Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Major cricketing milestone
Marlborough Cricket are gearing up for a big 2019 as members prepare to celebrate an anniversary milestone.
This year is a significant one for Marlborough Cricket as we prepare to celebrate our 125th Jubilee. And the club is keen to contact past players, officials and supporters who have not yet registered to attend celebrations.
The organising committee have been working hard to create a celebration weekend for members to enjoy.
The main event runs over the weekend of March 1- 3.
On the Friday, there will be an informal meet and greet evening at Horton Park followed by a formal dinner at the Marlborough Convention Centre the following night.
New Zealand Cricket director Martin Sneddonis set to entertain guests at the dinner, who will also be able to watch our two Tasman Premier League sides face off in a derby at Horton Park on the Saturday.
Anyone keen can register to take part in social T20 cricket games on the Sunday. To register, visit the dedicated MCA 125th Jubilee Facebook page or use the registration link docs.google.com
Alternatively, you can contact Greg Stretch on 021 727 439 or greg.stretch@sbsbank.co.nz
Senior and 2nd grade T20 competitions get back into action this week and the Marlborough Labour Hire Falcons will entertain Wakatu at Horton Park this Saturday in the Tasman Premier League.
At the halfway stage of the competition, the Dolphins - who have the bye this week - have built a commanding lead at the top, sitting on 27 points followed by WTTU (17), Stoke Nayland (14), and the Falcons on 13.
The Dolphins remain unbeaten following another bonus point win last weekend over Nelson College, with Probadha Arthavidu taking 5-24 and Luke Frankland 55no.
While they already seem certain of one semifinal spot the other placings are far from certain, with Nelson College (12) and ACOB (11) both still in contention.
Congratulations must go to Joel Lavender and Tom Sutherland who have both made selection for the Central Districts U17 team to compete in the National tournament from January 17 - 24.
This is due reward for some strong performances this season and we wish them well. Games can be followed from the NZC website nzc.nz/schedules/fixtures/alllevels/all-teams/mens-under17-national-tournament-2018-19
Marlborough cricket are running a woman’s cricket open day competition on January 16 between 5 and 6pm at Horton Park. Anyone interested in entering a team should email Artha on development@marlboroughcricket. co.nz.
Teams are 6 per side. If you do not have a team but are interested as an individual contact Artha and we will find a team for you to play for. No prior experience required, just come along and give it a try!
We were greatly saddened to learn of the loss of former Marlborough player Gareth Root over the Christmas and New Year period. Gareth was an outstanding junior cricketer who represented Central Districts at U15, U17 and U19 level and played seven games for Marlborough.
I remember his best figures of 4-23 which came in a famous Newman Shield triumph over Nelson in 2000. With Nelson seemingly in control at 181 for 3 chasing 227 to win, opening bowlers Root and Brent Hefford returned to destroy the lower order, the last seven wickets falling for just 7 runs.
At club level, Gareth played for Redwood, Wairau Valley and Renwick and was part of the Marlborough U15 rep side that won the Central Districts tournament in 1997 winning all four games.