By Callum Ludwig
The first-ever Wandin Women’s Cricket side got their first-ever win in Round 1, heading up the highway to defeat Yarra Junction.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Doggies got off on the front foot in a tidy bowling and yielding effort.
Wandin President and Women’s Coach Bryce Edwards said the team’s captain Olivia Edwards chose to bowl as she thought it might relax the nervous players and ease them into the game.
“They went out there they got one of the better bats out cheap, and then they bowled and fielded really well keeping them to 92 runs off their 20 overs,” he said.
“Two girls were on hat tricks at different stages as well, Dannie Ewart and Olivia Edwards which was really cool for them. Chasing 92 with some inexperienced and experienced players in there was never going to be easy.”
Olivia Edwards finished with 3 wickets for 10 runs off her 2 overs and Dannie Ewart with 2 for 12 off 2. The other wicket-takers for Wandin were Emm-Lee Curwood (1 for 3 off 2) and Nyree George (1 for 11 off 2). Charlotte Edwards also bowled tightly, only going for 3 runs off her 2 overs.
Mr Edwards said after going in to bat, the team lost a couple of wickets early, but in the end batted really well.
“Skye Wilson made 40 runs off 54 balls, Olivia Edwards made 14 off 16 but they also had the other girls chip in; Kerrie Edwards made 8, Dannie Ewart and Charlotte made five,” he said.
“Everyone involved has probably never been so excited, it was a great win and very unexpected, it was an absolutely unbelievable day. But whether they would have won or lost anyway, they just had a ball.”
After Yarra Junction finished their innings at 7/92, Wandin was able to chase the total down in 17.5 overs at only 4/93.
Mr Edwards said the celebrations were second to none.
“It was an amazing feeling, we’ve got parents there playing with their kids, and the interaction that comes with playing a team sport. Everyone was buzzing as we did the presentations, it was pure excitement,” he said.
“Afterwards for some of the women, it sunk in a little bit that is the first-ever women’s team to play for Wandin, and their names will be there for 50 or 100 years. They can’t wait to play again this week and they are feeling confident, even with a lot of improvement to come as the season goes on.”
The Wandin Cricket Club is still welcoming any new players who wish to get involved with their women’s, over 60s, over 70s or three men’s side for the 2022/23 season and encourages any players to get in touch with the club.
