Around the Grounds
The Thunder bowlers have dominated, to give all teams the advantage heading into week two. Firsts are in a strong position, bundling Gympie out for 80 and having already chased the runs, declared with a 40 run lead. Second grade also has Yandina on the ropes courtesy of a phenomenal bowling display lead by Riley Meredith, I mean Carroll who took 5 for 1 to dismiss Yandina for 127. Twos are 2 for 56 in reply. Third grade kept the theme, bowling accurately to restrict Yandina to 6 for 116, and give themselves a great chance at winning next week. Sixth grade were witness to one of the bowling displays of the decade with Wayne Moore taking 8 for 29 to roll through Caloundra for 105. Unbelievable! Last week, our women did what good teams do, bowling and fielding outstandingly to comfortably beat USC and keep the streak alive. 7 from 7!
First Grade
In Gympie, First Grade kicked off their two-day match with a strong showing, buoyed by the return of captain Michael Eckard. Eckard, the competition’s top run-scorer and wicket-taker prior to his South African holiday, brought fresh energy to the squad. Winning the toss, Eckard opted to field on a warm day with a deceptively tricky pitch and slow outfield. The Thunder bowling attack delivered brilliantly, restricting Gympie to 80 runs off 47 overs, sharing wickets evenly and maintaining miserly economy rates under 2 an over.
The Samuel/Samadhi opening partnership solidified the team’s control, adding 34 runs to set the platform. Aggressive batting saw First Grade declare at 4/121, ensuring time to bowl again. Scott Aufderheide made an immediate impact with a wicket in the first over back, before stumps was called due to poor light.
Second Grade
Second Grade returned to the field at Read Park after rain disruptions saw them play only two matches in the past seven weekends. Sent in to field by Yandina, Tyron De Kauwe struck early. Yandina then fought hard until rain brought an early tea with Yandina at 4/116. After the break, Reilly Carroll dominated, taking an incredible 5/1 off 5.3 overs. His precision and movement of the pitch dismantled Yandina, who were all out for 127, losing 6 for 11.
In response, Josh Peters and Blake Steel set a solid foundation with a 42-run opening partnership. Reilly Carroll, promoted to number 4, capped off the day with a commanding performance, helping the team finish at 2/56 from 19 overs.
Third Grade
Third Grade faced Yandina with their regular captain away skiing in Japan. After a delayed start due to wet conditions, the game resumed for 40 overs. Yandina managed 6/116, with standout bowling from Thomson (3/15) and Carlile (3/17). Highlights included stunning catches by Nenadic and Wilson, though missed chances cost the team some runs. Quick wickets next week and solid batting will be key to keeping their season hopes alive.
Sixth Grade
The Sixes took on Caloundra Black at Dale Officer Oval in challenging conditions. Despite two rain interruptions, Sausage (8/29) led a dominant bowling effort, bowling 22 overs with 10 maidens of them being maidens. Justin Latimer (0/8, four maidens) and David Lyons (1/16, three maidens) ably supported and Caloundra were all out for 105.
In reply Dante Cox and Dale Brown are at the crease with the score 1/22, setting the stage for next week’s run chase.
Women’s Team
The Thunder women continued their winning streak with a seventh straight victory against USC at Palmwoods. On a damp pitch, Kiera 4 for 11 and Bec Brian 2 for 7 led a superb bowling effort, supported by sharp fielding, including a run-out by Talei Owen and catches by Tracy Diprose, Talei and Kirsty. USC managed just 79 runs.
In reply, Talei’s quick 15 and Bec Whisker’s steady 28 set the foundation before Carly and Zayli sealed the win in the 15th over. Thunder remains undefeated, showcasing improved fielding and bowling at a critical time in the season with momentum building towards finals.
