Bulls Masters Country Challenge Final
The Sunshine Coast took on last year’s defending champs Central Queensland in a rain shortened 10 over a side match. After starting the day with miserable weather, the chances of getting a game looked slim however the ground staff did an incredible job and the hallowed turf of the Gabba awaited. Sunshine Coast fielded first, bowling tight with Tewantin’s Micheal Eckard taking a wicket and a catch to restrict CQ to 68 off their ten overs. Mick (18) then set the tone in the chase hitting two fours and the only six of the match. A good start followed by some quick wickets and a rain delayed turned the match and we went from being comfortably in control to suddenly needing 11 of 8 to win. Andy Batten chipped away at the total until 3 was needed to win off the last ball. Andy hit a two over cover and the game ended in a tie. With the big bash game preparation set to get underway, somewhat disappointingly there was no chance for a super over. However, it was an incredible experience and full credit to our Sunshine Coast boys who were the form team throughout the whole tournament. A massive thanks to the Bulls Masters for putting it on such a wonderful event and hopefully we will be back next year to take home the title!
1st Grade vs Gympie (Home)
Winning the toss on a stinking hot day, the skipper elected to bat on a good wicket despite heavy rain earlier in the week. Samadhi Baker (19) and Andrew Kratzmann (47) provided a solid start, while Joe Murray (31) continued the momentum before a middle-order wobble left us 5/139.
Michael Eckard (71) led a strong recovery alongside Rory Ramsden (23), and late runs from Riley Woolmer (53*), supported by Josh Gittins (23), lifted the total to an impressive 9/303 at stumps — an excellent day’s cricket and a strong position heading into Day 2 next week.
1st Grade vs Caloundra (Away)
After warming up changing a flat tyre on the way, the Tewantin boys bowled first Rowdy and Mick starting beautifully restricting Caloundra to 2 for 61 after 20 with Rowdy doing his thing taking 1/23 off 10. The rest of the boys bowled well through the middle as Caloundra fought back until Ben Giddy came into the attack taking 4 wickets in quick succession and then having to wait a bit longer for his fifth after few chances went down. A really solid effort with the ball seeing Caloundra out for 224 but probably 30 more than they should have got considering how well we bowled.
The chase started brightly but after 2 wickets Jarrod and Joe had to rebuild putting together a nice partnership before Jarrod fell. From there a few solid partnerships threatened but every time we built some momentum wickets would fall. Right to the last two wickets we felt we were a chance with Andy Batten hitting some lusty blows to finish but it was ultimately in vain falling 35 runs short in a very disappointing loss.
2nd Grade vs Caloundra (Home)
Coming into the final one-dayer with confidence, our bowlers set the tone early. Josh Christensen struck twice with hostile short bowling, while Travis Woolmer produced a dream delivery to clip the top of off stump. Caloundra were under pressure early, but an attacking post-drinks surge, aided by dropped chances, lifted them to 188.
Our reply started positively, with solid contributions from Tristan Griffin (33), Luke Shepperd (29) and Rory Ramsden (22), reaching 100 at drinks. Tight bowling and sharp fielding then triggered a rapid collapse, with the innings closing at 116. Very disappointing to let the momentum slip with the fielding then collapse with the bat.
2nd Grade vs NUSCCC (Away)
In oppressive conditions at Nambour, we elected to bat first on a lively wicket. Tristan Griffin set the tone early, while Ben Blackwell anchored the innings superbly with a patient and well-earned 78 — his first Second Grade half-century. A crucial partnership with Aedan Mayo added valuable runs.
Late in the day, Travis Woolmer and Josh bowled tight spells with the new ball, unlucky not to claim wickets. A strong platform has been set heading into next week with finals firmly in sight.
3rd Grade vs Yandina (Away)
Facing the competition leaders on a slow surface, 3rd Grade battled hard but struggled against accurate bowling. Jason Toohey and Zak Woolmer both reached 15, but regular wickets saw us dismissed for 95 in a rain-affected 32-over innings.
Further rain shortened the chase, and Yandina attacked aggressively to finish the game quickly. A tough outing, though spirits remained high during the rain delays and the group looks forward to returning to home conditions next week.
Women’s Cricket Report
It was a tough night for the Women’s Cricket Team, fielding a reshuffled XI with several regulars away on holidays or overseas. New faces and cricketing novices gained valuable experience against a classy Hawks side, who put on a strong batting display built on sharp running.
Sharon claimed our sole wicket with a superb delivery that sent the stumps flying, while Carly celebrated a personal milestone by bowling six legal balls in an over with no extras — twice. Consistent spells from Carol, Stella, Kiera and Bridie kept the fight alive, but the target set was always going to be challenging.
The chase started nervously until Bec “The Whisk” Whisker and a very brave Bec B steadied the innings with a gritty 24-run partnership. While the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the spirit and resilience shown ensured cricket was the real winner on the night.
14B’s vs Maroochydore (2-Day Game, Day 1)
Missing key players and losing the toss, 14B’s were sent in on a tricky surface and struggled against disciplined bowling, dismissed for 60 with extras top-scoring. In reply, the bowlers produced a spirited effort to have Maroochydore 4/57 at stumps.
Missed chances proved costly, but with renewed focus and belief, the group remains confident heading into Day 2.
