By David Marshall
Wandin 1st XI
The Wandin Senior Team hosted Wonga Park at home for a crucial one-day clash. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the decision paid off thanks to our new opening partnership of Bryce Edwards and Jamie Atkinson. The pair put on a commanding century stand, giving the home side a dream start. Jamie was the first to fall after a blistering knock of 79 off just 77 balls, setting a solid foundation.
Unfortunately, a couple of quick wickets followed, disrupting our momentum. While Ben Galante (18), Taylan Hall (13), and Gordo Gosland (16) chipped in, none could form a lasting partnership with Bryce, who anchored the innings with a well-crafted 71. Wandin finished their 40 overs at 7 for 240—a decent total, but on our high-scoring home ground, it felt like we might be slightly short.
Wonga Park’s innings began with their top order digging in and capitalizing on some dropped catches and erratic bowling. Despite our bowlers’ best efforts, Wonga Park chased down the target with 5 overs to spare, finishing at 6 for 241. Jarrod Dobson (2 wickets) and Taylan Hall (1 wicket) gave us glimmers of hope, but the standout was Rory Vallence, who bowled a tight spell, taking 2 for 35 off 8 overs. It was a tough day in the field, but there were moments of brilliance to build on.
Wandin 2nd XI
With a few team changes due to the long weekend, Wandin 2nd XI travelled to Boronia and was sent in to bat after losing the toss—a decision Boronia would soon regret. Openers Ben Warren and Tim Thorne went into full T20 mode, launching an all-out assault on the bowling attack. Tim was the first to fall, having smashed 80 runs, with the score already at a mammoth 189. Shortly after, Ben brought up his maiden century for the Wandin Cricket Club, an incredible 102 runs. Congratulations, Ben—a milestone to remember.
The onslaught didn’t stop there. Matt Owens, ever reliable, added a steady 28, and Jamie Oakley took the game to another level with a whirlwind 69* off just a handful of balls. Rod Aitken chipped in with 12*, and Wandin posted an imposing total of 3 for 300.
Our bowlers kept the pressure up from the first over. Defending such a huge score, Wandin never let Boronia settle. Hamish Lamont bowled with precision, taking 1 for 29, while Jason Kneebone grabbed 2 for 21. Archie Brown, a late call-up, proved his worth with figures of 2 for 19, and Jamie Oakley—trying his hand at off-spin to surprising effect—matched him with 2 for 19. The veteran Dave Marshall, rolled back the years knocking the stumps over three times to finish with an astonishing 3 for 2.
A dominant win by the 2s keeps themselves at the top of the ladder. Well done, team.
