Around the Grounds
After all grades except Thirds were washed out last week, our teams were ready to play. Unfortunately for our Seconds and Thirds the weather didn’t cooperate.
First grade won comfortably against Nambour at home in a revised 30 over match with Sam Dennien (46 off 35) and Andy Batten (53* off 48) setting the platform for the spinners. Last week, Third Grade won a final ball thriller against Coolum at home with Farran Cooke holding his nerve to seal the deal. Sixth Grade lost against a strong Palmwood’s team with captain Wayne Moore the standout with four wickets.
Tewantin’s Women’s team kept their hot start alive, with another ridiculously close win, Talei Owen hitting a four from the last ball to win the game.
First Grade
After a week of heavy rain at Read Park, the team, led by (as always) Jarrod Officer, worked tirelessly to prepare the ground for a 30-over match.
With Tom Stewart sidelined by a backflip-related injury, Riley Woolmer stepped in, and the team adapted quickly. Batting first, Sam Dennien (46 off 35) gave the team a strong start, while Andy Batten (53* off 48) and Jacob Andrew (29* off 18) powered a late surge. Their partnership added 65 runs in the final six overs, helping the team post a very competitive 198/6.
Nambour’s chase didn’t start well, with big gun Steve Ledger falling to Michael Eckard in the first over. Their captain provided resistance, but brilliant spells from the spinners (18 overs, 5/75 combined) and Scott Aufderheide’s return from injury sealed the game. The win puts First Grade two games clear at the top of the table, locking in top spot and home-field advantage for the finals. A brilliant team effort all around!
In reply, Michael Eckard struck early, dismissing Nambour’s Steve Ledger in the first over. Despite a solid effort from their captain, Nambour couldn’t handle the pressure. The spinners dominated, combining for 5/75 in 18 overs, while Scott Aufderheide impressed in his return from injury.
Third Grade
In a nail-biting encounter, the Thirds claimed their first win of the season, defeating Coolum by just 2 runs. Batting first, Ben Blackwell (65 off 76) and Brendan Wright (52 off 93) built a magnificent 138-run partnership, setting a target of 159 on a rain-affected pitch.
The bowlers held their nerve as Coolum edged closer. Farran Cooke delivered a dramatic final over, including a no-ball and free hit off the last ball, but stayed calm to seal the victory. Contributions from Tom Longhurst, Dale Brown, and a standout spell from Aedan Mayo ensured the team got over the line.
Sixth Grade
Despite tough conditions, the team put up a spirited performance. Palmwoods opted to bat and reached 2/78 by drinks before a remarkable bowling display turned the tide. Wayne Moore (4/24) led the charge, supported by Bailey Hozier (2/24) and Dante Cox’s clutch boundary catch causing Palmwoods to collapse to 118 all out.
Chasing on a tricky pitch, the team faltered early but found hope from Dante Cox (30) and Toby Hunting (18). Unfortunately, the effort fell just short, with the team bowled out for 92. A valiant fight and lessons learned for the next match!
Women
At home against Glasshouse, the women were made to bowl first on a very good batting deck. However, the bowling started well with Talei bowling tight in combination with Bonnie Boyles, who was on fire, delivering two balls back-to-back that smashed into the stumps. Keira from the pub and Kirsty Patten both bowled with accuracy, but as a team the ladies were a little loose, allowing Glasshouse to get to a highly competitive 124 on a slow outfield.
A rapid start to the batting followed, with Talei reaching 30 within the first few overs and retiring. A small collapse led by some suicidal running (perhaps due to mixed messaging from their coach) was steadied by Bec Whisker and Carly McGrath who built a strong partnership. Going into the final three overs the run rate had crept to nine an over and after only scoring six and seven of the 18th and 19th overs 14 runs were needed of the last for an improbable win. Cue the mother-daughter combo Kirsty and Bonnie who ran the unlikeliest three, the latter then proceeding to ‘tactically’ allow herself to be bowled to get the in form Talei back into the middle. Eight runs still needed to win. Two balls. Wide, 2, wide. Four runs required from the final ball. Whack! Game over – Tewantin win with a four from the final ball. What a game!
