By David Marshall
It was a weekend of high drama for Wandin’s 1st and 2nd XI, both involved in nail-biting contests, while the 3rd XI delivered a commanding performance to keep their finals hopes alive. With only a few rounds remaining, every win is crucial, and this weekend saw Wandin teams rise to the challenge.
1st XI: A Hard-Fought Victory Pushes Wandin to 2nd
Chasing Hoddles Creek’s 241, Wandin’s 1st XI knew the key to victory lay in patience and partnerships. However, an early stumble saw the team at 2/37, setting the stage for a crucial rebuild. Bryce Edwards (37) and Tim Thorne (48) answered the call, putting together a 50-run stand to stabilize the innings. Bryce’s dismissal at 3/85 opened the door for more contributions, with Jamie Oakley (23), Dan Trembath (21), and Jarrod Dobson (21) all playing their part in keeping the chase on track.
Taylen Hall was the glue crucial knock of 46, guiding Wandin closer to the target. However, just as victory seemed within reach, a collapse ensued. Taz fell with the score on 203, followed immediately by Dan Trembath, leaving the team suddenly 7/203. The tension only escalated as Jarrod Dobson’s wicket made it 8/228, and soon after, Rory Vallence departed, leaving Wandin teetering at 9/237—just five runs away from victory with only one wicket in hand.
With Hoddles Creek sensing an opportunity to snatch the win, it was down to Hamish Lamont and Tyler Seeger to hold their nerve. The pair remained composed under pressure, inching their way toward the target and eventually steering Wandin home, securing a dramatic victory.
This crucial win not only cements Wandin’s position in the top four but also pushes them up to 2nd on the ladder. With a massive match against 3rd-placed Wonga Park next week, the race for finals is well and truly heating up.
2nd XI: A Tale of Two Centuries in a High-Scoring Thriller
With the match evenly poised from last week at 4/128, all eyes were on Peter Vaughan and Leigh Howes as they resumed their innings. Peter, who had spent the week dreaming of raising his bat, finally made it a reality—bringing up his first-ever century, not just for Wandin, but of his entire cricketing career. His magnificent 112 was a testament to patience, determination, and skill, anchoring the innings beautifully.
Leigh continued to play the perfect supporting role, and after their 60-run partnership, Peter was finally dismissed. This brought Dave Marshall to the crease, and together, he and Leigh built another massive 104-run partnership, taking the game further away from St Andrews. Dave played an aggressive knock, scoring 58 off just 49 balls, while Jackson Kneebone added some late-innings fireworks with a run-a-ball 26. Wandin finished their innings with a commanding total of 337, with Leigh carrying his bat for an outstanding 78 not out*, having been dismissed only once this season.
With a mountain to climb, St Andrews started positively, reaching 70 before the first breakthrough. However, the defining partnership of the match saw St Andrews cruise to 205 before Julian Polido (3/85) provided a much-needed wicket. Another 70-run stand followed, but again, it was Jules who made the breakthrough at 270, before Dave Marshall (1/34) picked up another key wicket.
However, the day belonged to St Andrews’ Tim Moran. His 166 kept the visitors in the hunt, and despite Wandin’s best efforts, the game slipped away in the closing stages. Jason Kneebone (2/74) dismissed Moran with the score on 317, providing a late glimmer of hope, but St Andrews chased down the target with four overs to spare.
It was a tough loss in a high-scoring affair, but there were plenty of positives, including standout performances with the bat. With the competition tightening at the top, Wandin will need to bounce back quickly to maintain their ladder position.
3rd XI: Bowlers Dominate in a Statement Win
Heading down to Yarra Glen, Wandin’s 3rd XI put on a dominant all-round display, dismantling the opposition with both bat and ball.
Bowling first, Trent Richards set the tone with an early wicket before Yarra Glen fought back with a solid partnership. Enter Sam Robinson, who broke the stand in his first over and went on to claim 2 wickets, shifting the momentum back in Wandin’s favour. Aidan Peet continued the charge, dismissing Yarra Glen’s highest scorer and finishing with 2 wickets of his own. However, it was Leigh Curwood who truly stole the show, tearing through the middle and lower order to claim 4 wickets, bowling Yarra Glen out for just 108.
Chasing a modest target, Wandin’s batters wasted no time. Tom Chrisfield (33) got things rolling with an aggressive start at the top, while contributions from Gordo Gosland (13), Shaun Doolan (19), and Brad McKenzie (20) kept the chase moving at a brisk pace. The final touches were applied by the father-son duo of Ralph and Aidan Peet, who ensured Wandin comfortably passed the total in just the 18th over.
This emphatic victory keeps the 3rd XI firmly in the hunt for finals, proving they are hitting form at just the right time.
Looking Ahead: Big Games on the Horizon
1st XI moves up to second place, setting up a blockbuster clash against third-placed Wonga Park next week.
2nd XI will look to regroup after a tough loss, knowing their batting firepower remains a key asset.
3rd XI continues their charge toward finals, with momentum fully on their side.
With just a handful of games left in the season, every match is critical.
