The cricket season is well and running with eight sides taking to the field this week.
The A1 reserves continued their strong start to the year. Due to a few absences from the regular team a number players got the play Nuriootpa’s A grade two weeks straight, with the experience of last week coming to the fore, Jon Farley being the Tundarri Sales & Service A grade player of the day, making a fine 59, and Uncle making a solid 37.
Luke ‘Fish’ Samain showed his all-round game with 26. Brett “I’m at the wrong oval” proved that a last minute dash from Tanunda to Nuriootpa doesn’t hinder your concentration levels chipping in with 19. We ended up with a good score on the often low scoring Nuriootpa deck of 188.
After 10 overs Nuriootpa are in less than desirable spot at 3 for 30, with Skipper Pistol snaring 2 wickets and Fish chipping in the other wicket to fall.
With some solid bowling next week, including the return of Mitch “I’ve got my 21st to attend” Boschen to the attack next week the boys could well be 2 from 2. Congratulations on your 21st birthdays Boschen boys.
The A2s took on Nuriootpa’s A2s at Tanunda. Stand in skipper Sam “RIP Chopper” Cox won the toss and got on the front foot sending Nuriootpa into bat. Aiden Radz and Connor Peacock got off the day off to a terrific start, quickly having the first three Nuriootpa bats back in the shed, all bowled.
The team bowled in the right areas all day, and a fine team effort bowling performance saw Nuriootpa dismissed for 137, with all bowlers taking a one or two wickets. Special mention to Hugh “I love to drive” Rogan in taking his first wicket for the club and to “Dad” Akkerman for an excellent display behind the stumps.
In reply we’re in a solid position overnight at 1 for 57. Ole Pres chipping in with 21, George having a terrific day, not out on 26 and Connor “Feathers” Peacock showing his all-round game, with a very solid 7 not out at the end of the day.
If everyone shows the Nuriootpa attack respect and values their wickets, the A2s should get their first points for the year. The Innovative Eye Care A2 player of the day goes to George Akkerman for his day out with the gloves and the bat.
For those that love to back a winner, take a punt and back a dark horse… not sure if this has happened before, or will ever happen again.
About half way through the afternoon an anonymous bowler (very experienced and in the media game) bowled a delivery that went for six… that’s okay – it happens.
What happened next was quite remarkable…. the ball missed the nice shiny new red vehicle on the boundary, hit a branch in the tree resulting in the ball ricocheting up and passing through the window of the toilet block in front of the bowling club.
A quick search of said toilets revealed that the batsman had managed to get a “hole in one”. Thank goodness the toilet bowl had been flushed and was full of clean water, or a new ball would have been required. Not sure it’s happened before, not sure it’ll ever happen again, but you’ve got to laugh.
Unfortunately Smithy’s A4s didn’t come home with the bacon. Angaston batted first and made a competitive 174.
Collo took 2 wickets as did Rob “I’ve only got shorts” Hentschke. Dan Graham and Bobby “sorry for starting in the shade behind the white line” Smart both taking a wicket a piece.
We were never really in the hunt being bundled out for 73. Collo was the only bat to make more than 20, chipping in with 24, with 3 others making 13. It’s a long season, and we’ll only get better.
It’s great to see a number of players that haven’t played for a year or so back in the side. With quite a few players missing this week there’s no doubt the A4s will be a very competitive side this year. Rogash Windows MVP goes to Collo for his all-round efforts.
Mia Pizza’s TCC player of the week award goes to Jon Farley for his contribution at the top of the order for the As, with a special mention to Tony Swan for his efforts in trying to get the ball to go reverse at Tanunda on Saturday afternoon… join the dots.
For all the senior players, please make sure you get back to the The Clubhouse on Saturday after the game for presentations and a beer or two. We’ve got an injection of new faces in the club this year, so get back there, support one of our major sponsors and make yourself known to the new lads.
The under 16s have made a strong start to their season. They won the toss and batted first against a strong Gawler Central team. It was a great team effort with solid contributions from Ben Biagi – 20, Sam Dunn – 14, and Will Loffler – 16. This also included a great co captains knock from Nic Burton of 57 not out (following on from his fine 40 not out last week in the A2s).
Hopefully with a good bowling performance we can continue our great start and record a win for the 16’s who haven’t been represented for two years.
The Under 14 Blacks had a strong day with the bat against Gawler Central at Gawler Central, posting a very respectable 6 for 195 off their 40 overs. Some good line and length bowling should see the lads come home with the points.
The Under 14 White drove up to Eudunda and it looks to be a very even game at the half way mark with the home side posting 8 for 120. A few partnerships and a couple of decent knocks at the top will be needed next week as we chase Eudunda’s score.
Apologies to the Under 12’s, the scribe hasn’t received any details of how you faired over the weekend.
A reminder to anyone looking for a game of cricket this season, Senior Training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5.30 pm at the Tanunda Oval.
The U16s train on Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm. U14 Black trainings will be held Monday nights from 5pm, with U14 White trainings held Tuesday nights between 4.30 pm and 6 pm and Under 12s training on Thursday nights at 4pm.
Tanunda will once again host Milo cricket for all those budding young cricketers, keep an eye out in this column, our website (tanundacricketclub.org.au) and the club’s Facebook page for more information.
Once again, If you’re looking for more information, for Junior’s please contact Amanda Westbrook, and seniors contact Darren Graetz. You can also email the club on secretary@tanundacricketclub.org.au.