By Randall Woodley
Both the TNT First Grade and Fourth Grade sides finished second on the premiership ladders and will be playing their two-day semi-finals next weekend at Tewantin. First Grade will be at Read Park playing Glasshouse whilst the top team, Caboolture will play Gympie who moved into fourth position with their win over TNT last weekend. Fourths should be at Dale Officer Oval playing third placed Palmwoods Black. The other Palmwoods side (Red) finished first and will be at home for the match.
Both the Seconds and Thirds lost their last fixture matches and miss out on the finals. However, there were some very good performances from these teams during the season and with a number of junior players moving into senior ranks later this year, and some early-retired players returning there is optimism for the next season.
Some years ago, a sports journalist wrote a book entitled “The Habit of Winning”. It included separate chapters on such subjects as attitude, self-discipline, training and so on. All the players and supporters of the Tewantin-Noosa Cricket Club believe that the First Grade side can again regain this habit of winning in their match on Saturday and Sunday. They have the bowling attack, batting skills and loads of experience but it will all need to come together to ensure the win against a strong Glasshouse side.
Last Saturday the Firsts lost to Gympie in a match that they should have won but with their top five scores all in the 20s, the total fell 10 runs short of that required. To win the semi-final, scores of 40s, 50s, 60s and more will be needed by the top batsmen and backed up by the bowlers and fielders.
FOURTHS on the other hand are really displaying their “Habit of Winning”. Last Saturday after dismissing Burpengary for 47 on Day 1, they batted all day to register their top score of the season with 7 for 341. Top scorers were Brian Lee 88, Shane Gesell 53, youngster Jack Saunders 50 no and Joe Jurisevic and Craig Moore both with 32. They will take this form into the semi-finals and should give the premiership a real good shake.
Players, past players and supporters wish both teams all the best as they take the field next Saturday wearing the club colours with pride. It is hoped that many supporters and locals will attend the matches and cheer on the boys. First Grade will commence at 10.30am and Fourths at 12.30pm.
