By David Marshall
For the second time this season, Wandin Cricket Club has achieved the incredible feat of securing victories across all four senior teams. With finals fast approaching, every game is crucial, and this dominant weekend of cricket has strengthened the club’s push for top-four finishes across the board. Here’s how the action unfolded:
1st XI: Disciplined Performance Lifts Wandin to Third
In a pivotal clash between Wandin (4th) and St Andrews (5th), the stakes couldn’t have been higher. A win would create breathing space in the top four, while a loss would tighten the battle for finals contention.
Winning the toss, Wandin elected to bat, and the ever-reliable duo of Bryce Edwards (42) and Jamie Atkinson (30) once again set a solid foundation against disciplined bowling. The middle order kept the momentum going, with Eden Van Beek (18) chipping in before Tim Thorne took charge. Tim played a powerful knock, blasting 58 off just 47 balls, injecting much-needed acceleration into the innings. The lower order provided a late flourish, with Taylan Hall smashing a rapid 18 off just seven deliveries to push the total to 206. While the score may have been slightly below par, it was a solid effort against a strong bowling and fielding unit.
With the ball, Wandin delivered a near-perfect performance. Taylan Hall tore through the St Andrews top order, taking the first three wickets in his opening spell to leave them struggling at 3/36. He finished with outstanding figures of 4/30, leading the attack. Dan Trembath bowled a disciplined spell, finishing with 2/23, while spinner Rory Vallence continued his strong season with 1/45 from his eight overs. Towards the end of the innings, Jarrod Dobson (2/23) and David Marshall (1/8) ensured there was no late surge from St Andrews, wrapping up a convincing win.
This well-rounded performance not only lifts Wandin to 3rd on the ladder but also gives the team valuable breathing room in the finals race. With such a disciplined bowling and fielding effort, this match should serve as the benchmark for the rest of the season.
Women’s 1st XI: Climbing to 2nd on the Ladder
Wandin’s Women’s 1st XI took on Chirnside Park at home, with ladder positioning becoming increasingly important. Chirnside Park won the toss and elected to bat, but against a sharp Wandin attack, their innings never gained momentum.
Lisa Vanderzee set the tone early, striking in her first over and finishing with 1/5. Charlotte Edwards (2/3) kept things tight, while Natalie Lowe and Jacqui Lowrie both chipped in with a wicket each. The bowlers were relentless, and an undermanned Chirnside Park side was dismissed for just 41 runs.
With a low total to chase, Wandin took the opportunity to mix up the batting order. Openers Jacqui Lowrie and Natalie Lowe got things underway before Jacqui fell early. This brought Lexi Marshall to the crease, and in a special moment for the team, Lexi scored her first-ever run in competitive cricket—an achievement celebrated by both sides.
After Lexi’s dismissal, Nyree George joined Natalie in the middle, and together they comfortably guided Wandin to victory. Natalie finished with six runs, and Nyree top-scored with 10, ensuring a quick chase.
This win propels Wandin to 2nd on the ladder, level on points with the top team but behind on percentage. With a challenging run home, every match will be critical as the team pushes for a top finish heading into finals.
2nd XI: Staying on Top with a Dominant Chase
The 2nd XI travelled to Wonga Park for an important contest as they continue to fight for top position on the ladder. Losing the toss, Wandin was sent in to bowl first, and while Wonga Park started well with a 43-run opening partnership, it wasn’t long before the Wandin attack took control.
Wickets fell regularly as the bowlers tightened the screws. Jason Kneebone (2/20), Ethan Alderman (2/12), and Julian Polido (2/16) all played their part, but it was Hamish Lamont who stole the show, delivering an outstanding spell of 3/8 off six overs. Wonga Park was restricted to just 120—a total that always looked within reach.
Wandin’s chase was clinical. Opener Ben Galante wasted no time, smashing 29 off just 19 balls before retiring. Lachin Alderman (18 off 13) and Leigh Howes (22* off 37) kept the momentum going, while Dave Thorne anchored the innings with a composed 46* to see Wandin home with 15 overs to spare.
The win keeps the 2nd XI at the top of the ladder, setting up a massive final-round clash against Warrandyte. With the top spot on the line, the team will be eager to maintain their strong form.
3rd XI: Peaking at the Right Time
The 3rd XI played host to Yarra Glen, looking to continue their late-season surge toward finals contention. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Wandin put together one of their most impressive batting displays of the season.
Contributions came from all across the order, with Peter Vaughan (21) and Gordo Gosland setting the early tone. Captain Greg Foden (52 retired) and Miles Rayner (51 retired) took charge in the middle order, building a strong platform. However, the standout of the innings was Gordo Gosland, who continued his red-hot form with an unbeaten 70, ensuring Wandin posted an imposing total of 244.
Defending the total, Wandin’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly. Blake Chrisfield (1/25), Olivia Edwards (1/12), and young debutant Blake Richards (1/11) all picked up one each. Peter Vaughan (2/11) and junior Manny Vallence (2/5) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The standout, however, was Trent Richards, who led the attack with 3/14.
The match also featured some entertaining family competition. Young Blake Richards took the bragging rights over his dad, Trent, with the bat by scoring two runs—doubling Trent’s score of one. It was lucky Trent took his 3 wickets to take the days’ bragging rights. No doubt this father-son rivalry will continue to be a talking point for years to come.
In the end, Wandin bowled Yarra Glen out for just 83, securing another dominant win. With back-to-back victories, the 3rd XI is making a strong push for a top-four finish, and with the final rounds approaching, they remain in contention for a finals berth.
