Molesworth's big finals win

 Ricky Martin with son Kai

Southern Cricket Association
Finals Week 1

FOR the second week in a row Molesworth I captain Ricky Martin has led his team to victory. This time it was the all-important win in the qualifying final over Gretna at Gretna. Martin picked up four wickets as his team skittled Gretna out for 113 runs. The captain then made a half-century during the run chase, smashing 8-4s and 1-6 to see his team to victory and advance to the second semi-final against Rokeby at Clarendon Vale this Saturday. The winner will go through to the grand final.

Molesworth won the toss and in a plan to add early pressure to the in-form Gretna team sent the home side into bat. And the plan came off. The Molesworth attack was right on target and soon had Gretna captain Ben Rainbird back in the sheds for just two runs. Gretna then lost wickets at 16 and 20 before Glenn Blackwell 10 and Craig Cunningham 42 steadied with a 44-run stand. But then Blackwell fell with the score on 64. Cunningham went soon after and a run later Bruce Emery was also out and Gretna were in serious trouble at 6 for 102. Jackson Ackerly tried hard while at the crease, but things didn't get any better and Gretna were all out for the small total of 113.

The experienced Dean King had a big impact on the Gretna top order, taking the big wickets of Rainbird and Burns. Nathan Eiszele did a excellent job also and finished with 3-30 off 10 overs. Tim Nichols 1-22 off 10 also did well and captain Ricky Martin cleaned up the tail, finishing with fine figures of 4-15 off 7 overs.

In reply Molesworth got off to the worst start possible when Corey Ransley had opener Nick Piuselli caught behind first ball of the innings. But from here the visitors were never troubled, reaching the target with only three wickets down. Ricky Martin steering his team to victory remaining 54 not out. Mathew Siely 25 not out, Brad Coppleman 13 and Dean King 12. Gretna opening bowler Corey Ransley gave his all, bowling extremely well as he tried to keep his side in the match, finishing with 3-35 off 9 overs. It was a great finals atmosphere at Gretna on Saturday and the large crowd enjoyed every minute of it.

In the 2nd Grade elimination final, New Norfolk I smashed Runnymede by a whopping 237 runs at Tynwald Park. Opener Jake King belted a fine century, making 126 hitting 14-4s and 2-6s. King shared a 90-run opening stand with fellow opener Rohan Heron who made 40 including 5-4s. After David Maddox was out for 10 and the score was 2-116, King and Ashley Morgan went about again carving up the Runnymede attack, putting on a 138-run stand. Stewart Rice also got amongst the runs making 64 not out (4-4s and 7-6s). In reply Runnymede were never in the hunt and were dismissed for just 93. Josh Rowlands and Jamie Maddox bowling very very well claimed four wickets each to see their team to victory. Josh Dykes also did well picking up the other two Runnymede wickets.

In the 5th Grade elimination final, New Norfolk II went down to Rokeby at Clarendon Vale by 52 runs. Rokeby had first hit, making 10 for 141. Mark Thurston bowled well picking up four wickets as did wicket machine Josh Walsh and Richard Munnings taking three each. In reply New Norfolk just couldn't handle the Rokeby attack and was all out for 89. Captain Stephen Nichols top scored with 16 with tail-enders Mitch Rice 10 and T. Mayne 10 the next best. New Norfolk II now bow out of the finals, but the team should hold its head high as it has a young side with a bright future.

SCORES - SECOND GRADE Qualifying Final: Molesworth 3-114 off 28 overs (10 extras) d Gretna I 10-113 off 34 overs (21 extras) at Gretna. Gretna I batting: Craig Cunningham 42 (5-4s, 1-6), Mathew Burns (1-4 1-6), Jackson Ackerly 13 (2-4s), Glenn Blackwell 10 (1-4). Molesworth I bowling: Ricky Martin 4-15 (7), Nathan Eiszele 3-30 (10), Dean King 2-37 (7), Tim Nichols 1-22 (10). Molesworth I - batting: Ricky Martin 54 (8-4s, 1-6), Mathew Siely 25no (3-4s, 1-6), Brad Coppleman 13 (1-4), Dean King 12 (1-4). Gretna I bowling: Corey Ransley 3-35 (9).

Elimination Final: New Norfolk I 5-330 off 50 overs (28 extras) d Runnymede 10-93 at Tynwald Park. New Norfolk I batting: Jake King 126 (14-4s, 2-6s), Stewart Rice 64 (4-4s, 7-6s), Ashley Morgan 50 (8-4s), Rohan Heron 40 (5-4s), David Maddox 10 (1-4). New Norfolk I bowling: Jamie Maddox 4-21 (6.2), Josh Rowlands 4-30 (10), Josh Dykes 2-34 (10).
 
FIFTH GRADE Elimination Final: Rokeby 10-141 off 35.1 overs (15 extras) d New Norfolk II 10-89 off 20.1 overs (26 extras) at Clarendon Vale. New Norfolk II batting: Stephen Nichols 16 (3-4s), Mitchell Rice 11 (1-6), T. Mayne 10 (1-4, 1-6). New Norfolk II bowling: Mark Thurston 4-46 (9.1), Josh Walsh 3-37 (10), Richard Munnings 3-42 (10).

Very high fire danger today

THE Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a very high fire danger about the upper Derwent Valley this afternoon.

As of late last night the predicted maximum temperature at New Norfolk today is 32 degrees, followed by 34 degrees on Wednesday. Click here for updates. A top of 33 degrees is forecast for Ouse for the next two days, 30 and 31 at Maydena, and a cooler 24 and 25 degrees at Mt Field National Park.

