Randall Woodley
Quote of the week- “Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties.” – Sir Don Bradman.
For the third weekend in a row the Sunshine Coast Cricket Association First Grade Finals have been disrupted by the weather. On the two previous Saturdays the Tewantin-Noosa Thunder team were to play Coolum Sharks in the semi-finals but both scheduled days were washed out. As the Thunder boys were top of the table they proceeded to the Grand Final. Last weekend the first two days of the three -day grand final were to be played between the two top teams, Caboolture Snakes and Tewantin-Noosa, at Read Park, Tewantin. However, the weather gods intervened again, and no play was possible on either Saturday or Sunday.
The situation now is that next Saturday the two long time adversaries will line up again in a match that will be played over 101 overs. It is not a 50 over a side match but will be played as a normal cricket game with either side batting for as many overs as they decide. Caboolture will need to defeat the local boys in the first innings if they are to claim the title. It will be the Thunder’s role to avoid this outcome. The season statistics indicate clearly that the Thunder team deserve to be in this favourable position.
The Tewantin-Noosa team ended the year with 144 points on the table, winning 14 matches with another four washed out. Caboolture who rely heavily on two batsmen (No.1 and 2 on the association’s season batting ladder) ended the season on 120 points but only won 7 of their scheduled matches with some others abandoned.
The Thunder team have four batsmen in the top ten- Jarrod Officer, Michael Eckard, Ben Laughlin and Andy Batten. The bowling list shows three Thunder players in the top ten- Zac Murray, Michael Eckard and Ben Laughlin.
The match will be played at Read Park, commencing at 11.30am on Saturday, March 23rd, and a big gathering of spectators and club supporters is expected. The canteen will be open. This is the chance for anybody who is interested in the countries national sport to come down and enjoy this exciting contest.
The players on show include an ex-international, an ex-Queensland Bulls player and numerous ex-Brisbane First Grade players and regional representative cricketers.
The Thunder First Grade team have already won the 2023-24 season’s 50 overs a side competition and they are confident they can bring home the big trophy next Saturday.
Everyone is hoping that the weather will be kind and the grand final can be played out in conditions to allow every player to perform at their best.
