Tweed Cricket with Hank Thompson
AFTER a two-week respite and a well-deserved holiday, I am glad to be back at the desk punching keys bringing you this week’s exciting round up of the L.J. Hooker League.
After a first week wash-out, all games reverted to the one-day format, which was good news for a desperate Cudgen side, and probably a stroke of fortune for the other Tweed teams.
Pottsville v Ballina
The Pelicans made the difficult road trip to Ballina, against a side many predict will be this year’s winners.
Losing the toss and made to bowl first, Potty had the Bears reeling at 4/52, however, some late-order heroics saw the Bears hit a worthy 183 from their 40 overs.
Best for the Pelicans was Nat Wilson with 3/28 off eight. Potty began their chase well, at 2/63 and an upset was well on the cards, however, the loss of four wickets for just one run turned the game on its head.
The side battled for the rest of the innings, ending all out for just 100. Best was Jay Hoare and Nat Wilson, with 23 and 22 respectively.
Cudgen v Alstonville
After a last start outright win, Cudgen returned to sitting just outside the top four, meaning these next few games are a must win to keep in touch with the league leaders.
Alstonville, current top of the table, was to prove to be more than a formidable opponent.
Losing the toss and fielding, Cudgen found the going tough, Alstonville cruising to 0/55.
Enter Callum Zeibell, 17 years of age.
Bowling fast, furious, and a great line, Callum single-handedly tore through the top order, taking 4/32 off his eight overs, leaving Alstonville 5/76. However, after regrouping and seeing off Callum, Alstonville made their way to a respectable 175. This target should never have posed any threat to this quality Cudgen line-up, but as is usually the case, nerves took their toll, Cudgen collapsing to 7/55.
Again enter Callum Zeibell (45 not out), and with fellow teenager Alany “Bill” Williams (48), these two took the total to 159, an amazing 104-run partnership, enough to see the Hornets topple the ladder leaders.
Terranora v Tintenbar
Terranora, like Pottsville, also made the difficult journey south, against last year’s runner-up.
Losing the toss and bowling first, Terranora were up against it from the start,
Tintenbar smashing its way to an amazing 309/6 off the allotted 40 overs. Best for the Lakes was veteran Grant Thompson, 2/23 off eight overs.
Facing a huge task, Terranora was never able to put any real partnerships together, however a few of the Lakes boys were able to manage some starts, but unfortunately were unable to go on with it. Terranora all out for 151, a good chasing effort.
Murwillumbah v Casino
The third of the Tweed sides to travel, Murwillumbah was able to win the toss, and bat first on a excellent wicket.
At 0/16 things started smoothly, but after losing 3/7, then 5/16, the Bah boys were always going to struggle to put something together against an experienced Casino outfit. Murbah all out for just 76.
Both Stuart Wedd and Luke Waldron were able to get starts (15 each), but there was little else from the rest of this young outfit.
Casino batted, and cruised to victory off just 13 overs, losing only three wickets.
The state of play
As stated in previous editions, I was fortunate enough to ask current players a series of questions in regards to the current state of play in the L.J. Hooker League. Here are the first five questions polled;
Q1. Should one dayers be a part of the current format?
58% Yes, 42% No
Q2. Should there be two divisions, to even things out – with relegation and promotion?
84% No, 16% Yes
Q3. Who is the most feared team in the competition?
39% Ballina, 29% Cudgen, 16% Casino, 10% Lennox
Q4. Who is the fairest team in the competition?
35% Tintenbar, 16% Terranora, Marist Brothers, Alstonville
Q5. Who has the best ground and facilities?
61% Marist brothers (Oakes Oval), 13% Tintenbar, 10% Murwillumbah
Got something to say – hankthompson20@yahoo.com or find me on Facebook.
