Randall Woodley
Quote of the week :- Geoffrey Boycott talking about facing Lillee and Thomson, “To have some idea what it’s like, stand in the outside lane of a motorway, get your mate to drive his car at you at 95 mph and wait until he’s 12 yards away, before you decide which way to jump.”
Last weekend was another successful one for the local Thunder Cricket Club with the highlight being the First Graders who continued their undefeated run of 18 matches. And in this match, both opening batsmen scored undefeated centuries and young quickie Tom Stewart took five wickets in an innings.
FIRST GRADE
The team won outright with only a couple of overs to go on day two of the game against Gympie Gold at Read Park. On day one, Thunder had bowled out the visitors for 214 with Dom Taylor taking four wickets. By stumps both Thunder openers, captain Jake Dennien and Lewis Waugh were undefeated, each of them passing their 50s. On day two they resumed and eventually the team declared at 0 for 227. Dennien was 115 no and Waugh 102 no. This was Jake’s first ton for the club whilst Waugh’s century was his third this season. It is certain that this is the first time in the club’s history when both openers had scored centuries and then declared before a wicket fell.
Batting a second time, Gympie struggled against the pace and consistency of the Thunder’s opening bowlers. They were eventually dismissed for 117 with one batsman scoring half these runs. Tom Stewart was outstanding with speed and swing and ended the day with the figures of 5 for 19 off 10 overs. He was well supported by Ben Laughlin who took four wickets and the unlucky Scott Aufderheide who took the other. This left the Thunder to score 105 runs in 24 overs to secure the outright. They did this, with a couple of overs to spare, losing only one wicket in the process. Jarrod Officer was 46 no and Lewis Waugh finishing a very good match for him on 44 no.
In the win, the Thunder scored 332 runs for the loss of only one wicket- possibly another club record. A great performance from a team full of confidence.
SECOND GRADE
The team was playing Palmwoods at their ground which presented a grassless pitch already showing signs of cracking. After winning the toss, the Thunder boys batted first but lost some early wickets. Throughout the innings there were some solid partnerships and at stumps with on day one, TNT was 7 for 182 despite a couple of “dodgy decisions”. It was a hot gruelling day of batting with a slow outfield. Top scorers on day one were Ben Claypole 45, Leon Beatty 35 and Josh Peters 33. Day two saw the team’s first innings total climb to 209. Batting second, the Palmwood’s batsmen stuck to their job with wickets hard to come by. They eventually passed TNT’s score then declared late in the day to gain first innings points.
Fourth grade played Palmwoods at Dale Officer Oval.
On day one the boys batted first and were all out for 115. Top scorer was veteran Bob McGhee with 38 and Harper Lee 25. Some tight bowling early on from Luke Anstey and McGhee paid dividends with Luke taking an early scalp. They ended the day on 2 for 45 and on day two Thunder finished them off for 144. Top bowlers were Bob McGhee 4-24, Ben Shaw 3 for 22 and Mike Thomson 2 for 38. The Thunder second innings was again uninspiring and they finished the day nine down for 95. The match result was a disappointment, however, bowling the top team out for under 150 runs was satisfying but it’s the batting that needs to improve.
SIXTH GRADE
Playing ladder leaders USC, the Thunder boys bowled first and had the home side in trouble at 3 for 2. They kept the pressure on with tight fielding and plenty of bowling changes. By mid-afternoon the Uni team was all out for 50. Best bowling figures for TNT – Brandon Henderson 3-12 and Justin Latimer 2-4. Four other bowlers took single wickets. At stumps Thunder had passed the opposition’s score and were ready to press for an outright win on day two. Last Saturday they finished their innings on 131 with top scorer David Lyons 29. This gave the team a first innings win.
UNDER 13
The team had a convincing win last Saturday against Cooroy Eumundi Gold at home. They scored 151 with top scorers Matt Riddle 28 no, Ben Boden 20 and Max Arnold 16. TNT bowlers kept it tight from the first ball, consistent line and length making it difficult for Cooroy their entire innings, finishing 5-97 from their 30 overs. Top wicket takers– Ishaka Morgan 1-1, Ben Boden 1-5, Eddie Weychardt 1-10.
UNDER 15
The team was against Coolum at Dale Officer Oval on day one of the two day match. Tewantin Noosa 157 off their 55 overs. Top scorers Jackson Holland 40, Harper Whyatt 33, Rory Ramsden 29 and Ben Blackwell 18. Great effort from all the boys today. A solid total to bowl at next week.
