By David Marshall
With finals upon us, the stakes have never been higher. Wandin’s Women’s 1st XI fought for a place in the Grand Final, while the 1st XI wrapped up their season in style ahead of their own finals campaign. Here’s how the action played out:
Women’s 1st XI: Gritty Team Effort Secures Grand Final Spot
Finals time for the women’s side, and the intensity was at its peak as Wandin hosted Blackburn in a high-stakes knockout semi-final. Winning the toss, Wandin sent Blackburn into bat, determined to apply early pressure. Blackburn started steadily until Olivia Edwards made the first breakthrough with the score on 15. However, Blackburn’s strong batting lineup built momentum, reaching 58 before Lisa Vanderzee (1/16) claimed a crucial wicket to halt their progress. Another partnership followed, but Wandin’s disciplined bowling restricted their run rate. A sharp run-out further slowed their momentum, and as Blackburn looked to accelerate, Olivia Edwards delivered a game-changing final over, taking three wickets to finish with outstanding figures of 4/19.
Set a target of 137, the chase was a rollercoaster. The run rate was never an issue, but regular wickets kept the game on a knife’s edge. Bee Cuddon helped steady things with a 20-run stand alongside opener Charlotte Edwards, but when Bee fell, Wandin were in a precarious position at 4/42.
Tilly Pearce was promoted up the order to stabilise the innings, and her partnership with Charlotte proved to be the turning point. The pair put on a crucial 68-run stand, shifting momentum back in Wandin’s favour. Tilly’s invaluable 27 ended with the score on 106, but the remaining batters held their nerve to get us over the line, with Nyree George anchoring the innings at the end. Charlotte Edwards was the standout, leading from the front with a brilliant 59—an innings that propelled the team into next week’s Grand Final. A fantastic effort under pressure.
1st XI: Dominant Opening Stand Powers Confidence-Boosting Win
Wandin’s 1st XI faced Montrose at home in the final game of the regular season. While the result wouldn’t affect ladder positions, maintaining winning form ahead of finals was crucial.
Losing the toss, Wandin were sent into the field as Montrose posted a competitive 233. Wickets were shared around, with Taylan Hall (1/32), Callum Gordon (1/40), Dan Trembath (1/31), and Jarrod Dobson (1/23) all keeping things tight. Once again, Rory Vallence bowled exceptionally, finishing with 2/48.
Chasing 234, this was set to be a valuable hit-out for Wandin’s batters before finals. However, only two players were needed to get the job done. Openers Jamie Atkinson (80) and Bryce Edwards made a mockery of the chase, putting on an unbeaten partnership that saw us overhaul Montrose’s total in just the 28th over. Bryce Edwards was simply outstanding, carrying his bat from start to finish with a sensational 131 not out. His remarkable innings, alongside Jamie’s composed 80 not out, ensured Wandin head into finals full of confidence. A dominant performance to finish the season, securing second place on the ladder—equal on points with the top side.
