By Randall Woodley
All the four Tewantin-Noosa Thunder Cricket Club (TNT) senior teams started the season last Saturday playing two-day matches.
The First Grade team, playing at Read Park, are in a strong position after day one and the Fourth Grade should gain a first innings win next Saturday.
Firsts – When the umpires called a halt to play due to bad light at 4.30pm, the Maroochydore Swans were 0/8 in reply to TNT’s first innings score of 9 declared for 208. Losing the toss, the home side were sent in to bat on a pitch that showed life early. After losing an early wicket, patient batting by Cody Rzseszkowski (22) and Ben Gear steadied the ship. Ben Gear was the rock of the innings and partnerships of 40 with Jarrod Officer (21) and 90 with Lachie Gunner (48) built the score towards 200. Ben was out late for 93 in the fading light and deserved his ton. Maybe next match.
Stephen Shaw declared the innings closed on 9 for 208 and gave his spinners, Cody Rzseszkowski and Nick Bennett, three overs to take some wickets. A number of appeals were turned down and the day finished with TNT in a good position for a first innings win next Saturday.
Seconds – This team, captained by Chris Wright, is a mixture of experienced players and some “young guns”. They played Maroochydore and learnt some valuable lessons during the afternoon. Facing a very accurate bowling attack, the TNT boys were all out for 81 with top scorers, veteran Jason Toohey 36 and Reid Campbell 24.
When TNT took to the field their young bowlers, lacking experience, were far too inconsistent. The Swans’ batsmen punished the bad balls and they scored 1/101 in 14 overs before declaring with a small lead. At stumps TNT were fighting back and it is hoped next Saturday the whole team can improve on their performance.
Thirds – The match against Yandina was played at Dale Officer Oval (Tewantin). The team, captained by David Baker, had a long day in the field. When stumps were drawn Yandina were 9/289 after 77 overs. Although the opposition scored well, the pleasing feature was that TNT the bowlers kept giving all day in a disciplined display. Wickets were spread with Kieran Dunning ending with 3/43, and Harry Wilkinson 2/27. Single wickets to Duncan Stone, Kent Officer, Corey Flood and Jye Baker. On a positive note for the team and the club is that the vast majority of the overs were bowled by players under 18. Next week it will be a huge run chase but with a long batting line up, it is achievable.
Fourths – This is made up of most of last year’s team which won the 5th Division Premiership. This season they have been upgraded and are positive they can bring home the cup again. Playing Nambour on their ground, the TNT boys bowled them out for 142. Best bowlers for TNT were Graham “Chappy” Chaplain 6/45, Naveen Chand 3/12 and Justin Latimer 1/16 (plus two catches). TNT batted in fading light to be 2/79 at stumps. Not out batsmen were Michael Sobey 42 and Craig Moore 19. Partnerships win games, and with that in mind the team is confident of a first innings win next Saturday.
