The Tewantin-Noosa Thunder First Grade cricket team started the new season last weekend, just as they finished the last one- on a WINNING note. Last Saturday the Sunshine Coast Cricket Association fixtures commenced with all eight teams playing T20 double headers. At Read Park, the Thunder boys turned out in their new bright sky blue ‘One-Day’ uniforms which most of the supporters, agreed is a great concept. The bright sky blue represents the sky and water of the Noosa area and the material they are made from will ensure that the players will keep cool as the summer progresses.
GAME ONE: The Thunder team was missing four of last season’s premiership players but like all strong clubs there were others to step in and take their places. The first match was against the Nambour Cutters and the home side batted first on the good wicket with a fast green outfield. With opener Chris Wright away, bowler Ben Laughlin has stepped up to open and for both games and showed he has attacking flair. He was partnered by last season’s top run scorer, Lewis Waugh. The Thunder scored at better than a run a ball and after their twenty overs had compiled a competitive score of 140 for the loss of 4 wickets. Top scorer was club stalwart, Jarrod Officer with 42 off 40 balls Others to contribute were Ben Claypole 29 no, Blake Steel 27 no and new player Michael Eckard, 26.
Fielding second, openers, Scott Aufderheide and Tom Stewart bowled superbly and took early wickets to put the Cutters on the back foot early. Nambour finished on 6 for 100 with one of the Sunshine Coast’s top batsman, Steve Ledger being dismissed in the last over for 53. Tom Stewart took 2 -14 and Michael Eckard 2 -17 off their 4 overs each. This was a good win first up in the competition.
GAME TWO: After dinner, the boys took on the Glasshouse Rangers under lights and batted first. Opener, Ben Laughlin (40) attacked the bowler and put on 57 with partner Lewis Waugh (23). Ben Claypole (33) again batted strongly in the middle order and at the end of the session Thunder had registered 7 for 154.
The large crowd at the game then watched some exciting cricket as the Rangers set out to chase down the target set for them by the Thunder batsmen. However, as happened last season the strong and varied bowling lineup of the locals kept the opposition at bay and when it seemed possible that they might score the runs needed, the bowlers took vital wickets. At one stage the Rangers were 4 for 110 with overs enough to score the runs. Then the two experienced campaigners, Scott Aufderheide and Ben Laughlin took 3 wickets in a couple of overs to ensure that the run chase would fizzle out. After 20 overs the opposition were 7 for 133 still 22 runs short of a win. Best bowling figures for the Thunder were Aufderheide 3-22 and Laughlin 3-26.
The night finished with Tewantin-Noosa along with the Maroochydore Swans winning both of their matches on day one of the season. Great start for the boys.
NEXT ROUND: Next Saturday, September 24 the First Graders will be at Maroochydore to play Coolum Sharks in the morning and Maroochydore in the afternoon in the next round of the T20 matches. All other senior grades and juniors commence their seasons on Saturday, October 1.
MICHAEL SOBEY PAVILION: During the tea break last Saturday, the Sobey family attended the club to officially open the new viewing areas aptly named the MICHAEL SOBEY PAVILION. Michael who was a past-president and life member of the club, passed away last year. He was well known in the Noosa area as a lawyer, businessman, cricket club player and member and a family man. He will be remembered for years to come for his willing service to the community and with this new area now named after him.
WOMENS CRICKET: Planning and training is underway for the club’s women’s cricket team to commence playing in the coast’s competition. Any girls or women interested should contact the club on- tncc-secretary@hotmail.com
