By David Marshall
With finals rapidly approaching, every game carries weight, and this weekend featured some season-defining clashes. The 1st and Women’s XI faced crucial second vs third battles, while the 2nd XI entered a precarious split-innings matchup, and the 3rd XI faced a must-win game to keep their finals hopes alive. Here’s how the action unfolded:
1st XI: Late-Order Fightback Keeps Wandin in the Game
In a highly anticipated 2nd vs 3rd clash against Wonga Park, Wandin lost the toss and was sent in to bowl. With a challenging away fixture ahead, the 1st XI needed to dig deep.
Batting Struggles and a Late Fightback
The innings started on shaky ground as early wickets left Wandin struggling when Bryce Edwards (27) was dismissed with the score at 2/37. With Wandin losing wickets at regular intervals, their backs were right up against the wall when they found themselves in deep trouble with the score on 8/96. Just as the innings seemed doomed, Dave Marshall led a late-order fightback, crafting a patient 81 to push Wandin to a respectable 183. He was well supported by Dan Trembath (12) and Rory Vallence, who helped push the score along in the final overs. While the total may have fallen short of expectations, it gave Wandin something to defend heading into next week.
Tight Opening Spell Puts Pressure on Wonga Park
With 11 overs to bowl before stumps, Wandin’s bowlers executed exceptional control. With Taylan Hall 3 overs for just 1 run and Dan Trembath 3 overs for 3 runs opened the bowling with exceptional control. Debutant Cal Gordon made a perfect start for his first game straight in the 1s bowling 3 overs for 2 runs
The bowling attack will look to make early inroads and defend their total on day 2.
Women’s 1st XI: Clutch Victory Sends Wandin to the Top of the Ladder
Facing 3rd-placed Blackburn at home, the Women’s 1st XI knew a win could secure top spot on the ladder—and they delivered with a strong all-round performance.
Tight Bowling Restricts Blackburn to a Low Total
Wandin bowled first and immediately put the opposition under pressure. Olivia Edwards picked up a wicket in the 1st over, and then returned to bowl an outstanding 2nd spell picking up 3 quick wickets to finish with 4/9 off 6 overs). Tilly Pearce (1/13 off 6 overs) bowled superbly, taking an early wicket and keeping the scoring rate low. Kate Johnstone (1/13) and Allanah Peet (1/12) ensured there were no big partnerships, with Allanah picking up a crucial wicket of one of Blackburn’s bets bats, and in the end, Wandin restricted Blackburn to 111 all out.
Wandin’s Batters Hold Firm Despite Mid-Innings Collapse
Chasing 112, Wandin got off to a quick start, thanks to Kate Johnstone’s 12 off 10 balls before her dismissal at 23/1. From there, Charlotte Edwards (32) and Kirwan Peluso (20) formed a crucial 72-run partnership, taking the game within reach.
However, a mini-collapse saw both Charlotte and Kirwan fall in quick succession, followed by three more wickets, leaving Wandin nervously placed before Allanah Peet and Jacquie Lowrie steadied the chase, sealing victory with 12 overs to spare.
This crucial win lifts Wandin to the top of the ladder, but another huge 1st vs 2nd battle looms next week against Kilsyth, who are breathing down their necks.
2nd XI: A Tough Day Sets Up a Tense Finish
Facing Boronia Hawks at home, Wandin won the toss and bowled in the split-innings format.
Early Breakthrough Before Boronia Builds a Strong Platform. Jackson Kneebone (1/40 off 8 overs) struck in the very first over, but Boronia responded with a 111-run partnership. A run-out from Jamie Atkinson and Jack Dowthwaite finally broke the stand, followed by Mitch Kogelman (2/20) removing their century-maker. Boronia closed their first innings at 4/148, leaving the game evenly poised.
A Struggle with the Bat Leaves Wandin Precariously Placed
Wandin’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Ben Galante (28) and Jamie Atkinson (23) gave some resistance, but dismissals at 48 and 62 left the team under pressure. Mat Owens (20) and Jules Polido (7) pushed the score to 110, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Tyler Seeger (19) and Mitch Kogelman (13) steadied the ship, closing play at 7/149, holding a slim 1-run lead over Boronia’s 4/148.
With Wandin still batting next week, the lower order will need to add quick runs to set a defendable total before trying to bowl Boronia out in what promises to be a tense finish.
3rd XI: Finals Hopes Take a Hit in a Tough Loss
With a must-win game against Powelltown, Wandin fell short in both batting and bowling, leaving their finals chances hanging by a thread.
Batting Struggles Limit Wandin’s Total
After a promising 30-run opening stand, a steady collapse followed. A mid-order collapse left the team at 5/81. Pete Vaughan (14) and Miles Rayner (13) added some late resistance, but the innings folded for just 129, well below expectations.
Powelltown Chase the Total with Ease
Facing a strong batting lineup, Wandin’s bowlers needed early breakthroughs, but Powelltown made light work of the chase. Trent Richards (1/40) got the first breakthrough at 62, but the game was slipping away fast. A run-out from Archie Brown at 133 came too late, as Powelltown chased the total in just 15 overs.
This loss puts Wandin’s finals chances in jeopardy, meaning they will need a strong finish to the season and other results to go their way.
Looking Ahead: A Season-Defining Weekend Awaits
1st XI has set up a fascinating second day against Wonga Park, with tight bowling putting them in a strong position to defend their total.
Women’s 1st XI has climbed to top spot on the ladder but must back it up next week against second-placed Kilsyth.
2nd XI enters a tightly balanced second innings, needing lower-order runs and disciplined bowling to get over the line.
3rd XI’s finals hopes have taken a hit, but pride and momentum are still on the line as they push for a strong finish.
With so much on the line across all grades, next weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the season.