Check the state forecast by clicking here. 

Community market diary date

Derwent Valley Community Market

Sunday, March 17, 10am-2pm

at Derwent Valley Community House

The Avenue, Willow Court, New Norfolk

Held on the third Sunday of every month

Council not keen on extended term

THE Derwent Valley Council will tell the State Government that it does not support a 12-month extension to the terms of half of Tasmania's local government councillors. Local Government Minister Bryan Green's proposed reforms were discussed at the council's monthly meeting in February and a week later at last week's councillor workshop on the topic.

Most councillors thought it inappropriate to ask councils to comment on the proposal to extend the terms of some councillors to enable reforms to be introduced next year. If carried out, five Derwent Valley councillors would have their terms extended by one year and four others would have a 12 months cut from their term of office.

In response to a request for comments on the proposed reforms, the council reiterated its previous position:

• In favour of compulsory voting for council elections (not opt-in compulsory as proposed by Mr Green); 
• Against the proposal to prevent people from serving on council and in State Parliament at the same time (the council's view is that mayors or deputy mayors elected to Sate Parliament should immediately resign from the position of mayor or deputy mayor, but should be able to sit on council for the remainder of their term;
• In favour of all-in, all-out elections with four-year terms for councillors, Mayors and Deputy Mayors; and,
• Against "around the-the-table" election of deputy mayors.

Local candidate for Lyons

THE Tasmanian Greens have named New Norfolk's Pippa Brinklow as their candidate for Lyons at the upcoming Federal election. Ms Brinklow is a nurse who has spent the last 20 years developing and managing health and aged care, community housing and vocational education and training programs throughout Tasmania.

Ms Brinklow's campaign was launched on Friday by Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson. “Pip is known for her great work in the community, including playing a lead role in securing improved health and aged care services to regional areas,” Senator Whish-Wilson said. “Pip has an ability to see a need and to simply get on with the job of finding the solution. Her concern about the lack of quality vocational education and training opportunities in rural and regional areas prompted her to set up a training centre that helped hundreds of job seekers in Lyons gain qualifications and employment,” he said.

Ms Brinklow has lived and raised a family in the electorate for more than 20 years and lives in New Norfolk with her partner Tim Morris MHA, deputy leader of the Tasmanian Greens. “I have had the privilege to serve and listen to the people of Lyons for many years, and I am ready to represent them in Federal Parliament,” Ms Brinklow said.

“There is a clear and unmistakable mood for change in the electorate of Lyons. People are looking for someone to represent them who has energy, vision and a genuine track record of working hard for the community. Now is not the time to hide from change, or remain entrenched in the ways of the past that have held Tasmania back for far too long. There are a growing number of voters who want their political representative to embrace new ways of thinking – 21st century ideas – in tackling the challenges and opportunities that are facing our state," she said.

Lovely day for it

THERE are still several hours left to take advantage of today's sunny start to autumn with a visit to beautiful Rosedown garden at New Norfolk. Rosedown is a beautiful example of following your heart, rather than a rigid plan, when it comes to gardening. The five-acre property has been lovingly brought back to life over the past 26 years by Ian and Brenda Triffitt and it is today at 134 Hamilton Rd (Lyell Hwy), New Norfolk, as part of the Open Gardens Australia program.


"At the time the garden consisted of a gnarled old apple tree, a weeping willow and a cypress hedge," Brenda recalls. "The character of the garden was the result of no rigidly planned development - it was made in my heart rather than my head. It just evolved over the years. We have been influenced by Beatrice Bligh’s philosophy: 'A garden should be just a little too big to keep the whole cultivated, then it has a chance to go a little wild in spots and make some pictures for you’."

Most trees are deciduous, leading to spectacular autumnal displays as well as masses of useful mulch. Plants are grown for decorative quality, such as colour, scent and foliage, rather than a strictly controlled colour scheme. "Many trees have been planted to mark special occasions such as marriages of our children, births of grandchildren, anniversaries and the passing of loved ones," Brenda says.

There are birches, maples, gleditsias, liquidambars, elms, (cork, golden and variegated) a tulip tree, Norway cut maple, gingko, ashes silver pear and a golden rain tree. "These trees are the backbone of the garden, providing a framework, shelter and a microclimate for plants and shrubs not previously able to grow because of the westerly winds and fierce sun. The connection to and love of our garden has been long and vigorous. It’s had 26 years to find its way into our heart. Rosedown is our refuge and sanctuary. We hope you enjoy your visit."

Rosedown
134 Hamilton Road (Lyell Hwy), New Norfolk
Open 10am-4.30pm today
Admission $7. Under-18s free

Wade's cricket final tips

WITH Rokeby finishing on top of 2nd Grade in the Southern Cricket Association they are having the week off. Gretna I will play Molesworth I in the qualifying final at Gretna tomorrow (Saturday). This should be a great match with both teams having good batting depth. With Gretna in very good form I'm tipping them to win by four wickets or 50 runs.

New Norfolk I play Runnymede at Tynwald Park in the elimination final. The Red Caps have an excellent batting line up when they have a full team in and I'm sure they will. I'm tipping them to win by five wickets or 99 runs. 

New Norfolk II plays Rokeby in the 5th Grade elimination final at Clarendon Vale. I'm tipping New Norfolk to win by 35 runs or three wickets.

Good luck to all teams and let's hope we have some premiership wins in the coming weeks. See you at the cricket.

WADE GLEESON

• The captains of Gretna and Molesworth will appear on the Weekend Sports Wrap on 98.9 Tyga FM with Shawry and Gleeso tomorrow (Saturday) at 8am.