1st Grade
One Day Semi Final
The One Day semi-final against Glasshouse was another big test. With the bat, Mick and Samadhi again got us off to a strong start with 69, but as has happened at times this season, wickets fell just as we looked to take full control. A seriously impressive knock of 91 from Jarrod in partnership with Cooper Lea’s run-a-ball 32 rescued the momentum again and lifted the total to 264.
The response with the ball was outstanding. Sharp run outs early set the tone before Ben Giddy’s 4/33, supported by disciplined spells from Mike Thomson and Mick, sealed a memorable win. With Nambour upsetting Maroochydore in the other semi, we now get the chance to host the One Day Grand Final for the third-year running, a fantastic achievement for the group and the club.
One Day Final
Another huge fortnight of cricket for First grade culminated in the One Day Final against Nambour. Bowling first, we stuck with the formula that has worked for us all season, with Rowdy and Mick opening up and building pressure immediately. It was too much for Nambour with their big gun falling. The pressure never for a second let up, with every bowler starting perfectly. Ben Giddey then went on a spree taking 4 quick wickets to dismantle the middle order and Josh Gittens bowling beautifully to take three wickets. You would be hard pressed to find a more complete bowing performance with Nambour out for 153. As has been the other part of the formula, we started brightly with the bat and reached 2 for 98 with little stress with Mick batting as well as I have seen. We reached the total 3 down with Mick fittingly hitting the winning runs to end 80 not out and win player of the final. A very satisfying end to our One day campaign and we will look to continue this momentum into the rest of the Two Dayers.
Day 2 Against Gympie
Against Gympie, the Thunder were tasked with defending a decent total after declaring overnight. Early wickets had us on top before a seriously impressive opposition partnership with past Tewantin player Lewis Waugh scoring 95 and Jarrod Sippel scoring an outrageous 200 took the game away. Despite the challenge, the group stuck at it all day, really proving the effort and persistence that characterise this side.
Day 1 Against Caboolture
Down at Caboolture, with plenty of excitement building around the upcoming One Day Final, we had to quickly refocus after losing an early wicket. What followed was a real momentum shifting partnership. Samadhi Baker and Joe Murray put on a brilliant 154, showing patience and class on a slow pitch with the slowest outfield at Caboolture many of us can remember. Jarrod Officer, “Samadhi’s 100 off 121 balls was a reward for the enormous amount of work he puts into his own game and the club as a whole, and it was great to see him “finally” convert a start in tough conditions.” Joe was rock-solid at the other end before we both fell either side of lunch.
Captain Michael Eckard kept the momentum going with a fluent 49, while important lower-order runs from Rory Ramsden (29) and Riley Woolmer (26) pushed us through to 9/298, leaving us in a strong position heading into the second week.
2nd Grade
The bowling day 2 at Nambour was excellent. Defending 217 on a slow outfield with short square boundaries, Two’s came out with clear plans and plenty of energy. Ben Claypole and Josh Christensen set the tone early, supported by sharp fielding and a crucial run out that had Nambour 2/6.
From there it became a real team effort, spear headed by a tireless spell from Christo, who claimed 5 wickets across 25 overs and kept breaking partnerships when it mattered. Strong support came from Reilly Carroll, Aidan Mayo, and Ben Blackwell, who continued to show his value with the ball. Nambour were dismissed for 195, giving us a really pleasing win built on effort and pressure.
Second Grade had a tough challenge at home against top-of-the-table Palmwoods, winning the toss on a green wicket and backing themselves to bat. Ben Blackwell and Tristan Griffin did a great job early, negotiating a slow, up-and-down surface to put on 47 for the opening stand. Tristan was first to go, before Alex Bennett made an immediate statement with a massive six to the long side, only to edge behind soon after.
Palmwoods bowled with plenty of discipline through the middle order, and despite resistance from Ben Blackwell, the team was bowled out for 108. With 36 overs to bowl, the group worked hard, hit good areas, and created chances that just didn’t quite stick. Palmwoods batted patiently to finish 0/85, leaving us with a big task heading into the second week.
3rd Grade
Third Grade were tested across two matches. At home against Maroochydore, Bailey Hozier (31) again showed composure at the top, while Oscar Rose and Jason Toohey contributed with the ball. A real positive was Henry Blackwell’s unbeaten 79-ball innings, which showed maturity well beyond his years.
This week away at Palmwoods, everyone showed patience and discipline with the bat to reach 136, with Jayke Carlile (28) leading the way. Palmwoods finished Day 1 at 1/54, leaving plenty to think about and needing some impressive bowling to rescue it.
6th Grade
At Caloundra, the group fought hard across both innings of the last one dayer of the session and pushed the game deep, finishing 6/114 in pursuit of 130, with plenty of positives to take away despite falling just short.
6th Grade then continued on at Day 1 at Dale Officer Oval against Landsborough, posting 159 with contributions right through the order, Nick Withers finding his groove with 37. With the bowling the standout was then Steve Hill’s incredible 7/31, backed up by some excellent keeping from Craig Moore, as Landsborough closed 8/79. Sixes in a great position.
Women’s Team
It was great to see the women finally get the reward they’ve been working hard for, producing a complete performance away at Nambour Showgrounds in the penultimate match of the season.
With Captain Trina back in charge, we won the toss and bowled, and the difference from last week was obvious straight away. The fielding was sharper, the bowling tighter, and it was especially pleasing to see the extras kept to single figures.
Early breakthroughs came with a plumb LBW to Talei, a brilliant run out by Hannah, and some smart work behind the stumps from Kirsty. Every bowler played their part in restricting Nambour to 3/84.
Chasing the runs, Hannah and Carol made sure there were no nerves. With the win all but secured needing only two runs, Hannah needed four for her maiden 50 and found the boundary to bring it up, a fitting moment as she closes out her season before an exciting new chapter later this year. One more big challenge to come against Glasshouse on the 15th.
Juniors
U14B enjoyed a strong Day 1 against Nambour Uni, highlighted by Will’s five-wicket haul and a composed batting effort to reach 2/72 at stumps.
U12A continue to show real promise. After bowling Maroochydore out for 203, the boys responded with 1/93 at stumps, led by James (52)* and *CJ (32)**. Strong team performances and encouraging individual efforts across recent rounds are setting a great foundation for the future.
