By David Marshall
1st and 2nd XI Set the Stage for Thrilling Day Two
With byes for the Women’s and 3rd XI teams, all eyes were on Wandin’s 1st and 2nd XI as they kicked off the first day of their two-day matches. Both sides delivered disciplined performances, keeping their games evenly poised for a big weekend ahead. Here’s how Day 1 unfolded:
1st XI: A Solid Bowling Effort Sets Up a Winnable Chase
Taking on Hoddles Creek away, Wandin won the toss and elected to bowl first, looking to continue the strong bowling performances of recent weeks. The decision paid off instantly, with Dan Trembath striking with his very first ball in the second over. The early pressure continued as tight bowling from Dan and Joel Galvin had the hosts in deep trouble, with Dan picking up a second wicket in the seventh over to leave Hoddles reeling at 2/6.
A brief fightback saw a 40-run partnership develop before Jarrod Dobson stepped up, claiming two quick wickets in succession to reduce Hoddles to 4/50. Dobby finished with a solid spell of 2/37 from 10 overs. The game then entered a challenging period, as Hoddles steadied with a determined 100-run stand. However, Wandin’s bowlers maintained their discipline, and the breakthrough eventually came courtesy of Hamish Lamont, who struck twice in quick succession to break the partnership at 152 and again five runs later. Tim Thorne (1/17) chipped in soon after, and the momentum was back in Wandin’s hands at 7/160.
But Hoddles Creek weren’t done yet. Another crucial 60-run partnership kept the scoreboard ticking before Dan Trembath returned to break through once more, finishing with figures of 3/43 from a marathon 18-over spell. Galvo then took the key wicket of Mclaghan, who had anchored the innings with a well-made 80, ending with figures of 1/56 off 20 overs. Hamish Lamont capped off an impressive day for Wandin with his third wicket, finishing with 3/31 from 11 overs as Hoddles Creek were bowled out for 241.
With three overs left in the day, Wandin’s openers had a tricky task to navigate before stumps. They did just that, finishing the day unbeaten on 3. Now, the stage is set for a big run chase next weekend, with Wandin well within striking distance if the batters can build partnerships and hold their wickets.
2nd XI: A Gritty Fightback Leaves the Game on a Knife’s Edge
At home against St Andrews, Wandin lost the toss and was sent in to bowl in the split-innings format. The start was ideal, as Jackson Kneebone (1/26) struck early, removing a key batter with the score on just 5. However, St Andrews fought back, building a measured 100-run partnership. Despite this, Wandin’s bowlers refused to let the game slip away, keeping tight lines and limiting scoring opportunities. The breakthrough finally came courtesy of Archie Brown (1/14), breaking the partnership at 103. More disciplined bowling followed, and St Andrews finished the first half of their innings at 2/133, keeping the game evenly poised.
Wandin’s reply started in disastrous fashion, losing a wicket on just the second ball of the innings. The top order struggled to settle, and before long, the team found itself in deep trouble at 4/49. With the game hanging in the balance, Peter Vaughan and Leigh Howes came together for a crucial partnership. Combining patience with smart shot selection, they steadied the ship and ensured Wandin remained in the contest.
Leigh played a composed innings, finishing the day unbeaten on 18—showing great restraint in contrast to his usual aggressive style. The star of the innings, however, was Peter Vaughan. Coming in at first drop and facing just the third ball of the match, he showed incredible resilience and determination, carrying his bat through the entire innings. His 74* was not just a personal triumph but a vital effort in keeping Wandin in the game.
At the close of play, Wandin stood at 4/128, just five runs behind St Andrews’ who also have 2 more wickets in the shed. With strong batters yet to come in, Wandin is well-placed to push ahead next week in what promises to be a tense finish.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Day Two Awaits
Both 1st and 2nd XI have set themselves up for thrilling run chases in their respective matches.
The 1st XI will need partnerships and patience to chase down 241 and further strengthen their top-four position.
The 2nd XI is locked in a near dead-heat with St Andrews, setting up a gripping second day where every run will count.
With everything on the line, next weekend promises high stakes and intense cricket as Wandin looks to convert these strong positions into victories.
