First things first – time to get back to the Tanunda Oval on a Saturday afternoon – this week especially. The Footy Club are opening the outside bar – with the C grade on the BBQ tools thanks to the BYE in the A4 competition. See you there – especially those ex players who haven’t got back around the club at this stage.
Secondly, but of equal importance – Happy Australia Day to all of those who did the right thing and chomped on a bit of lamb whilst enjoying some an ale or two (Barossa Shiraz is also an acceptable answer). The Aussie Day game at Adelaide oval was a thriller – as were two of the 3 senior games on the weekend.
The A’s took the road trip to Mallala and decided that, as Mallala are a cracking mob of blokes, we’d only bring half the points home with us (it’s a long way to carry them all back after all). Mallala batted first and compiled 5 for 201. Luke Samain was the star with ball picking up three scalps, with Pete Mernagh being the other successful bowler with one wicket.
The chase proved to be a thrilling one, with Tanunda needing nine runs off the last over, and three off the last ball for the win. Unfortunately only two runs came off the last ball, and a tie was the result. Pete Mernagh and Lachlan Scott-Hoy were the best with the bat with 46 and 45 respectively. Wayne Akkerman again gave us a start at the top of the order with 29, with Liam Boschen chipping in 25 in the middle order.
Ultimate Engineering MVP goes to Pete Mernagh for an excellent all-round contribution.
The B’s took on Angaston at the TCG, with another thriller being played out. Angaston batted first and compiled a competitive 5 for 182 off their allotted 40 overs. Best with the ball was new-comer to the club Jarrod Traynor with three wickets, with Jon Farley and Steve Lewis contributing a wicket each.
In reply it came down to the last ball again, with us needing 2 runs for the wins. Unfortunately the bowler won that battle, and Angaston took to the points by the narrowest of margins. Toby Mifflin and Jon Farley continued their solid years at the top of the order with 62 and 43 respectively. Darren Graetz returned to form with 35 along with Kym Farley contributing 24 not out at the end of the day. So close but yet so far!
Barossa Valley Brewing MVP for the week goes to skipper Toby Mifflin.
The C’s finally got to play in Tanunda, taking on South Gawler at Faith East. Winning the toss and batting first, Tanunda was all out in with one ball remaining, making a competitive 175. Best with the bat was the veteran, Darryl Hean, with 39, Mark Hoklas also back to his hard hitting best with a quick-fire 29 and new to town Andy Edwards with 26. Sam Brooks and Craig Smith put on a valuable 45 for the 9th wicket, which would prove critical, with Sam ending on 26 not out and Craig chipping in 15.
South Gawler were always on the back foot in their run-chase, with a good all-round bowling performance putting Tanunda in front of the game for most of the afternoon. Andy Edwards was the best of the bowlers with four wickets, Darryl Hean and Stuart Swan with two wickets each, Chris Collins and Mark Hoklas with one wicket each. Special mention to Craig Smith for hitting the high notes on many occasions in the field much to the delight of his team mates.
Innovative Eye Care MVP is a tie between first gamer Andy Edwards and Darryl Hean.
Pete Mernagh picks up the senior player of the week award for his performance in our highest grade.
The Under 16’s had a tough day at the office, well on the field anyway, unable to defend the 105 Tanunda posted last weekend. Gawler Central proved too strong on this occasion, ending the day on 173. Liam Birchard and Ben Biagi picked up two wickets each, with Aiden Radzevicius, Will Loffler and Fraser Cameron chipping in with a wicket each. We’re still on track for finals and no doubt will bounce back this week in a good test against the top side in Angaston.
The Under 14 Black’s couldn’t quite chase down Gilbert Valley’s score of 126, ending our innings at 8 for 86. No details of who did well with the bat, but there were a number of excellent efforts with the ball with Rhett Montgomerie taking 3 for 5, Jayden Birchard 2 for 3, Lachlan Munzberg 2 for 8 and Kyle Graetz 1 for 7 off five overs. Impressive figures indeed!
The Under 14 White’s headed to Sandy Creek to attempt to chase down the home sides 117 from last week and like the black’s couldn’t quite chase down the required runs. Bailey Smith was the standout with 23 retired in Tanunda’s score of 4 for 69 off our allotted overs. Channelling the lad’s inner Dave Warners might be the key next week!
The Under 12 Black’s faced Eudunda Robertstown on a breezy faith Eastern oval on Saturday morning. Batting first, all batters contributed runs to our modest total, but losing 7 wickets let us down. We need to work on running between wickets to steal a few more singles. A great bowling performance kept the opposition to 56 and not too many wides were bowled on the narrow pitch. Standout performers were Captain Hayden Spehr with 1 for 2 off 2 overs and Neeve Reimann 1 for 7 off 2. Great effort blacks, keep up the improvement. This week’s award went to Blake Dahlitz and thanks to Spencer Reimann for making up the numbers for the opposition.
The Under 12 White’s had a delayed resumption to the season due to the recent fires in the Valley, however the lads were ready to fire literally under coach Underwood. It was a somewhat family affair with the majority of the team consisting of brothers Linke, Schild and Collins. Batting first, Angus Schild top scored with a bruised Malakai Gaskin giving great support. Bowling efficiency was disappointing with only Harry Collins (Team Man award) and Jack Underwood not conceding wides – so something to work on this week. Fielding was capped off with a juggling catch to Malakai Gaskin (MVP award).
All the best to all teams this week as we look to lock in our finals spots – many of the teams are on track or close to the top 4 – time to bring out our best at the business end of the season. Show me the money…