Around the Grounds
A strong weekend for the club was highlighted by First grade making the one-day grand final next weekend and some brilliant individual performances.
Firsts restricted Caloundra on day one of the first two dayer and did enough to down Glasshouse on their way into the grand final.
Twos posted a strong score on day one against Caloundra as Jack Caspers was sublime scoring 125*. Third grade posted a slightly under par 134 on the back of a well made 57* from Jason Toohey and have Palmwoods 4 for 77. Will be a fight next week.
Sixth grade are in a strong position bowling Palmwoods out for 156 and are 2 for 48 going into next week. Unfortunately, they also lost to top of the table Yandina in the semi with Max Joyce the lone bright spot taking 5 for 13 to keep the game competitive.
The Thunder women once again crushed their opponents to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Six from six!
1st Grade vs. Caloundra (Two-Day Match, Day 1)
First grade travelled to Caloundra for their inaugural two-day fixture of the season, missing several bowlers due to unavailability and representative cricket commitments. The toss became crucial on a wicket that resembled a batter’s dream, and losing it put us on the back foot from the start.
Scott Aufderheide and Ben Giddy set the tone with disciplined opening spells, and Ben Woolmer supported them well. Timely breakthroughs saw us keep Caloundra in check, but a flurry of runs before lunch, coupled with some fortunate shots, allowed them to reach 2/140 off 37 overs by the break.
After lunch, we tightened the screws with exceptional bowling. Ben Claypole struck early, while Scott Aufderheide delivered a miserly spell, conceding just two runs off six overs and maintaining immense pressure. Giddy, who struggling with a niggle, recovered to bowl with renewed pace and intent, picking up two wickets. The highlight the dismissal of their captain, whose edged drive was spectacularly caught flying to the right by Cooper Lea.
Despite our efforts, the flat pitch made breakthroughs hard to come by, and Caloundra’s middle and lower order dug in. They closed the day at 7/325, a total that could have been even higher if not for the disciplined bowling and fielding. With favourable conditions next week, the match remains in the balance, and our batting line-up will be key to a positive result.
1st Grade vs. Glasshouse (One-Day Semi-Final)
Sunday saw us host Glasshouse in the one-day semi-final after a gruelling 85 overs in the field the previous day. Losing the toss for the second time in as many games, we again found ourselves bowling first, but this team thrives on challenges.
Tom Stewart, fresh after resting Saturday, combined with Scott Aufderheide with a tight opening spell. Glasshouse struggled to 0/24 in the first 10 overs, even with little assistance from the pitch for our bowlers. Ben Giddy continued his strong form, breaking the opening stand, while Ben Woolmer bowled 10 straight economical overs. Jacob Dennien once again proved his value, using his deception and control to, finishing with 4/30. Tom Stewart returned to clean up the tail, taking 3/26 and underlining his status as one of the competition’s best opening bowlers. Glasshouse was dismissed for 171, a total which was below par but still respectable.
Our chase started promisingly as Samadhi Baker (40) and Jacob Dennien (21) looked fluent, taking us to 76 without much trouble. However, a sudden collapse, losing key wickets in clumps, including both set batters at the same score threatened to make the chase difficult. At 8/155, the pressure was on, but calm heads prevailed. The skipper Jarrod Officer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, supported by a clutch Ben Giddy (4*) finishing the job with 4.5 overs remaining.
2nd Grade vs. Caloundra (Two-Day Match, Day 1)
Second grade had a dream start to their two-day match against Caloundra, winning the toss on a flat wicket under hot and humid conditions. Openers Corey Flood and Matthew Nenadic took to the crease, with Corey falling early but Matt contributing a solid 33.
The middle order chipped in with starts, as Rory Ramsden, Jarred Davis, and the captain all made valuable contributions. However, the innings belonged to Jack Caspers, returning after nine months away from the game. Jack’s unbeaten 125 was a masterclass in power and placement, featuring 12 fours and four towering sixes. His knock anchored the innings as the team declared on 9/241.
With three overs left in the day, Corey Flood created a chance on the first ball, but the opportunity was missed. Caloundra closed at 0/4, setting up an exciting Day 2, with the attack bolstered by the expected return of bowlers Oliver Wilson and Finn Mayo.
6th Grade vs. Palmwoods Red (Two-Day Match, Day 1)
Winning the toss in scorching conditions, Palmwoods Red opted to bat but found scoring difficult against the disciplined bowling attack. Justin Latimer bowled a tight opening spell, to set the stage for Wayne Moore to turn the game with an incredible 4/14 from 12 overs. David Lyons (3/31) and Latimer (1/11) also chipped in, with eight of the 10 dismissals being bowled—a sure indicator of the bowling attacks precision, keeping Palmwoods to 156.
By stumps, Tewantin Sixths reached 2/48 off 21 overs, with Alek Dillewaard leading the way on 33*. Thanks to the Tewantin attack’s tight bowling, the team is well-placed heading into next week.
One-Day Semi-Final vs. Yandina
Facing ladder leaders Yandina on their home turf, Tewatin opted to bat after winning the toss. The slow pitch and outfield made scoring tough, combined with losing regular wickets meant the Noosa batters never really held the momentum. Dante Cox (26) helped anchor the innings and a handy late contribution from Justin Latimer (14) helped to scrape to 94, a total well below par.
Despite the modest target, the Noosa bowlers fought valiantly. Bailey Hozier’s fiery opening spell set the tone, while Max Joyce delivered an incredible performance, taking 5/13 to keep the game alive. Unfortunately, a late surge from Yandina’s lower order saw them edge home, 7 wickets down but the effort and spirit shown by the team was outstanding.
Thunder Women vs. Caloundra
The Thunder Women capped their pre-Christmas campaign with a sixth consecutive win, defeating Caloundra at Dale Officer Oval. Bowling first, Talei Owen struck early, removing both openers cheaply. Tight bowling contributions from most of the team ensured Caloundra was restricted to 72. The standouts were Kierra Irvine who took her first ever wicket and Bonnie Boyes who bowled with ferocious pace and bounce.
The chase began dramatically with Carly Mcgrath out for a diamond duck (run out without facing a ball). However, the ship was steadied by Talei (who once again retired with three) and Kierra Irvine’s unbeaten 20* who guided the team home comfortably in the 14th over. The team’s undefeated streak is a testament to the their hard work at training and with captain Petrina McAulay expected back in January, there is some serious momentum as they charge into the finals.