Around the Grounds
Strong Tewantin victories were overshadowed by the loss of Dean Smith, a valued member of TNCC and a respected umpire. Dean was a true gentleman of the game, known for his sportsmanship and contributions both on and off the field. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
First Grade
In Gympie for Week 2, the Thunder’s bowlers picked up where they left off, following last week’s bold declaration. Starting 1 down and 40 runs behind, Gympie found no relief against our attack. Scott Aufderheide’s phenomenal figures (12 overs, 9 maidens, 3/9) set the tone. Another balanced display from all the bowlers though with Ben Giddy, Tom Stewart, and Ben Gear all taking two wickets and Ben Woolmer taking one.
Gympie was bowled out for 81, almost a carbon copy of their first-innings 80. Chasing just 43, Samuel Dennien and Michael Eckard ensured a straightforward win, wrapping things up in the 9th over.
Across both innings, Gympie made 20/161 in 93 overs, while the Thunder needed just 35 overs and six wickets to match the score. A very dominant outright win leaving the team well placed leading into finals.
Second Grade
The 2nd Grade team powered into 3rd place on the ladder with a dominant outright win over Yandina. Starting at 2/56, Andrew Kratzmann and Josh Peters set about chasing the 70 runs needed for first innings points. Peters anchored the innings with a superb 82, helping the team to declare with a 20-run lead.
The bowlers then delivered spectacularly. Despite missing last week’s star Reilly Carroll, (due to a run in with the First grade skipper), Tyron De Kauwe (3/17), Riley Woolmer (3/20), and Oliver Wilson (4/20) cleaned up Yandina for 62 in 20 overs. A chase of 43 was swiftly handled by Blake Steel, whose explosive 33 off 13 (including four sixes) finished the game in four overs.
This win lifts the 2nd Grade team firmly into finals’ contention for the first time in nearly a decade.
Third Grade
Week 2 saw Yandina resume on 6/116, and quick wickets were the plan. Jayke Carlile starred with 4/24 off 9, while Thomson put in a marathon stint for 3/25 off 21. However, missed chances in the field let Yandina off the hook allowing them to declare at 9/201.
The Thunder chase stumbled early and never really got going, with only Jarred Davis standing firm. His gritty 47 was a highlight, but he fell to a spectacular one-handed screamer. Tight Yandina bowling and some poor shot selection saw TNT dismissed for 102, narrowly avoiding the follow-on. Special thanks to the players who stepped in this week. The team will look to bounce back strongly next round with a full-strength side.
Sixth Grade
Resuming Day 2 at 2/56, chasing Caloundra Black’s 105, Dante Cox and Dale Brown kept the scoreboard ticking. Dale impressed with 33 before falling to a change of bowler. The middle order struggled, but Nick Withers contributed 32 alongside Dante’s 23 to get across the line.
The innings closed at 9-160, with Justin Latimer and Cooper Withers holding the tail. Wayne Moore then led the bowling attack with 3-16, and David Lyons impressed with 2-13. Despite the team’s best efforts, Caloundra managed to hold on and avoid the outright with four wickets in hand. After securing the first innings win, sixths remain in the top 4 and will be looking to solidify their position further in the coming weeks.
