Tweed Cricket By Hank Thompson
THE conclusion of round two of the LJ Hooker Cricket league brought bad news all round for the Tweed teams.
Not one Tweed side has won a game yet, with all teams losing on the weekend – some from a seemingly impossible position – while others held their own.
Pottsville v Tintenbar at Seabreeze
After being rolled for just 130 and Tintenbar only 30 runs behind, Pottsville needed some kind of miracle to stay in this one. Unfortunately, the miracle was a long way away, Tintenbar breezing past the Pelicans and amassing a substantial 276 for just seven wickets. Best for Potty were James Bennett with 3/66 and Jay Hoare 2/76. Pottsville were then put back in, with Tintenbar confident of an outright victory.
At 0/36, Pottsville got off to great start, but lost six wickets for just 24 runs, giving Tintenbar hope, and leaving the vocal Potty crowd with few finger nails. However, an excellent stand between James Bennett (41n.o.) and Ken Jarrett (55 n.o.) saw Potty avoid the outright loss, finishing at 5/151. A better day with the bat for Pottsville, and gives them some confidence for the next game against Murwillumbah.
Cudgen v Lennox – Lennox
Cudgen returned to Lennox, brimming with the belief that an outright victory may just be the outcome of the day. Little did they consider the lower order batting prowess of Lennox, who amazingly cruised to victory nine wickets down. Partnerships were the key to this one, and Lennox were constantly able to dig in and produce steadying partnerships. However, with the last wicket still requiring over 100 runs Cudgen must have still been confident. Amazingly, Lennox were able to hold on for what was a remarkable victory, but bitterly disappointing for the Hornets. Cudgen, last year’s premiers, are still yet to win a game this season.
“Young all-rounder Alex Williams said the Hornets were unlucky but were not helped by poor bowling performances. He is however, confident this side will bounce back and still be contenders come seasons end.
Terranora v Casino – Bilambil
An amazing effort last week saw Terranora post an excellent 232 against a team with plenty of talent. Unfortunately, not only was this score not good enough to win first innings, it also was not good enough from a rampaging Casino side hell-bent on an outright victory. Terranora fielded just seven players at the start of play, and Casino took great advantage, punishing the attack to all corners. Reinforcements arrived (Terranora field multiple juniors who play in the Gold Coast competition), but it was to little avail, with Casino smashing 243 for 3, and sending a weakened Lakes outfit back into bat. Terranora’s second innings was always going to be tough with just nine players, and they were all out for just 75. Casino raced to 66 for no loss, winning outright on a day that will be best forgotten. Best for Terranora were Dyl Catt with 2/75, while Luke Baker scored 34 in the second innings.
Murwillumbah v Alstonville -Rabjones
Murwillumbah arrived fresh in the knowledge they would more than likely get first use of the Rabjones wicket. Requiring 155 to make Alstonville bat again, things began badly losing two wickets for just 14 runs. Some minor partnerships throughout gave them hope, but unfortunately again only had 10 players present on day two. Murwillumbah all out for an improved 135. Best for Murbah were Shaun Wedd with 38, and Alan Melville with 23.
In the coming weeks a player survey will be conducted, with the results posted online via Facebook as well as here in the Tweed Coast Weekly. This should be an interesting insight into players thoughts on all aspects of the game.
Got something to say – hankthompson20@yahoo.com or find me on facebook.
