finding opportunities. That’s the mark of a Good Cricketer.
For the first time in many seasons, the Tewantin-Noosa Thunder Cricket Club is desperately looking for men to play in one of the proposed four senior teams. The First and Second Grade teams are full of talented and new players but more cricketers are needed to play in the lower grades.
A decision has to be made within a week on how many teams the club will nominate for the coming season. The facilities at the club are first class; turf and matting batting nets, coaching available and, if required. gear can be supplied.
Even if you haven’t played for some seasons, the opportunity to play on Saturday afternoons is open to all. The club has some under 16 players in the afternoon competition as well as some over 50. Age should not be a barrier and men of all ages, experience and skill will be catered for. The club has to nominate teams by next week so if anyone is interested, they can ring the club secretary, Jason Toohey on 0402 893 099 or register online at: – tewantinnoosacricket.com.au
Previous season’s players who have not registered yet are encouraged to do it urgently.
Last Thursday night the club’s First Grade team played the Glasshouse Rangers under lights in a pre-season warm-up match. This was the last practice match before the season proper commences for First Grade on Saturday 11 September. Backing up from two wins on Saturday 27 August, the boys were keen to keep the momentum building.
Two of the club’s best batsmen, Chris Wright and Lewis Waugh had to pull out with work and illness but fortunately the team had two quality players, Josh Peters and Adam Curry, who stepped in. When playing two T20 matches on the one day, it will be imperative for the club to have depth in the playing roster and this worked well on Thursday night.
TNT lost the toss and fielded first. Opening bowling trio, Scott Aufderheide, Tom Stewart and Ben Laughlin got the team off to an unbelievable start keeping them to be 2-11 off the powerplay with all bowling superbly. The slow bowlers did a great job through the middle and the boys were able to restrict the Rangers to 106 runs off their 20 overs.
Glasshouse are always very good at bowling tight in the power play and at 1-6 off three overs, TNT had to work hard for the runs. Then the club’s experience came to the fore and Andrew Kratzmann and Jarrod Officer put on an 80-run partnership before both retiring with 25 runs needed from the last five overs.
TNT lost a couple of wickets but chased the runs down in the 19th over, losing only three wickets in their innings.
The three pre-season matches have been well worthwhile, showing the club’s strength in its bowling attack and some good middle order innings. The other outstanding aspect has been the fielding and catching with ex-international Ben Laughlin showing the way and taking some screamers.
The team begins their defence of the T20 Cup on Saturday 11 September at Caloundra when they will take on Nambour in the morning match, beginning at 9.30am and in the afternoon (1.30pm) they play the Caloundra Lighthouses. Caloundra club is a great venue to watch cricket and they always have a canteen and bar open.
It would be good for as many TNT supporters to come and see the team start the season with a couple of wins. The following Saturday 18 September, the team will be playing another two T20 matches at Read Park, against the Coolum Sharks and Maroochydore Swans.
