Falcons returned to winning ways in the latest round of Tasman Premier League games with a 31 run victory over Nelson College. Andrew McCaa top scored with 54 and Sam Boyce added a crucial 30no from number 9 in the order to get his team to 173 all out. Joel Lavender then took 3-9 to ensure the win which moves Falcons to 5th in the ladder, just outside the play off places with two rounds remaining. Dolphins remain 7th after a close 2 wicket loss to 2nd place Wolves. Aidan Conroy made 36 in Dolphins 157 all out, while Piers Landon-Lane took 5-27 to almost turn the game in Dolphins favour. This Saturday Falcons take on 3rd placed WTTU while Dolphins play 4th placed Stoke in must win games, both in Nelson.
In round 3 of the SBS Bank 2nd Grade 40 over competition Renwick beat Valley Blue by 109 runs. Olie Kennedy top scored with 38, while Jesse Crawford took 3-32 to complete the comfortable win. In the other game Aidan Lavender (63no) and Fionn Heagney (43no) put Wairau in a strong position at 172 for 5 batting first against Valley Yellow for whom Lachie Cooney had claimed 3 early wickets.
In 3rd Grade Wairau Valley had a short game against Renwick after dismissing them for only 39, Jacob Hefford taking 4 wickets for 3 runs. George Frampton made 29no as Valley knocked the runs off inside 6 overs without losing a wicket. Wairau were similarly comfortable winners by 168 runs over Celtic, Phil Hurren top scoring with 70, (Maui de Wildt 5-55) while Aidan Batty took 3-6 as Celtic were dismissed for 74 chasing 242.
Our Junior grades and programmes got underway last weekend but it is not too late to register if you haven’t done so yet – email Liv@marlboroughcricket.co.nz for more information. Top performers in 1st round action of WK 4th grade included; Josh Gleeson (40), Eddie Taylor (37 & 3-15), Manawa Doonan (2-8), Alice Brown (29), Harper Smart (2-15), Archer Popoalii (26no), George Laugesen (4-19), Sam Murphy (3-15), Archie Laugesen (26no & 3-4), Chase O’Hagan (30), Ollie Gaudin (32), and Caleb McCone (2-21).
This weekend sees Horton Park host a 3 game series between North Island and South Island O50 teams as we continue our close association with veterans Cricket NZ. Games are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 11am each day and 45 overs per side.
Our Churchill Private Hospital Social Cricket competition continues every 2nd Tuesday at Horton Park – please get in touch if you wish to register for this. Also starting next week is SBS 2nd grade T20 competition games played on Thursday evenings. Once again we have a section A and a more social section B grade so plenty of options if you are keen to give cricket a try this summer!