Around the Grounds
A disappointing grand final loss underpins an underwhelming weekend for Tewantin Cricket. The lone bright spot coming from a day one clinic from First grade with all the bowlers chipping in with key wickets. Seconds were washed out and Thirds were in trouble after struggling with the bat all out for 104 with Caboolture 1 for 38 in reply. An undermanned Sixth grade fought hard but were against it chasing 286.
One day Grand Final
At home against Caboolture after finishing on top of the one-day ladder after some impressive performances, Tewantin lost the toss and were sent into the field. It was a special game for our players being captain Jarrod Officer’s 350th first grade game for the club. The opening bowlers started brilliantly on a pitch offering some assistance, taking an early wicket and keeping the run rate down, Caboolture 1-63 at first drinks (17 overs). Unfortunately, a few missed chances allowed the two opposition batters to build a significant partnership with some admittedly impressive stroke play carrying Caboolture to 182 after 31 overs. Milestone man Jarrod Officer then started the fight back, striking three times in quick succession including both set batters. The rest of the bowlers then chimed in as well restricting Caboolture to a strong but still chasable total of 300 after they looked set for at least 350.
Sadly, that was where the fun stopped for the Tewantin boys, who lost regular wickets on a pitch which offered enough to never really gain momentum. Although, it was disappointing end to a fantastic one-day season, it universally agreed that playing finals cricket unaffected by weather is fun and win lose or draw the team will be better for the experience. Moving forward into the rest two-day season Tewantin will be looking to bounce back, winning their remaining games and ultimately the two-day Finals.
First Grade vs Maroochydore 2nd XI
The First-grade side hosted Maroochydore’s second team and welcomed back Ben Gear, whose return from Scorchers bolstered the team. Choosing to bowl first, Scott Aufderheide made an early breakthrough picking up a wicket in the third over. Although Maroochydore steadied at 1/37 off 17, the introduction of spinners Ben Woolmer and Ben Gear swung the game, as they combined to take 3/10 and reduced the opposition to 4/93 at lunch.
The post-lunch session saw Scott Aufderheide and Tom Stewart take quick wickets, leaving Maroochydore at 6/98. A late fightback was stamped out by Ben Claypole, who claimed 3/5 in four overs using all the tricks in his arsenal (bouncers, bowling from half a run up, you name it) wrapping up the innings for 147.
In response, First grade sent out the “Sam duo” to open the batting, with Sam D smashing a quick 47 and Samadhi 23 before both departing. Bens, Gear and Claypole held steady, guiding the team to stumps at 2/95.
With Ben Laughlin set to join the line-up next week, the batting order will feature an extraordinary five Ben’s and two Sam’s, something you don’t see every week.
6th Grade vs Caboolture Gold
The 6th-grade side kicked off their two-day match against Caboolture Gold on Matt Thornhill Oval. After losing the toss, Caboolture elected to bat, reaching 0/89 off 35 overs by the tea break. Post-tea, the 6th graders managed to claim some crucial wickets, but Caboolture capitalized with aggressive boundary hitting, declaring at 6/286 after 60 overs. The standout performance came from young debutant Nate Watson, who claimed 4/77 in a brilliant 14-over spell. Special mentions to Justin Latimer (1/15 off 9) and Dale Brown (1/44 off 7) for their contributions. However, injuries and limited bowling options saw the team concede 28 byes and other extras, adding to the challenge.
In reply, the 6th grade endured a tough start, slipping to 3/4 before stumps. Despite the early setbacks, the team remains optimistic about a turnaround on the batting-friendly surface next week.
