By Bryce Edwards
It was a wild start to the grand final played at Queen’s Park in hot windy Healesville. In a two-day Saturday/Sunday split innings Hoddles/Wandin batted first and were restricted in their run scoring as the ball got tossed around by the extreme wind. Healesville performed better and dominated day one 2/88 leading Hoddles/Wandin’s modest 1/53.
Opening for Hoddles/Wandin, George Lyons managed to evade the bowlers, scoring a careful 29 not out on day one, then scoring 31 off 24 balls on day 2 to make 60 not out, followed up by his brother Oscar who ended up retiring on a solid 35. Sam Robinson had the crowd roaring with a vital four and some tidy running in the last overs, and surprise packet Kai Harrison scored a lively 15 off 30 balls. Hoddles/Wandin ended up on 8/160 at the end of our 50 overs.
Healesville came in to bat the second part of their innings on 2/88 needing only 72 to win, and Hoddles/Wandin knewthey had to a huge challenge to restrict their scoring and get wickets. The wind had died out and the huge crowd were biting their nails.
Healesville came out swinging before Riley Cameron was caught behind by a great catch from keeper Willow Pearce. Then quick reflexes from Andy Waldron and Jackson Kneebone saw a run out for the talented Sam Drummond. Oscar Lyons, Des Benson, Jackson Fritzlaff bowled good areas dotting them up and the pressure started to build.
Bailey was bowled by Kneebone at 109 and Hoddles/Wandin needed another 5 wickets for less than 50. Oscar’s hard work bowling pace saw him get one, knocking the off stump flying for Gabe. Then the run out of a very dangerous looking Amelia English off the strong arm of Jackson Fritzlaff helped Hoddles/Wandin’s chances. A solid catch by young Finny McLachlan took it to 9/133. Hoddles/Wandin were in the game but had the dangerous opener Denzel to come back in.
The crowd could smell blood and the fielding intensity went up another notch. Finally, Kai Harrison got the last wicket – bowled – and the celebrations began.
Batting G Lyons 60 n.o., O. Lyons 35 n.o.
Bowling J. Kneebone 2/24 off 10, G Lyons 1/7 off 5 and Kai Harrison 3/26 off 7.1.
Player of the match went to George Lyons, awarded by a young but impressive umpire Alex Broussard.
With the game marking the end of the cricket season, Wandin Cricket Club President Bryce Edwards said it was a highly successful season on and off the field with the club getting back to being a great community club
“We are so proud of our club and our members for all their efforts this season, we thank all of our sponsors and community groups, we worked so well together organising so many family community events and would also like to thank the Star Mail for all the great work they have done for us this season,” he said.
“Community sport is the lifeblood for all of us especially through such tough times over the last few years. Bring on season 2023/24.”
