By David Marshall
Wandin 1st XI
This week, Wandin travelled to Montrose for a crucial one-day game, needing a win to stay close to the ladder leaders. The task was made tougher by a strong Montrose side at the top of the ladder and the loss of several key players, with some 2nd XI players stepping in to fill the side.
After winning the toss and electing to bat on a small ground, Wandin aimed for a strong total. Batting on a tricky wicket with unpredictable bounce, Bryce Edwards got the side off to a quick start with 22 off 20 balls. When Bryce was dismissed, Wandin were left at a shaky 2/37. Jamie Oakley and Eden Van Beek (28) steadied the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership. Despite their efforts, the middle order struggled again, and when Jamie departed for a solid 44, Wandinwere still at a precarious 5/119. Late contributions from Dan Trembath (28 off 32) helped the side reach a defendable total, though they finished all out for 189, feeling it might not be enough.
Opening bowlers Dan Trembath and Taylan Hall were superb, putting Montrose under immediate pressure. Bowling out their full allotment, Dan finished with 2/18 and Taz with 1/19, reducing Montrose to 3/21. A 60-run partnership by Montrose brought them back into the game, but the bowlers kept their focus, maintaining tight lines and lengths. Rory Vallence continued his strong form with the ball, taking three quick wickets and leaving Montrose struggling at 6/90. In a tense finish, Hamish Lamont (2/28) and Dave Marshall (2/18) kept the pressure on, with Hammer taking the last wicket to secure a fantastic 20-run win.
Wandin Women’s 1st XI
In a top-of-the-table clash against Bayswater Park, Wandin won the toss and elected to bowl. Wandin’s bowlers were excellent, keeping a strong batting lineup under control. Liv set the tone, taking the opener’s wicket and finishing with 1/6. Kate Johnstone bowled tightly, ending with 1/22, and Lisa Vanderzee got her first wicket with a spectacular catch in the deep by Kate, finishing with 1/8. Charlotte Edwards picked up two wickets (2/21), restricting Bayswater to 5/123.
Openers Charlotte and Kate gave Wandin a solid start in the chase. Kate was the first to fall for 14 with the score at 37, and a quick collapse saw Wandin lose three wickets for four runs, including Charlotte (20), leaving the side at 3/41. Bee Cuddon and Olivia Edwards then combined for a crucial 50-run partnership, putting Wandin back in control. Bee contributed a steady 14, while Liv anchored the innings with a match-winning 53. Wandin chased down the target with a few overs to spare, maintaining their top spot on the ladder.
Wandin 2nd XI
The 2nd XI faced Warrandyte at home in a thrilling high-scoring match. Opening with Ben Warren and Gordo Gosland, Wandin got off to a fast start until Ben was dismissed for a solid 30. Archie Brown (39) kept up the momentum, followed by skipper Jules Polido (39), but the standout was Gordo, who scored his maiden century for Wandin, finishing unbeaten on 105. Wandin’s innings closed at a formidable 3/235, giving them confidence.
However, Warrandyte fought back hard. Sam Robinson, promoted for his first game in the 2nd XI struck with his first ball, finishing with 1/33, while Archie (1/27) and Jules (1/33) chipped in. As the match grew tense and Warrandyte inched closer, Miles and Gordo were brought on to bowl the final overs. Despite picking up crucial wickets, Warrandyte managed to pass the score with just one over remaining, concluding a close and hard-fought contest.
