Vine addition to Marlborough cricket

The grand opening event for the United Country and Vineyard Cricket ground was a resounding success with over 400 people watching an exhibition game between UCVC and a Wanderers XI.

The ground set up and atmosphere created was first class and viney credit to Dave Clouston and his team. It is a fantastic addition to the Marlborough Cricket scene.

Our under-17 cricketers missed out on a great opportunity to beat Nelson last Sunday falling 10 runs short chasing 176 after losing their last 8 wickets for just 28 runs. Cooper Roberts (54) and Tim Petrie (37) had set the Marlborough boys up for a likely win before the batting collapse.

Earlier Paul Moran and Griffin Carter each took three wickets.

The Marlborough Labour Hire Falcons were winners over the Dolphins in the local TPL derby game thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Bailey Andrews-Kennedy in a tense nine run victory.

In senior grade T20 first round action there were wins for MBC 1st XI and Renwick for whom Kirk Nicholas was the match winner with 79 from 49 balls including five sixes.

In WK junior grades strong performances this week came from Anton Jossy (23), Ted Small (2-2), Louis Girling (27), Niko

Russell (3-2), Sam Young (54), Nathan Brooke-Taylor (23 and 3-14), Reon Holdaway (3-21), Louis Renner (3-26), Sinclair Hill (33) and Couper Robinson (27).

The third grade 40 over final for 2020 will be contested this Saturday by Wairau Valley and Renwick as both ended the year with wins.

Paul Moran top-scored for Valley with an unbeaten 63 while Tom Marshall stared with bat and ball for Renwick with 43 and 3-10, Andrew Marshall contributing 60. Celtic Green lead the way in second grade 40 over cricket after an easy win over Celtic Gold.

Cam Harris top-scored for Gold with 67 but Liam Young led the way for Green with 4-24 and a top score of 50.

Wairau earned their first win of the season thanks to 57 from Hunter Ruffell and 61no and 4-12 for Griffin Carter.

This weekend sees the Marlborough

Senior Rep team travel to Rangiora to take on Canterbury Country in first round Hawke Cup action while our Primary School development team travels to play Nelson as they continue preparations for the South Island Primary School tournament in January.

We are now taking registrations for our Yeah! Girls programmes starting in February with hubs running in Blenheim, Renwick and Picton.

This is a fun programme for girls aged 11-15 and you don’t need any cricket knowledge to take part.

Also coming up is a school holiday programme on mornings of December 21 and 22 for boys and girls aged 5-12.

❚ For more information and to register for any of these programmes please email Bailey at development@marlborough cricket.co.nz

SUPPLIED The United Country and Vineyard Cricket Club now has its own ground amongst the vines at Two Rivers Black Cottage property.