WK Junior 4th and 5th grades return to action this weekend with games operating under the new traffic light red system for community sport gatherings. Up to date information on play and training guidelines can be viewed via the MCA website. We also ask that all participants, players, officials and supporters, make sensible decisions around reducing the risk of community transmission of the virus to help keep us all safe and wear masks where appropriate or required. Harcourts Kiwi Cricket now re-starts a week later on Sat 12th Feb.

Weather permitting the Marlborough Women’s Rep team has its first outing this Sunday against Nelson on the main Horton Park no1 pitch. The team has been practicing before and after Xmas in preparation for a series of 3 games over the next month. This follows on from the success of our Women’s Social mid-week competition (which resumes next week) and the development of new girls only competitions at 5th and Kiwi Grades.

The Marlborough Men’s team is also in action this weekend taking on Canterbury Country in Rangiora in the Zone 3 elimination final. The winning team earns the right to challenge for the Hawke Cup later this month.

SBS Bank Senior and 2nd grade T20 competitions are heading for their conclusion with Wairau and Celtic already confirmed to play in next Friday’s senior grade final. In 2nd grade UCVC take on Renwick in one semi-final with Wairau taking on Celtic Green in the other with the final scheduled for Thursday 10th Feb.

Standout performers in the most recent Senior grade T20 games included Luke Frankland (59), Hunter Ruffell (4-20), Eden Pettigrew (3-9), Andrew McCaa (54), Chris Turkington (52), Greg Stretch (3-20), Matthew Stretch (61), Tarin Mason (3-10), and Alex Kennedy (3-14).

In 2nd grade Luke Pannell (54), Wade Cornelius (67), Danny Knox (3-18), Bryn Cotching (49), Matt McCormick (3-5), George Westenra (49), Jassi Brar (56 & 3-36), Scott Snow (3-34), Stevin Crudis (52), Hunter Ruffell (3-12), Joel Pannell (84 & 4-22), Sukhdeep Singh (69 & 3-40), Jayden Adams (5-19) and Brad Pope (74).

In first round 3rd grade T20 games there were wins for Celtic and Wairau Valley with standout efforts from Caleb Speedy (76no), Greg Winstanley (61), Thomas Fishburn (3-16), Luke Holdaway (36) and John Clark (3-15).

ACOB are this year’s Tasman Premier League winners following an 8 wicket victory over Wakatu in last Sunday’s final to complete an unbeaten season and win the premier club trophy for top of the south clubs for the 3rd successive year. Thomas Zorab led the way with an unbeaten 70 chasing 168 for a convincing 8 wicket win.

Best wishes to all our teams this weekend and please follow the play and practice guidelines from our website so we can keep everyone safe and ensure community sports can continue under the current red light setting.