By David Marshall
1st XI: Victory Against the Odds
The 1st XI faced St Andrews in a highly competitive two-day clash. Day 1 was a scorcher, and after losing the toss, Wandin was sent in to bowl first—a decision that promised a challenging day ahead. Dan Trembath gave Wandin the perfect start, striking twice early to leave St Andrews reeling at 2/15. His fiery spell set the tone, and the rest of the bowling unit maintained tight lines, restricting the opposition to less than three runs an over by the first drinks break.
However, the game began to slip from their grasp when some missed chances in the field allowed the opposition to build a solid third-wicket partnership of over 130 runs. St Andrews capitalized on these opportunities, and though Dan came back with two more quick wickets to reduce them to 4/158, another big stand saw their total soar to 323 before we could make further inroads. Despite Wandin’s best efforts, they ended their innings at a daunting 373. Hamish Lamont and Jason Kneebone each took a wicket, but it was Dan Trembath’s remarkable bowling figures of 7/76 that stood out as a true highlight in the field.
Returning for Day 2, Wandin faced a massive chase. The pressure was on, given their recent struggles to bat out a full 80 overs in two-day matches. But this time, the batters rose to the occasion in spectacular style. Bryce Edwards and Jamie Atkinson, forming a new opening pair, were a class above as they took on the St Andrews bowlers with precision and flair. Together, they amassed a superb 190-run partnership that set the platform for the innings. Jamie’s 86 was full of class, while Bryce’s solid knock of 92 underpinned the chase.
After the openers fell in quick succession, the momentum continued with Eden Van Beek’s well-crafted 54, and Joel Galvin’s explosive knock of 60 off just 36 balls put the opposition under immense pressure. Joel’s aggressive hitting ensured Wandin stayed ahead of the required run rate and within striking distance of the target. Further contributions from Taylan Hall (22) and Ben Warren (33) kept the scoreboard ticking and saw Wandin home with nine overs to spare. This monumental effort sealed an incredible victory and pushed the 1st XI to second on the ladder. It was a team performance to remember, with standout contributions from both bat and ball.
2nd XI: Tough Day at Wonga Park
The 2nd XI travelled to Wonga Park for their split-innings two-day match, determined to bounce back from recent challenges. Batting first, Wonga Park posted a steady 3/107 in their allotted overs. Gordo Gosland was the pick of Wandin’s bowlers, delivering an exceptional spell of 2/8 from six overs, keeping the opposition batters in check. He was well-supported by young rising star Jed Leckie, who bowled a tight spell of five overs for just 15 runs. Although Jed didn’t claim any wickets, his control and precision showed maturity beyond his years. A brilliant piece of fielding from Jed resulted in a key runout, further demonstrating the promising talent in the side.
When it was Wandin’s turn to bat, the openers started strongly, with Gordon and Jarrod putting on a 60+ run partnership. Gordo’s composed 23 and Dobby’s gritty 39 laid a solid foundation, but unfortunately, things went downhill after their dismissals. The middle and lower order struggled against disciplined bowling, collapsing for just over 30 runs and leaving Wandin all out for 99. While it was a disappointing finish, the 2nd XI remains 2nd on the ladder and looks forward to welcoming back key players in the coming rounds. This team has shown resilience all season, and there’s no doubt they’ll bounce back stronger.
3rd XI: Fighting Spirit Against the Top Side
The 3rd XI took on ladder-leaders Croydon North in what was always going to be a tough contest. Winning the toss, Wandin opted to bat first and aimed to put up a defendable total. Captain Greg Foden led from the front with a fantastic knock of 51, combining with the ever-reliable Tom Chrisfield (49) for a 100-run opening partnership. Their steady and confident approach provided the perfect start to the innings.
As the game progressed, Peter Vaughan showcased his experience with an unbeaten 39, guiding the team through the middle overs and ensuring Wandin posted a competitive score. Contributions from Trent Richards (12), Ralph Peet (12), and Shaun Doolan, returning from injury with a valuable 14 not out, added crucial runs. At the end of the allotted overs, Wandin had reached a solid 205, giving their bowlers something to defend.
The bowling effort began positively, with Sam Robinson striking early to dismiss Croydon North’s opener with the score on just 19. His partner, Trent Richards, followed up soon after, leaving the opposition at 2/30. Croydon North began to rebuild with some strong partnerships, but Peter Vaughan’s crafty bowling broke through, claiming two key wickets to finish with impressive figures of 2/20. At 4/117, Wandin were in with a real chance, but the remaining wickets eluded us. Croydon North eventually chased down the target with just a couple of overs to spare, clinching a hard-fought win.
Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take from the match. The team pushed the competition’s top side to the brink, and with the return of key players over the next few weeks, momentum is clearly building for the 3rd XI. The dedication and team spirit on display are a credit to the group, and there’s plenty of optimism for the rounds ahead.
Looking Ahead
It was a weekend of highs and lows for Wandin Cricket, but the overall trajectory of the teams is incredibly promising. The 1st XI’s remarkable chase showcased the depth of talent and fighting spirit within the group, setting the tone for what could be a very successful season. While the 2nd XI and 3rd XI didn’t secure wins, their performances highlighted areas of growth and resilience that will undoubtedly serve them well in upcoming matches.
As the season progresses, the return of key players and the continued development of emerging talent will only strengthen the squads. Each team has shown flashes of brilliance, and with more consistency, Wandin are poised for a strong finish across all grades.
