By David Marshall
Wandin Men’s 1st XI
Returning to Warrandyte for Day 2, we knew defending 131 against their formidable lineup would be a test. Last week, our batters faced a top-quality bowling attack, managing to reach 131 runs but leaving 20 overs unused. Warrandyte had already faced 20 overs last week, finishing on 22 for 2, giving our bowlers a glimmer of hope.
Warrandyte, with a low target in sight, batted cautiously, knowing they had 80 overs to chase down 110 more runs. They buckled down, adopting a no-risk strategy that tested our bowlers’ patience. Most of our bowlers went for less than 2 runs per over. Unfortunately, Warrandyte held steady and only lost another wicket at 125. A couple of late strikes by Dobby offered some highlights, including a sharp leg-side catch by keeper Bryce Edwards—a moment Bryce will likely recount with increasing difficulty as the tale grows with each telling.
Wandin Women’s 1st XI
This team never fails to bring highlights, and their match against Chirnside Park was no exception! Losing the toss and being sent into bat, Wandin saw Charlotte ‘Webby’ Edwards and Gayle Burgi open the innings. Although Gayle couldn’t quite repeat her heroics from last week, the innings took a delightful turn with Allanah Peet promoted to first drop. Allanah, showing no signs of nerves, produced a stellar knock of 37, batting seamlessly alongside the experienced Webby.
New recruit Lisa Vanderzee, playing her first-ever cricket match (no, backyard cricket doesn’t count, Lisa!), scored a confident 14 not out. Liv Edwards then entered with her usual flair, adding a quickfire 27 off 18 balls, with Tilly Pearce contributing a handy 8 from 9. But the undisputed star of the day was Charlotte, who scored her maiden century, retiring on an impressive 101 at better than a run-a-ball. This was a landmark innings for her and the Wandin Women’s team, who reached their highest total to date at 3 for 281!
With a massive total to defend, we tossed the ball around to let everyone have a go. Kerry Peet, not content to let Allanah take all the bragging rights at home, opened the bowling with style, clean bowling the opener off her very first ball and finishing with 1 for 9. Liv Edwards and Kate Johnstone each took a wicket to keep the pressure on. Jacquie Lowrie also joined the wicket-takers, to loud cheers from the Wandin faithful watching on Frogbox. And if you’re guessing who rounded out the performance—it was Charlotte again, taking 3 for 9 in five overs to complete one of the most dominant displays we’ve seen. Well done, ladies!
Wandin 2nd XI
In a one-day match against Wonga Park (thanks to last week’s rainout), Wandin found themselves in early trouble after being sent in to bat. Joel ‘Galvo’ Galvin saved the day with a quick 40, nearly scoring at a run a ball, pulling the Dogs up from a rocky 3 for 59. Matty “The Don” Owens kept things moving with a composed 32, but after his departure, Wandin were still looking light at 5 for 113.
The lower middle order took the wheel, with Jack Dowthwaite chipping in a valuable 24, Captain Julian Polido adding a gritty 21, and Gordo Gosland leading the charge with a crucial 56 not out. Their efforts boosted Wandin to a defendable 8 for 199.
Wonga Park came out swinging, with their big-hitting opener striking multiple boundaries in the very first over. Their openers put up 82 runs in just 13 overs, threatening a quick finish. Enter Hamish ‘Hammer’ Lamont, who snagged both openers in rapid succession, dragging Wandin back into contention. Hammer ended with 2 for 19, the most economical figures of the day.
The momentum shifted, but Wonga’s middle order stabilized things and kept the run rate ticking. With pressure building, Captain Julian Polido took charge, ripping through the middle order with a game-changing 4 for 34. Yet, Wonga remained in striking distance on the quick Wandin Oval. Going on the defensive, we brought on the ‘ancient one’ Dave Marshall (a man of too many nicknames), whose full, straight deliveries claimed two key wickets in the second-to-last over, nearly sealing the game. Jackson Kneebone bowled the final over, securing the last wicket and clinching a hard-fought 7-run victory.
Wandin 3rd XI
In a match that felt like a finals battle, Wandin 3rd XI took on Chirnside Park 6XI on a slow ground. Chirnside won the toss and elected to bat, but they quickly found themselves under pressure as Wandin hunted every ball with finals-like determination.
Olivia Edwards led the attack, taking 3 for 19 off 7 overs, while Sam supported from the other end with 2 wickets, putting Wandin firmly in the driver’s seat. Archie then joined in with two late wickets as Chirnside attempted to accelerate, setting a competitive total of 7 for 167.
In reply, Wandin kept the pedal down, cruising along at 5-6 runs an over. Tom (25), Luke (12), and Archie (47) got us off to a strong start. However, as the wickets began to fall, Chirnside regained control, and despite a valiant effort, Wandin ultimately fell just 10 runs short in a game that had the intensity of a finals clash. Special thanks to young AJ for stepping in and fielding all day for Wandin.
