By David Marshall
After an early washout in Week 1, Round 2 saw the sun shining down for a perfect weekend of cricket.
Wandin 1st XI vs Warranwood
Losing the toss and being sent into bat, openers Bryce Edwards and Dave Thorne stepped up with confidence. The pair put on a steady 55-run partnership, providing a solid foundation for the innings. Both Bryce and Dave were eventually dismissed for well-made 26s, leaving Wandin in a slightly precarious position at 3/65 after a sudden collapse. Eden Van Beek came to the crease and worked hard with Hamish Lamont for a crucial 45 runs, which stabilized the innings for a while. However, another collapse saw Wandin struggle again, slipping to 8/146. Eden played a key role with a resilient 38, standing as the anchor Wandin needed through this challenging phase. Just when it seemed like Wandin might be in trouble, the lower order delivered. Dan Trembath and Jarrod Dobson forged a match-turning partnership, adding 50 vital runs. Dan played an impactful 16 off 16 balls, but the real fireworks came from Dobby, who went on the attack and blasted 42 off just 21 balls in a sensational counterattack. Taylan Hall also played a handy cameo with 13 off 12 balls, pushing Wandin’s final total to a competitive 9/216.
Warranwood made an aggressive start to their chase, losing their first wicket at 61. By the tea break, they were sitting comfortably at 1/101, looking on track for victory. However, cricket is a game of twists, and Wandin wasn’t going to let them walk away with the win.
Wandin found their momentum when the second wicket fell at 115. From there, the tide turned, as steady breakthroughs kept Wandin in the game. Dan and Dobby each took two crucial top-order wickets, pegging Warranwood back to 4/138. Wandin’s bowlers were then able to put their foot down and claim their last six wickets for just 22 runs. Taylan Hall and Tim Thorne both took two wickets each, while Dave Thorne chipped in with a vital breakthrough. Warranwood’s finished on 9/184, handing Wandin a nerve-wracking 32-run victory.
Wandin Women’s 1st XI vs Mooroolbark
Wandin Women’s 1st XI kicked off their season with an emphatic win in their first match, played away at Mooroolbark. After winning the toss, Wandin elected to bowl in what turned out to be a highly successful 20/20 encounter.
Olivia Edwards opened the bowling, and from the very first ball, set the tone for Wandin. Her 4 overs were delivered with precision, conceding just 8 runs and keeping the Mooroolbark batters under constant pressure. Debutant Tilly Pearce made a fantastic first impression, taking 2 wickets for just 12 runs in her 4 overs, including a stunning delivery that knocked the middle stump out of the ground. What a way to introduce yourself! Nyree George contributed picking up 1/11, but the standout performance came from Charlotte Edwards, who tore through the opposition’s batting order. Charlotte delivered a remarkable spell, taking 3 wickets for 4 runs in her 3 overs. With sharp fielding all around, Mooroolbark was restricted to 86 runs by the end of their 20 overs.
Chasing 87 to win, Charlotte Edwards and Kate Johnson opened the innings with confidence. Unfortunately, an early mix-up saw Kate run out with the score on 11. However, Kirwan Peluso came in at first drop and played positively, cracking two boundaries and forming a solid 40-run partnership with Charlotte.
KP eventually departed for a valuable 11 after another run-out, but Charlotte continued her dominant performance, scoring a magnificent 38, playing shots all around the ground. With the score on 4/73, Wandin was in control. Olivia Edwards added a quick 8 before Belinda Cuddon (11*) and Tilly Pearce (5*) calmly finished the job, guiding Wandin to a well-earned victory.
Wandin 2nd XI vs Yarra Glen
Wandin’s 2nd XI travelled to Yarra Glen and, after winning the toss, decided to bat first. Openers Dave Marshall and Ben Warren provided a solid start, with Dave making 25 runs and helping the team reach a strong position of 1/86. Ben Warren, however, was the aggressor of the partnership. He batted with authority, blasting his way to an entertaining 51. A couple of quick wickets left Wandin at 3/106, but Matty Owens held firm throughout the innings, finishing unbeaten on 50. He formed key partnerships with Jack Dowthwaite (19) and Jason Kneebone (14*), helping Wandin post a competitive total of 6/205.
Jason Kneebone starred with the ball, opening the bowling and taking 3 top-order wickets, finishing with figures of 3/29. Yarra Glen found themselves on the back foot from the outset and never fully recovered. Ralph Peet, who had been keeping his bowling talents under wraps, delivered two key wickets, further putting pressure on the hosts. Captain Julian Polido then took full control of the middle order, picking up 4 wickets for just 20 runs. The final wicket fell to Jackson Kneebone, who claimed the last scalp as Yarra Glen was bowled out for 130, securing Wandin a dominant win.
Wandin 3rd XI vs Chirnside Park
Wandin 3rd XI took on Chirnside Park at the stunning Warburton ground. Wandin won the toss and chose to bowl first, applying pressure right from the start.
The fielding effort was outstanding, with Sam Robinson and Captain Greg Foden pulling off two brilliant run-outs, tightening the grip on Chirnside Park’s innings. With the ball, the wickets were shared around: Blake Chrisfield led the way with 3 wickets, Archie Brown chipped in with 2, and Sam added 1. Debutants Trent Richards and Corey Lehman celebrated their first club wickets, helping restrict Chirnside Park to 177.
In reply, Wandin gave it everything. Tom Chrisfield anchored the innings, showing great determination with a gutsy knock of 41, spending most of the day at the crease. However, regular wickets kept falling, putting the chase on shaky ground. Greg contributed 21, and together with Tom, they fought hard to keep Wandin’s hopes alive. The shot of the day came late in the innings, with Sam cracking a boundary to lift spirits. Despite the valiant effort, Wandin eventually fell just 24 runs short, ending a hard-fought contest
