Final round wrap-up

THERE were mixed results for the Derwent Valley clubs in the final round of Southern Cricket Association roster matches at the weekend. Thanks to some great bowling from Peter Jelkic, Gretna II booked itself a double chance in the Fourth Grade finals with a big win over Marquis at Lansdowne. Jelkic skittled through the Marquis batting lineup, taking 6 for 13 off 10 overs with the Tigers all out for just 87. In reply Gretna had no trouble reaching the target, losing just the one wicket. Opener Bruce Emery led the way with a good 44 not out including eight well-struck fours.

In Second Grade, Molesworth I assured itself of a double chance also, defeating Derwent by four wickets. This was in part thanks to Larry Menzie's bowling performance, taking 5-41, and captain Brad Coppleman doing well with the bat and making 59 including six fours and a six..

New Norfolk I had a close one with Bushy Park on Saturday. Chasing 103 for victory, the Red Caps lost seven wickets before clinching victory in the 26th over. Batting down the order, Jake King put on 38 runs for New Norfolk while the ever-reliable Stewart Rice took 5-27 with the ball. For Bushy Park, Nathan Grant top-scored with 29 while his brother Dylan was the best with the ball with 1-7 off five overs. As New Norfolk finished on top, they now have a rest in the first week of the finals. Unfortunately it's mothballs for Bushy Park.

In the other Second Grade match, Gretna I gave up a double chance-opportunity to Montagu Bay, going down by three wickets. Gretna won the toss and had first hit, making only 105 and at one stage were 2-70-odd. Ben Rainbird was the only shining light for Gretna with a well made 50 with six fours and a single six. The Gretna bowlers tried very hard with opener Corey Ransley and Aaron Maddox showing great fight, while young Daniel Browning finished with 2-18. Matthew Eyles took two wickets.

New Norfolk II booked into an elimination final in Fifth Grade by defeating St Aidan's by 65 runs. Leigh Berry 56 and Jarrod Browning 48 were the best with the bat while Josh Walsh and Mitch Rice took three wickets each. Mention must go to Nathan Rice who sent down five overs for just seven runs.

In the other Fifth Grade match, Molesworth II lost its spot in the finals, going down to Montagu Bay by 15 runs. Cody Neads' 43 runs (including six fours) and captain Brayden Hodge with 39 did well for their team while Hodge also snared three wickets. It was good to see young Dakoda Smith back amongst it and taking one wicket as well.

SCORES - Round 18
SECOND GRADE: New Norfolk I 7 for 108 off 25.3 overs (22 extras) d Bushy Park 9 for 102 off 27.3 overs (6 extras) at Bushy Park Showgrounds. Bushy Park batting: N. Grant 29, D. Mason 23, T. Grant 14, D. Colbeck 10. New Norfolk bowling: S. Rice 5-27 (10), A. Morgan 2-22 (4), J. Dykes 1-12 (3.3), J. Rowlands 1-39 (10). New Norfolk batting: J. King 38, A. Morgan 14. Bushy Park bowling: D. Grant 1-7 (5), T. Smith 1-20 (4), M. Crosswell 1-21 (4), N. Grant 1-28 (6).

Montagu Bay 7 for 107 off 28.4 overs (18 extras) d Gretna I 10 for 105 off 29.1 overs (20 extras) at Geilston Bay. Gretna batting: B. Rainbird 50, D. Hack 11, A. Maddox 10. Gretna bowling: D. Browning 2-18 (6), A. Maddox 2-26 (6), M. Eyles 2-31 (8), C. Ransley 1-22 (8).

Molesworth 6 for 129 off 34 overs (15 extras) d Derwent 10 for 126 off 37.2 overs (25 extras) at Boyer Oval. Molesworth I batting: B. Coppleman 59, J. Bomford 16, D. Adams 14, M. Smith 10. Molesworth bowling: L. Menzie 5-41 (7), C. Slater 2-16 (6), J. Adams 2-26 (8.2), D. King 1-14 (7).

FOURTH GRADE: Gretna II 1 for 89 off 19 overs (15 extras) d Marquis 10 for 87 off 32.1 overs (15 extras) at Lansdowne. Gretna batting: B. Emery 44no, N. Wakefield 15, D. Pearce 15no. Gretna II bowling: P. Jelkic 6-13 (10), A. Browning 2-15 (6.1), B. Nichols 1-18 (8).

FIFTH GRADE: New Norfolk II 10 for 200 off 44 overs (38 extras) d St Aidan's 10 for 135 off 40.3 overs (11 extras) at Tynwald Park. New Norfolk batting: L. Berry 56, J. Browning 48, B. Skelly 22, J. Walsh 11. New Norfolk bowling: J. Walsh 3-24 (10), M. Rice 3-27 (8), A. Nossiter 2-30 (6), J. Hill 1-16 (5.3), B. Kemmler 1-29 (6). N. Rice 0-7 (5).

Montagu Bay 10 for 181 off 44.4 overs (22 extras) d Molesworth II 10 for 166 off 44.3 overs (22 extras) at Risdon Vale. Molesworth batting: C. Neads 43, B. Hodge 39, B. Ransley 15, B. Chaplin 15, A. Triffitt 14. Molesworth bowling: B. Hodge 3-36 (10), D. Smith 1-18 (4), B. Chaplin 1-19 (3), A. Triffitt 1-31 (10), C. Neads 1-34 (8).

Ladders after Round 18. Top 5 teams now play off for finals.
Second Grade
New Norfolk I 93
Molesworth I 78
Montagu Bay 75
Richmond/Cambridge 72
Gretna I 69
Derwent 48
Sandford 42
Runnymede 24
MacKillop Beltas 21
Bushy Park 18

Fourth Grade
Hobart 87
DOSA 84
Gretna II 72
Knights 69
Marquis 63
Dynnyrne 42
Bagdad 39
Old Beach 36
Wellington 27
Derwent 21

Fifth Grade
Claremont 84
Montagu Bay 78
Lindisfarne 75
New Norfolk II 69
McRobies Gully 63
Molesworth II 57
Richmond/Cambridge 42
St Adian's 33
Dynnyrne 33
Old Beach 27
Sorell 24