Randall Woodley
Quote of the week- “If you try and fail- Congratulations. Most people won’t even try!” M.S. Dhoni, champion Indian cricketer.
A well-timed century by Jarrod Officer was one of the three major highlights of the Tewantin-Noosa Thunder Club team’s matches last weekend. The other two were David Baker, wicketkeeper for the Fourths who featured in seven dismissals. (five caught, one stumping and a run out) and Wayne Moore’s 92 in Fifth Grade.
FIRST GRADE: After the disappointing display the previous weekend, the players were determined to play to their strengths, show more determination and ensure they won their two-day match against the Nambour Cutters at Read Park commencing last Saturday. The Thunder captain won the toss and decided to bat first on a hot and steamy day.
There was plenty of juice in the pitch from the week’s weather but the batters knew that if they could get through the first hour or so they could cash in later. Those plans went out the window as the Thunder fell to be 3-13 then 4-50 with Blake Steel’s 20 the only double digit score from the top four batters.
Then Andy Batten joined Jarrod Officer at the crease and these two very experienced cricketers decided to bat some time and keep their wickets intact. They did this and ended up putting 130 on for the fifth wicket before Andy went for a close to run a ball 66. Officer was the next to go out after his very intelligent and forceful innings of 110 (14 fours and 2 sixes). Cooper Lea the birthday boy wicket-keeper then put on another very impressive display with a run a ball 45 supported by Talon Reichert’s 20.
Thunder decided they wanted a dozen overs to bowl late in the afternoon so the declaration came with 302 on the board after the remarkable recovery. There appears to be great spirit in this team and this showed through on these tough days.
Although the opening bowlers performed well they only managed to snag one wicket with a tough chance also going down. The day ended with Nambour on 1-44 and the Thunder In a very strong position for next week.
SECONDS: The team travelled to the University ground to endeavour to get their two-day campaign back on track. Winning the toss they elected to bowl. After an early wicket Thunder were made to toil for the next few wickets on a hot, humid day as chances went down and any loose balls were getting punished for fours and sixes. All the bowlers bowled reasonably well but the shining lights were the team’s spinners, Finn Mayo and Jarred Davis, who bowled with great control, turn and bounce with Jarred claiming his maiden 2nd grade 5 wickets (for 68 off 13). Finn took 2-54 off 16.
University eventually declared on 9-243 after 58 overs giving Thunder 15 overs to see out the day. After losing an early wicket stalwart Jason Toohey and young gun Joe Murray saw the team through to stumps on 1-18.
The team will tackle a huge challenge next Saturday to overhaul USC’s score.
FOURTHS: Fallon Solutions Division 4 Team travelled to Yandina for their round 13, two-day match. After Jeremy Holland lost the toss the team entered the field with 10 men. Opening bowlers Brandon Henderson and Jackson Holland bowled well without luck before Brian Lee took the first wicket. Then skipper Jeremy Holland figured slow and straight would take wickets on the Yandina pitch. Wickets fell regularly throughout the afternoon before Alek Dillewaard took his first seniors wicket followed by a superb celebration. Best bowler was Brian Lee with 3 for 51 off 16 overs. The team fielded and bowled well considering the very hot conditions restricting Yandina to 263. A special mention to David Baker for his excellent performance of 5 catches, 1 run out and 1 stumping and keeping for the whole 75 overs. Overall, the team performed very well, not letting Yandina get away at any stage throughout the game. The Thunder boys finished with great energy and will take this into next week’s batting innings.
FIFTHS: The team has been struggling to find form this season but Saturday they turned the corner against Nambour. Batting first the team put on 180 with the two Moores leading the way. Opener Craig Moore played a patient innings for his 23 but it was Wayne that set the scene. He scored 92 with 13 fours and set the team up for a good chance at winning the match next Saturday.
At stumps the Cutters were 0-38.
UNDER 15s: Playing the Maroochydore Swans at their ground the team registered a score of 168 in their first innings., Top scorers were Jackson Holland 44, Rory Ramsden 41, Ben Blackwell 26 and Aedan Mayo 21. Next Saturday the bowlers and fielders will need to be on song if they are to defend their score and take home the points.
UNDER13s: Playing at Caboolture the Thunder 13s scored 154 for the loss of only 4 wickets. Top performers were Nate Watson 31*, Cooper Maloney 27*, Liam Sweet 23 and Cooper Christensen 21*. In reply the Sharks were 8 for 97. The wickets were shared around between the eight bowlers.
