New Norfolk into cricket final

Century-maker Ben Rainbird.

HAVING defeated Molesworth I in the 2nd semi-final on Saturday, New Norfolk I will contest its first Southern Cricket Association grand final. The Red Caps won by five wickets in what was an interesting match. Molesworth had first hit and got off to a disastrous start, losing 5 for 21. Mathew Smith,who hadn't had much success with the bat of late, used his experience and made 61 (six fours, one six) and was the last batsman out.  Nathan Eiszele (30) and Josh Bomford (27) also did well. All New Norfolk bowlers did well, with Josh Rowlands taking 3-33. In reply the home side reached Molesworth's total with five wickets and many overs to spare. Dave Maddox (33) and Richard Graham (29) top-scored and Ashley Morgan was next best with 27 not out. All Molesworth bowlers tried hard, with Larry Menzie taking 2-17 to be to main wicket-taker. New Norfolk now awaits  the result of the preliminary final between Molesworth I and Gretna I this Saturday.

Thanks to a match-wining century by opening batsman Ben Rainbird, Gretna I booked a spot in the preliminary with a 104-run win over Montagu Bay. Rainbird hit 13 fours and three sixes on his way to 125, batting nearly the whole innings and setting up what was a very good win. Mathew Burns struck the ball well for 26, but was then caught out out. Down the order, Todd Jarvis put on a great cameo with 41, hitting some nice fours and sixes to all parts of the ground. Gretna finished all out for 244 and in reply the home side was bundled out for 140. Spinners Craig Cunningham (four wickets) and Matthew Eyles (3 wickets) did the damage with the ball, the pair bowling very well. Ben Rainbird capped of a great day with one wicket as did Corey Ransley and Aaron Maddox. And congratulations to Aaron and his partner Annie on the safe arrival of their little girl the day before.

In 4th Grade, Gretna II booked a spot in the preliminary final with Hobart after a convincing seven-wicket win over Hobart at Gretna. Hobart had first hit and was bowled out for 156 and at one stage was 5 for 48. All the Gretna bowlers played their part with Rhys Browning taking 3-52 to be the main wicket-taker while Cody Eyles did very well taking 2-12 off five overs. Brock Nichols also bowled well, snaring two while Adam Browning and captain Joey Eyles got one each. In reply Gretna II had little trouble reaching the target, losing just the three wickets and having 14 overs to spare. Veteran Bruce Emery batted superbly, making a fine 79 and hitting 11 fours along the way. Young Dylan Pearce was great support with 34 not out.

In the 5th Grade first semi-final, New Norfolk II went down to Montagu Bay by eight wickets. The Red Caps batted first and made 153. Leigh Berry and Brad Kemmler both top-scored with 29 while Chris Ashcroft was next with 28. In reply the Sharks reached the total with just two wickets down. Young Nathan Rice who did well with the bat a week earlier did it with the ball on Saturday and was the best of the New Norfolk bowlers taking 1-27 off five overs while Jamie Hill took the other wicket. New Norfolk II gave it a good shake and is sure to be amongst the finals action next season.

SCORES - SCA FINALS - Week 2
SECOND GRADE
2nd semi-final: New Norfolk I 5 for 157 off 33.1 overs (25 extras) d Molesworth I 10 for 155 off 42.5 overs (13 extras) at Tynwald Park. Molesworth batting: M. Smith 61, N. Eiszele 30, J. Bomford 27. New Norfolk bowling: J. Rowlands 3-33 (8.5), J. King 1-12 (3), J. Maddox 1-31 (9), S. Rice 1-35 (9). New Norfolk batting: D. Maddox 33, R. Graham 29, A Morgan 27no, R. Heron 20, J. Browning 17. Molesworth bowling: L. Menzie 2-17 (4), D. King 1-13 (7), M. Smith 1-29 (6), J. Adams 1-45 (10).

1st semi-final: Gretna I 10 for 244 off 49.1 overs (9 extras) d Montagu Bay 10 for 140 off 38.3 overs (10 extras) at Montagu Bay. Gretna batting: B. Rainbird 125, T. Jarvis 41, M. Burns 26, G. Blackwell 12. Gretna bowling: C. Cunningham 4-31 (10), M. Eyles 3-30 (9.3), B. Rainbird 1-10 (2), C. Ransley 1-31 (10), A. Maddox 1-37 (7).

FOURTH GRADE
1st semi-final: Gretna II 3 for 160 off 36 overs (23 extras) d Knights 10 for 156 off 38.3 overs (36 extras) at Gretna. Gretna batting: B. Emery 79, D. Pearce 34no, P. Jelkic 11no. Gretna bowling: R. Browning 3-52 (9), C. Eyles 2-12 (5), B. Nichols 2-23 (6), A. Browning 1-25 (8), J. Eyles 1-0 (.3).

2nd semi-final: DOSA 9 for 200 off 37.4 overs d Hobart 7 for 199 off  off 40 overs (13 extras) at Cambridge Oval.

FIFTH GRADE
1st semi-final: Montagu Bay 2 for 154 off 31.3 overs (17 extras) d New Norfolk II 10 for 153 off 48.5 (21 extras) at Risdon Vale. New Norfolk batting: L. Berry 29, B. Kemmler 29, C. Ashcroft 28, J. Walsh 14, B. Skelly 11, M. Rice 11. New Norfolk bowling: N. Rice 1-27 (5), J. Hill 1-49 (10).

2nd semi-final: Lindisfarne 8 for 147 off 40.2 overs (18 extras) d Claremont 10 for 145 off 30.4 overs (34 extras) at Cadburys No.1.