By David Marshall
As the season nears its crucial final stretch, our teams put on some outstanding performances this week, with thrilling finishes, disciplined bowling, and vital wins that set Wandin up for a strong push into finals. Here’s how the action unfolded:
1st XI: Dominant Bowling Display Secures Home Final
After last week’s late-order fightback gave Wandin something to defend, the Dogs knew they had to bring their A-game to day two. What followed was one of the most disciplined bowling and fielding efforts Wandin have produced this season.
Wonga Park resumed at 21 and started solidly until Dan Trembath (2/28) struck with the first wicket at 40, then followed up in his next over. When Cal Gordon claimed his first wicket for the club, the pressure mounted on Wonga. Jarrod Dobson (2/19) then tightened the screws, breaking through the middle order to leave them reeling at 6/85.
With Wandin’s fielding sharp all day, Taylan Hall (1/12) and Dave Marshall (1/2) chipped in before Cal Gordon returned to clean up the tail, finishing with an outstanding 4/25 from 17 overs. A superb all-round team effort secured the win and, crucially, sealed 2nd place and a home semi-final. With one game left, their focus now shifts to maintaining momentum heading into finals.
Women’s 1st XI: Tense Last-Over Win Secures Top Spot
A top-of-the-table clash against Kilsyth was always going to be a tough battle, and this one did not disappoint. A win would guarantee Wandin first place for finals, regardless of next week’s result.
Winning the toss and bowling first, Wandin’s attack was relentless. Tilly Pearce’s continued improvement paid off as she tore through the top order, taking 3/16 and leaving Kilsyth struggling at 3/18. Charlotte Edwards struck soon after, and when Lisa Vanderzee (1/10) claimed a crucial wicket, Kilsyth was in deep trouble at 5/38. They fought back, but Charlotte (2/29) and Olivia Edwards (2/13) ensured Wandin restricted them to a modest 104.
Wandin’s chase started well, with Charlotte and Gayle Burgi providing a solid foundation. Unfortunately, Gayle had to retire hurt on 17, bringing Bee Cuddon to the crease. The runs started flowing until Bee fell at 1/66. Olivia joined her sister Charlotte, and Wandin looked in control. Charlotte lost her wicket after scoring a crucial 41 to have Wandin at 2/80, just 26 runs from victory.
But in classic Kilsyth fashion, they refused to go down without a fight. A sudden middle-order collapse saw Wandin slump to 9/99, needing just 6 runs to avoid a heartbreaking loss. With tension at an all-time high, Gayle bravely returned to the crease with a runner. First ball—pulled for a boundary off a no-ball giving Wandin 5 runs to tie the scores. Next ball—single. Game over.
A thrilling, nerve-wracking win and an incredible team performance.
2nd XI: Tough Loss, But Finals Spot Locked In
Resuming at 8/145, Wandin needed the lower order to push the total higher. Unfortunately, they could only add 18 runs before being bowled out for 166. With multiple players making starts but none going on to a big score, it was always going to be tough to defend. Wandin’s bowlers made Boronia work for their win, with Julian Polido (1/25) and Hamish Lamont (1/25) taking a couple of wickets. But Boronia eventually chased down the total comfortably. Despite the loss, finals are locked in for the 2nd XI. A strong finish next week will set them up for a deep run once back at full strength.
3rd XI: Must-Win Victory Keeps Finals Dream Alive
Still mathematically in the finals race, every game is do-or-die. Facing Yarra Glen at home, Wandin chose to bat first and set a strong platform. Tom Chrisfield (52*) and Gordo Gosland (53*) got Wandin off to a flying start, with Peter Vaughan (31) continuing the momentum. When they lost the first wicket at 155, Wandin were in a commanding position. Contributions from Miles Rayer (32) and Archie Brown (14*) saw the side post a competitive 225.
Trent Richards (1/22) struck early, but it was Blake Chrisfield (6/25) who stole the show, tearing through Yarra Glen’s lineup with a stunning 6-wicket haul, leaving them in tatters at 7/50. A late partnership threatened to make things interesting, but in his first game for the club, ‘Burnsy’ stepped up, taking a wicket with his very first ball and judging by the video footage much to the surprise and enjoyment of his teammates. Pete Vaughan (2/1) then wrapped up the innings in style. Another must-win game looms against 2nd-placed Powelltown.
Club Wrap-Up
With finals around the corner, Wandin’s teams are showing grit, determination, and the ability to win the big moments. Congratulations to all players for their efforts this week.
