Cricket defied the rain

SOUTHERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Derwent Valley matches
Round 13

WITH all but one of last weekend's SCA matches going ahead despite the wet weather, there were some good games of cricket in all grades. Molesworth II recorded a three-wicket fifth grade win over St Aidans at Boyer Oval on Sunday. Chasing 173 for victory, Molesworth showed great poise and patience, reaching the total with plenty of overs to spare.

The experienced Martyn Evans led the way with a fine 42 not out find the boundary on five occasions. He was well supported by Nick Piuselli who made 36. Earlier, with the ball, young Brayden Chaplin put in a great short spell of bowling taking 2-7 while Evans had a good match taking two wickets as did captain Jacksyn Mann. Molesworth II is looking every bit a finals team and if they can continue this form they will be a real chance for the big one.

In first grade on Saturday, New Norfolk I was handed a big loss going down to Wellington by seven wickets. Having first hit, the Red Caps managed just 65 before being bowled out after 22 overs. Only two batsmen made it to double figures with evergreen Adrian Eiszele top scoring with 22 and Richard Graham 16.  In reply Wellington lost just three wickets in the run chase with Kendal Bluett the main wicket-taker with 2-26.

In Second Grade, Gretna I kept its winning streak intact with a good six-wicket win over Sorell. Bowling out the visitors for 144, Gretna chased down the target with just under 20 overs remaining. Azza Maddox was the main destroyer with the ball, taking 3-35 while Craig Cunningham picked up 2-24. Opening batsman and captain Ben Rainbird led from the front with a well-made 54 while Rhys Browning continued his good form with 40. Congratulations to Corey Ransley on playing his 150th club match for Gretna, may there be many more ahead.

The other second grade match, between Molesworth and Wellington at Boyer Oval, was washed out.

In third grade on Sunday, Bushy Park continued on its merry way with a good win over St Virgils by six wickets. Bushy Park cleaned up the home team for just 78 with Dylan Grant and young Blake Howlett bowling extremely well and taking three wickets each. In reply Bushy Park lost four wickets in the run chase with Mitch Crosswell smashing 51 not out in yet another great display of batting. There is no easing up for this Bushy Park side which is clearly the in-form side at the moment.
 
Gretna II suffered a five-wicket loss to Derwent in the other third grade match. Gretna had first hit, facing out its 50 overs making 168 with the reliable Bruce Emery top-scoring with 63 and Brock Nichols 24. In reply the home team reached the target with  5.4 overs to spare. Jackson Ackerly was the main wicket taker for Gretna with 2-36.
 
In the fourth grade match New Norfolk II went down to Rokeby by four wickets on Saturday. In a reduced 36-over match, the home team had first hit making 7 for 140. Captain Josh Walsh batted well making 33 which included two 4s and two 6s. Aaron Drew was next best with 28. Special mention to Nathan Rice who remained 6no. In reply Rokeby reached the Red Caps' total with just under six overs remaining and four wickets in hand. Bowlers Mitchell Rice and Aaron Drew picked up two wickets apiece.
   
Next games: There will be no matches this Australia Day long weekend. SCA matches will resume with Round 14 on January 31 and February 1. Youth League matches will return from the summer break with Round 9 on February 1.

SCORES
FIRST GRADE - Saturday
Wellington 3 for 68 off 9.4 overs d New Norfolk I 10 for 65 off 22 overs (11 extras) at Eady St. New Norfolk I - batting: Adrian Eiszele 22 (2x4s), Richard Graham 16.  New Norfolk I - bowling: Kendal Bluett 2-26 (4.4), Jamie Hill 1-4 (1).

SECOND GRADE - Saturday
Gretna I 4 for 145 off 30.2 (31 extras) d Sorell 10 for 144 off 44.5 overs (21 extras) at Gretna. Gretna I - batting: Ben Rainbird 54 (2x4s), Rhys Browning 40 (4x4s), Mathew Burns 11no. Gretna I - bowling: Aaron Maddox 3-35 (10), Craig Cunningham 2-24 (7.5), Corey Ransley 1-14 (7), Mathew Burns 1-14 (5), Daniel Browning 1-19 (8), Rhys Browning 1-25 (4).

Molesworth v Wellington at Boyer Oval - washed out.

THIRD GRADE - Sunday
Bushy Park 4 for 81 off 19.1 overs (14 extras) d St Virgils 10 for 78 off 33.1 overs at St Virgils. Bushy Park - batting: Mitchell Crosswell 51no. Bushy Park - bowling: Dylan Grant 3-13 (8.1), Blake Howlett 3-13 (5), Troy Smith 2-36 (10), Nick Fenton 1-3 (2), Mitchell Crosswell 1-11 (8).

Derwent 5 for 169 off 44.2 overs (34 extras) d Gretna II 10 for 168 off 50 overs (44 extras) at New Town High School. Gretna II - batting: Bruce Emery 63 (2x4s), Brock Nichols 24 (2x4s), Jackson Ackerly 10 (1x4). Gretna II - bowling: Jackson Ackerly 2-36 (8.2), Zac Crosswell 1-32 (10), Todd Jarvis 1-36 (9), Luke Crosswell 1-40 (7).

FOURTH GRADE - Saturday
Rokeby 6 for 142 off 30.2 overs d. New Norfolk II 7 for 140 off 36 overs (29 extras) at Tynwald Park. New Norfolk II batting: Josh Walsh 33 (2x4s, 2x6s), Aaron Drew 28 (2x4s, 1x6), Zane Nossiter 16no(1x4), T. Smith 12 (1x4). New Norfolk II bowling: Mitchell Rice 2-21 (7). Aaron Drew 2-32 (5.2). Nathon Heron 1-21 (8). Josh Walsh 1-35 (5).

FIFTH GRADE - Sunday
Molesworth II 7 for 174 off 42.4 overs (39 extras) d St Aidans 10 for 172 off 48.5 (32 extras) at Boyer Oval.  Molesworth II - batting: Martyn Evans 42no (5x4s), Nick Piuselli 36 (2x4s), Jacksyn Mann 20 (2x4s), Tyson Gray 11, Josh Bomford 10, Jayden Wilton 3no. Molesworth II - bowling: Brayden Chaplin 2-7 (3), Martyn Evans 2-22 (10), Jacksyn Mann 2-31 (10), David Adams 1-11 (5), Brad Ransley 1-24 (8.5), Josh Bomford 1-37 (9).