By Joshua Hamilton
1st Semi-Final – Wandin 2nd XI Vs St Andrews 5th XI at Wandin North Recreation Reserve:
For the second straight week, Wandin would take on St Andrews at Wandin North Reserve in front of the excited Wandin faithful in a do-or-die semi-final where the loser has their season ended and the winner plays in the Grand Final. Wet weather was hanging around and threatening to delay the game but luckily it held off and Wandin skipper and club legend Rick Painter would win the toss and elect to bat first. St Andrews would tighten the screws and severely restrict the power-packed Wandin batting order as Wandin found scoring to be very, very tough and when the 20 over drinks break came around, Wandin’s score only read 53 for the loss of 4 wickets.
Upon recommencement of play, the shackles were absolutely shattered by the likes of Rod Aitken (67no from 51 balls with 6 fours and 1 six), David Marshall (42no from 22 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes), and well supported by Lachlan Riddiford (28 off 36 balls with 1 four and 2 sixes). These 3 took the score from 4/53 with 15 overs to go all the way to 5/197 from 35 overs. The belief, trust, and talent within the team never waivered and got them to an extremely good score that would put some big doubts into each of the opposition players that it will take a flawless chase to keep their season alive.
Time to have a dip with the new ball with plenty of runs on the board which is always beneficial in a big final. and it would be thrown to David Marshall who much like with the bat did not disappoint in the tiniest way on his way to taking the first 4 St Andrews wickets to finish with game-breaking figures of 7 overs, 2 maidens, 4 wickets for 15 runs. The other opening bowler would be Daniel Trembath who also tied St Andrew’s batsmen down to finish with 1 for 12 including 1 maiden from his 6 overs. Much like Wandin, St Andrews found themselves at 4/66 which included but with their consistent, run-scoring captain and opening batsmen Stewart Lynn still at the crease. Wandin would strike another blow 7 balls after the break when Lachie Riddiford (3/19 off 7 overs)took the 5th wicket courtesy of a Daniel Trembath catch. Stewart Lynn was also dismissed about 6 overs later on 62 with the score on 7/103 which deflated any air St Andrews had. Hamish Lamont and Leigh Curwood would be solid contributors with the ball while both taking a vital wicket each as Wandin sealed a comfortable 91 run win to book a spot Vs Wantirna 1st XI in the big dance next Saturday at Wandin North Reserve.
