Round 6 action in the Tasman Premier League saw the end of JT Contracting Dolphins semi-final hopes as they lost by 3 wickets to Wakatu. Liam Young (45) and Karl Fitzpatrick (41) were the main contributors to the Dolphins 138 all out batting first, opening bowler Nibu Jose having the outstanding figures of 5-9. Hunter Ruffell took 3-14 before Wakatu got home in the 42nd over thanks to 63no from Campbell McLean. The Falcons also lost in a tight game with Stoke Nayland falling 21 runs short despite a fine 74no from Tim Petrie and another half century to Matthew Stretch. The Falcons can still make the semi-finals but will need to win their final round robin game, against the Dolphins and hope other results go their way. ACOB lead the standings on 28 points followed by Wanderers (21), Stoke Nayland (19), Wakatu (17) and Falcons (14) with one round to play on 8th January.
In 3rd grade Renwick fielded two sets of Father & daughter combinations in their game against Celtic and all contributed to their 13 run win. Greg Winstanley was the mainstay of Renwick’s 185 all out retiring on exactly 100 and well supported by Nathan Brooke-Taylor (27) and Wade Cornelius (15) whose daughter Stella was the not out batsman and opened the Renwick bowling in Celtic’s reply. Ryan Clark (48) and Ollie Kennedy (57) kept Celtic in the game before Madalyn Winstanley (2-13) backed up father Greg (2-18) to ensure the win. The other game was an equally tight affair with Wairau getting home by 2 wickets thanks to Sam Young’s unbeaten 60. For Wairau Valley Caleb Speedy (56) and Lachlan MacNeill (51no) both made half centuries.
Unfortunately the wet weather last week meant the cancellation of Senior grade and 2nd grade T20 rounds, although the 2nd grade games will be re-scheduled to a reserve date in January.
We look forward now to hosting the National Over 50s tournament taking place from 6th to 10th January. There are 4 regional teams taking part – Auckland, Districts (made up of Northern Districts and North Island Central Districts), Wellington / Tasman, and Canterbury / Otago. Each region has selected an A and a B side with the A tournament taking place at Horton Park and the B tournament at Oliver Park. The Wellington / Tasman team features 4 players with strong Marlborough connections in Wairau Valley’s Greg Stretch and former Marlborough players Scott McHardy, Mason Robinson and Jason Campbell. They open their tournament against last year’s winners and tournament favourites Auckland. Games start at 11am each day and are 45 overs per side.
Marlborough Cricket competitions takes a break over the Xmas and New Year period. Best wishes for the holiday period and we look forward to seeing you out and about when cricket resumes in the New Year.