Christmas is near!

The ‘Saints v Magpies BIG BASH’ has arrived! For those looking for an entertaining Sunday afternoon on Sunday the 22nd of December, get down to the oval to support the Eudunda / Robertstown footballers taking our footballers in what should be a very entertaining 20/20 spectacle. Head to the oval for brew or two and a laugh from 1pm….

It was a fantastic sight on Saturday afternoon at the oval, with the bar running, umbrella’s out and the hill a buzz as the B grade had a terrific win in front of the victorious A grade and C grade players and spectators. A call to past players– we’d love to see you pop down to the oval on a Saturday afternoon for a catch up with your team mates of days gone over a beer or two whilst watching the current crop of Tanunda boys doing their best to bring home the points each week. Many thanks to the Football Club for running the bar, Barossa Foodland and Barossa Valley Brewing for their product sponsorships and St Hallett Wines for the barrels and umbrellas!

Now onto the cricket, and a great weekend for the seniors – with all 3 sides having great wins – showing the club is back on track – and the only way is up!

The A’s headed to Greenock in a crunch game and unfortunately lost the toss, but fortunately got to bowl first anyway… an exceptional display of opening bowling saw Greenock bundled out for only 37 in 12.5 overs. Mitch Boschen did the remarkable and took his 2nd 7 wicket haul for the year, a bit more expensive this time at 7 for 19, with Luke Samain taking the key wicket on his way to 3 for 14 at the other end. Great job lads! Passing the score easily, we ended at 5 for 186 off our 40 overs, with Wayne Akkerman continuing his excellent season top scoring with 61 supported by Brett Grocke with 51 and Dylan Abinett making a 20 not out (just) to end the day. The win has us sitting comfortably second, an excellent turnaround from last season. NGJ Accounting player of the day goes to Mitch Boschen for an excellent display of fast swing bowling.

The B’s played South Gawler at the TCG. We were 1 for 67 at one stage thanks to an excellent partnership between Jon Farley and Luke Snowden, with Luke top scoring with 39. Hugh Rogan made a welcome return to the side with 21. The match defining partnership would come at the end, with Sam Dunn and Kieren Smith putting on an invaluable 18 runs for the last wicket that saw us end on 127. South Gawler were cruising at 4 for 89, but the return of the A’s and C’s from their respective victories to the bar on the hill cheering as the team pulled off an inspiring victory, with the last 6 South wickets falling for 9 runs. Hugh Rogan finished a fine day with 4 for 9, Sam Cox with 3 wickets, Tony Swan with 2 and Matt Wegener taking 1. It was a great way to finish off a terrific day for all involved at senior cricket at Tanunda! Barossa Sportspower player of the day goes to Hugh Rogan for a terrific all-round effort.

The C’s took to Faith East oval to tackle a consistent one day side in Freeling. An excellent all team effort in the field saw us restrict the visitors to 102 off only 29 overs. Stars with the ball were the slow bowlers in Shaun Akkerman and Darryl Hean with 3 wickets each, Dan Eggleton showed that his last training session 2 years ago was well worth it, chipping in with 2 wickets, with Paul Wilbur Healy and Tim Brooks both chipping in with the remaining wickets. Special mention to Tim for his 5 ball display of express, aggressive bowling, and thanks to Craig Smith for closing out his over, eventually. A comfortable chase followed with Shaun and George Akkerman setting a stable foundation before the lower order were sent in early to get the job done, which we did 3 wickets down. Well done to Rogash Windows player of the week Shaun Akkerman with a solid 35 to ensure the win. Josh Wells deserves a mention for putting his body, well head on the line for the team in the chase for the winning runs, what’s a few stitches when you bring home the points. After finishing at the bottom of the ladder last season the C’s are also 2nd with one game remaining before the Christmas break.

Mia Pizza Player of the Week for his second 7 wicket hall for the year goes to Mitch Boschen.

The Under 16s saw Tanunda coming up against Nuriootpa in the Under 16’s. Nuri chose to bat first, making an honest total of 110. A classy batting performance from our opening batsmen Nic Burton and William Loffler saw us passing Nuriootpa with all ten wickets remaining intact. An outstanding knock from William Loffler saw him make 102 not out (congratulations Will), which included 4 sixes in a row!!! The team is now 4 and 1 heading into the last game before the break, fantastic stuff boys!

The Under 14 Black’s had a exciting match with the lads from Mallala. Batting first, Jonah Whitelum, Rhett Montgomerie and Kyle Graetz set the foundation of the innings with several good partnerships. This gave Mallala a competitive total to chase. An excellent bowling and fielding display highlighted by 4 wickets to Oscar Harms and 4 catches to Jayden Birchard helped the boys to a gripping last over victory. The 16’s are clear 2nd near Christmas, which is an excellent effort given we didn’t field a side last year.

Under 14 Whites took on Lyndoch at the TCG and comprehensively came home with the points. Winning the toss skipper Jake Hartigan sent the opposition in, and the move proved to be an excellent one with the visitors only making 19. Wickets were shared amongst the team with Bailey Smith, Lachlan Miller and Will Parker taking 2 wickets each, ably supported by Jackson Gray, Brodie Robinson and Zach Portlock each taking a wicket. We easily made the score, with everyone having a bat in a final score of 3 for 96 off our 25 overs. Brodie Smith top scoring with 20. Makes the A grade’s effort of all out for 37 seem expensive doesn’t it!

This week saw the Under 12 Blacks heading out to Kapunda Primary School on a cracking good Saturday morning. Led by Chloe Rosenzweig, we won the toss and took to the field first. Good performances by all with Jaden Graetz, James Roehr and Tyson Graetz all getting wickets with Tyson having a real day out with direct hit run out as well! The batting chase was a thriller right to the end, with birthday boy Blake Dahlitz having a great time with the willow making 10 and Tyson Graetz top scoring for the day with 15 runs. Well done to everyone this week, it’s great to see so much improvement in the team.

The Under 12 Whites ventured to Gawler Central, with the “postage stamp” sized oval ensuring there plenty of runs are on offer. With Captain Jack Underwood winning the toss and electing to bat, openers Thomas Heuzenroder and Angus Schild led the way with some lusty stroke making. So much so the supporter tent was blown off the ground – literally!! (albeit… a mini whirly may have helped). They were ably supported by Jack Collins and Coan Linke. Harry Collins opening bowling spell was full of vigour with Mitchell Manning (MVP) with Sydney Pick (Team Man) both showing that practice does “pay off” exhibited by their bowling and fielding. Nearing the midpoint of the season an increased emphasis will be on building an all-round game consistency.

Looking forward to catching you all at the Tanunda Oval on a Saturday afternoon / evening soon…