A pretty good weekend overall, with the wins column bigger than the loses column.

The A’s took on undefeated top side Nuri in a top of the table tussle at the TCG looking to redeem themselves after a comprehensive loss in the previous meeting earlier in the season. An excellent bowling performance held the visitors to 122, with Mitch Boschen continuing his outstanding year with 4 wickets (including bowling the key opposition bat first ball) well supported by Shaun Akkerman with 3, Hugh Rogan 2 and Dylan Abinett 1 wickets apiece.

We struggled in reply, always slightly behind where we needed to be from a run rate perspective, eventually being bowled out for 102. Brett Grocke was the main contributor with 31 with both Shaun Akkerman and Conor Peacock hitting 16 each.

Barossa Valley Brewing MVP goes to Shaun Akkerman for his 3 wickets and 16 runs.

The B’s took on Nuri at Nuri and came home a happy after securing a strong win that sees the team sneak into the final four for the first time this season. Winning the toss and batting first we compiled a very strong 6 for 218 off our 40 overs. The foundation of the innings came at the top with Luke Snowden starring with 75, Uncle Toby Mifflin 62 and Jon Farley 27 all finding runs in the top three batting positions. Matt Fechner sealed the innings with 38 valuable runs.

In the field we had Nuri struggling at 9 for 103 before a valiant 67 run final wicket partnership made us earn the points. Sit down before continuing to read…. sitting? Good. Star with the ball was Jon ‘Bail Smasher’ Farley, with 4 wickets off his full allotment of 8 overs – such a performance may see Craig Homburg and Steve Lindner thinking it’s time for a comeback! Jon was ably supported by Tony Swan with 3 wickets, with Matt Wegener, Sam Cox and Sam Dunn each picking up a wicket a piece.

Tundarri Sales and Service MVP is a tie between Luke Snowden, Toby Mifflin and Jon Farley for their terrific contributions to an important win.

The C’s ventured to Moculta to take on Angaston and decided to turn an easy victory into a nail biter! Angaston batted first, and an excellent team effort in the field them restricted to 99 in just over 31 overs. Dan Reu had a great day taking 4 catches at first slip and provided great entertainment to all with his vast array of juggling skills (I believe the clock stopped at 28.23 seconds for the first catch…), Paul Healy a terrific 4 for 5 off nearly 7 overs, Mark Hartigan with 2 wickets supported with Darryl Hean, Blake Lockett and Steve Lewis with a wicket apiece.

In reply we were cruising at 0 for 61, with George Akkerman and Dan Reu hitting 35 and 20 respectively. A rapid loss of wickets saw the game in a tight spot at 7 for 93, but an excellent 21 not out at the end innings by Darryl Hean got the boys across the line.

Barossa Valley Toyota MVP goes to Dan Reu for 4 excellent catches and 20 valuable runs, with Paul Healy’s 4 for 5 worth another mention. Dan also picks up the Mia Pizza overall senior player of the week award – four catches at first slip doesn’t happen all that often!

The under 16’s had a great win after the break. Through some great bowling, we bowled Gilbert Valley out for 22 runs. Wickets were shared including highlights Will Loffler 4/2 and Nic Burton 3/5. We then followed up with an excellent team batting performance. Some highlights were Fraser Cameron opening for the first time and making 20 not out, and Sam Dunn with 33. We welcomed back Aden Radzevicius with 21 runs and Liam Birchard with 14 runs. Clint Hean and Ben Biagi also made a solid 12 runs each. A great team performance with everyone contributing to an excellent win!

The Under 14 Whites took on Gawler Central at Faith East. Batting first we compiled 6 for 75 off our allotted 25 overs. Lachlan Miller with 12 and Riley Westbrook with 15 retired. In reply the opposition took the points relatively easily ending up on 8 for 120, half of which came from one bat – so that wicket might have changed the outcome of the game! Tom Eggleton picked up 2 wickets, with Riley Westbrook, Will Parker, Lachlan Miller and Nicholas Mills each taking a wicket each.

The Under 14 Blacks took on Light Pass at Stockwell and won a thriller. We batted first and hit 5 for 76 off our 25 overs. Best with the bat were skipper Rhett Montgomerie top scoring with 17 supported with a 14 not out from Oscar Harms and Dylan Birchard with 12. Light Pass got within 3 runs of our score in a tight contest, with Rhett and Dylan putting in excellent all round games with 2 wickets each. Kyle Graetz, Timothy Bayha and Jacob Judd each took a wicket in the win.

Good luck to all teams this week, especially the Under 12’s who hit the park for the first time in 2014.