By David Marshall
Kicking Off the New Year with Grit and Determination
With the holiday break behind them, Wandin Cricket Club returned to action with the second half of the season underway. As teams jostle for crucial ladder positions in the run to the finals, every match counts. This weekend saw some thrilling performances, with Wandin sides showing plenty of fight. Here’s how the action unfolded:
1st XI: A Magnificent Start to 2024
In a one-day clash against ladder leaders Ainslie Park, Wandin’s 1st XI delivered a statement victory to solidify their position in the top four. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the team got off to a dream start, reducing Ainslie Park to 2/19 with early breakthroughs from Dan Trembath (1/30) and Joel Galvin (2/44). Ainslie steadied with a 50-run partnership, but tight bowling and sharp fielding kept the scoring under control. Jarrod Dobson (2/49) provided the breakthrough to break the partnership, and with Rory Vallence (1/27) bowling the perfect line and length being the most economical bowler of the day we were in control for most of the day. David Marshall chipped in with a wicket towards the end to help restrict Ainslie Park to 206—a competitive but chasable target on a quick Wandin Oval.
Wandin’s response with the bat was outstanding. Bryce Edwards and Jamie Atkinson once again showed why they’re one of the best opening pairs in the competition, putting on a 96-run partnership. Bryce fell for a classy 45 off 52 balls, but the platform was set. Tim Thorne (53*) played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and keeping the momentum going. The innings, however, belonged to Jamie Atkinson, who played a near-perfect knock. Jamie anchored the chase with a magnificent 99 off 115 balls, heartbreakingly falling just one run short of a well-deserved century. Wandin passed the target with ease, finishing 3 down and with overs to spare.
This result not only marks a fantastic start to the year but also solidifies the 1st XI’s position in the top four. With the only blemish being a drop-off in concentration in the heat of the last couple of bowling overs, improvements in bowling consistency and fielding discipline were evident, setting the tone for a strong finish to the season.
2nd XI: A Tough Day Despite a Standout Knock
The 2nd XI faced Warrandyte in a top-of-the-table clash, a critical match for maintaining momentum in the competition. Winning the toss and batting first, Wandin had a shaky start, losing two of the top three batsmen for ducks. Captain Julian Polido (28) tried to stabilize the innings, but at 3/36, the team was under pressure. A crucial 40-run partnership between Jackson Kneebone (29) and Leigh Howes (71*) offered some hope, but steady wickets kept halting the momentum.
Leigh Howes, however, was the standout, playing a brilliant unbeaten knock of 71. Supported by a late cameo from Jason Kneebone, who smashed 32 off 21 balls, Leigh guided the team to 179. While it was a respectable total, it was always going to be a challenge to defend on a small ground.
Wandin started well with the ball, as Hamish Lamont (3/25) struck twice early to leave Warrandyte at 2/32. However, a 90-run partnership swung the game in the opposition’s favor. Dave Thorne (1/32) and Jason Kneebone (1/34) chipped in with wickets, but Warrandyte chased down the target comfortably. Despite the loss, Wandin remains atop the ladder, and with key players returning, they are well-positioned to bounce back and maintain their dominance.
3rd XI: Narrow Loss but Bright Signs
The 3rd XI took on top-of-the-ladder Croydon North in what turned out to be a thriller. Batting first, Wandin got off to a dream start. Tom Chrisfield (44) was the first wicket to fall with the score at 65, setting a solid foundation. Tyler Seeger (59*) and Gordo Gosland (54*) then combined for a match-defining partnership of 80+ runs before both retired. Contributions from Myles Rayner (34) and a late flourish from young gun Jed Leckie (18) pushed Wandin to an impressive total of 249.
Croydon North, however, showed why they are the competition leaders. Their openers laid a strong foundation, not losing a wicket until the score was 125. With both retiring, Wandin clawed back into the game. The father-son duo of Tom (2/32) and Blake Chrisfield (2/40) bowled beautifully to keep Wandin in the hunt, supported by an electric direct-hit runout from Jed Leckie. Jye Aitkin chipped in with a late wicket (1/5), but Croydon North edged past Wandin’s total in the final over.
While the result didn’t go Wandin’s way, the performance showed the team’s potential to compete with the best. With two wins in recent weeks and consistent improvement, the 3rd XI looks poised to make a late-season charge toward finals.
Looking Ahead
The first round of the new year brought a mix of results but plenty of positives for Wandin Cricket Club. The 1st XI continues to strengthen its position in the top four, the 2nd XI remains atop the ladder despite a challenging day, and the 3rd XI’s fight against top opposition signals a team on the rise. With finals looming, every match counts, and the club is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
