By David Marshall
Thriller at Wandin Oval: A Narrow Miss in Top-of-the-Table Clash
With Saturday’s matches washed out due to heavy rain, all eyes were on Wandin’s women’s team to bring some cricket action to the weekend. Taking on Blackburn in a top-of-the-table clash, the stage was set for an intense contest, and the game did not disappoint. What unfolded was a nail-biting thriller that came down to the final overs, leaving players and spectators alike on the edge of their seats.
Bowling First: A Solid Start
Losing the toss, Wandin was sent in to bowl—a daunting task against Blackburn’s formidable batting lineup, arguably the best in the division. Captain Olivia Edwards led from the front, striking early to remove Blackburn’s opener with just five runs on the board. This breakthrough set the tone for what became an intriguing battle between bat and ball.
By the halfway mark at 15 overs, Wandin’s bowlers had restricted Blackburn to just 55 runs, with every bowler contributing to the effort. However, the lack of additional wickets allowed Blackburn to regroup and accelerate in the latter half of the innings. The bowling unit worked tirelessly to maintain control, with standout performances from Kerry Peet (4 overs for 16) and Natalie Lowe (4 overs for 20), who both delivered tight, economical spells.
Despite their efforts, Blackburn capitalized on a few wayward deliveries toward the end of the innings, pushing their total to a competitive 162. Captain Olivia Edwards was the pick of the bowlers, claiming all three wickets to finish with impressive figures of 3/23. While it was a challenging total, the team knew they had the firepower to chase it down.
The Chase: Battling Rain and Pressure
Wandin’s chase began under tricky conditions, with intermittent rain slowing down the usually fast Wandin Oval. Boundaries became hard to come by, placing additional emphasis on running between the wickets. Opening batters Charlotte Edwards and Kate ‘Hurricane’ Johnstone got the innings off to a steady start, putting on a solid 32-run partnership for the first wicket. Charlotte played with poise, scoring a well-made 15 before being bowled.
Promoted to No. 3, Nyree George showcased her batting potential with a gritty knock of 10 before falling to a skied catch behind the stumps. At 3/62, the pressure mounted on Wandin as Olivia Edwards was dismissed shortly after. The momentum seemed to be slipping away, but the game was far from over.
A Middle-Order Revival
Enter Kate Johnstone and Kirwan ‘KP’ Peluso, who took on the challenge of rebuilding the innings. Together, they formed a brilliant 80+ run partnership that brought Wandin back into the game. With boundaries hard to come by, the pair had to rely on their running between the wickets, to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Their partnership displayed determination, teamwork, and a refusal to give in under pressure.
KP’s valiant effort came to an end when she was run out with just two overs remaining on 26, leaving Wandin at 6/146 and needing 16 runs from the final 12 balls. The tension at Wandin Oval was palpable as the match reached its climax.
The Final Overs: Drama Unfolds
The crowd was on its feet as Kate Johnstone anchored the chase. Her innings was a moment to remember scoring her maiden half-century, however, disaster struck in the penultimate over when she accidentally stepped onto her stumps. This brought an end to her fantastic innings of 66—her highest score to date.
With Kate’s dismissal, the equation became steeper, and it all came down to the final over. The lower order fought valiantly, running between the wickets with incredible urgency and keeping the game alive until the very last ball. The stands were buzzing with excitement, and the tension high as Wandin fell agonizingly short by just two runs. Blackburn emerged victorious, handing Wandin their first loss of the season.
Reflections and Takeaways
While the result didn’t go Wandin’s way, the match was a testament to the skill, determination, and fighting spirit of this Wandin team. Facing the division’s best batting side and chasing a challenging total under tough conditions, the team showed they could compete at the highest level.
Captain Olivia Edwards led by example with her bowling, taking all three wickets and setting the tone for the rest of the attack. The middle-order revival by Kate Johnstone and KP Peluso was a highlight, and Kate’s maiden half-century will be a moment she cherishes despite the result. Their ability to handle the pressure and keep the chase alive was commendable and bodes well for the team’s future performances.
The match also highlighted some areas for improvement. Tightening up the bowling in the death overs and sharpening fielding efforts could make a significant difference in close games like this one. Similarly, adapting to challenging conditions like the slow outfield and intermittent rain will be key as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Wandin remains well-positioned near the top of the ladder, and the team has everything to play for in the coming weeks. With a few games left before the Christmas break, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and refining skills to ensure a strong finish to the first half of the season.
The spirit and effort displayed in this match are a credit to everyone involved, both on and off the field. The support from the crowd at Wandin Oval was phenomenal, creating an atmosphere that made this top-of-the-table clash a truly memorable occasion.
Well done to the entire team for a fantastic performance under pressure. They will regroup, learn from this experience, and come back even stronger in the next game. The ladder is tight, and every game will count as Wandin aim for a dominant position heading into the new year.
