Wandin Cricket Club – Round 1 Match Report 2025/26:
The 2025/26 season opened with an outstanding display of cricket across all Wandin teams.
From thrilling last-ball finishes to dominant bowling performances, Round 1 showcased the depth and determination throughout the club.
With four wins from five matches, including a historic maiden victory for the Women’s 2nd XI, Wandin has laid a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Wandin Men’s 1st XI:
Wandin’s 1st XI opened their season with an away fixture against Yarra Glen.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, the disciplined bowling attack continued their strong form from last year, dismissing Yarra Glen for just 94.
Dan Trebeth struck in the second over before Cal Gordon removed the other opener shortly after.
Wickets were shared around, with Hamish Lamont and Jarrod Dobson each claiming one, while young Rory Vallence continues to develop as a bowler, taking a wicket with his off-spinners.
The star performer was Leigh Thomas, a late call-up on match morning, who tore through the middle order with a superb 4/15 from eight overs.
The run chase started disastrously, with Wandin staring down the barrel of defeat at 7/36.
However, match saver Leigh Thomas rose to the occasion again with 33, while Rory Vallence showed maturity beyond his years, contributing a vital 15.
The pair combined to guide Wandin past Yarra Glen’s total, finishing eight wickets down in a hard-fought victory—a perfect start to the season.
Wandin Women’s 1st XI:
The Women’s 1st XI took on Belgrave Women’s 1st XI for the first round of the 25/26 season.
Belgrave 8/205 defeated Wandin 123.
Bowling first, Belgrave’s strong opening partnership left them 0/118 at drinks, however it was the first wicket from Olivia Edwards that got the momentum going.
With her 4/15, alongside Charlotte Edwards’ 2/11 and Tilly Pearce’s 2/36, the bowling and fielding attack allowed Wandin to have Belgrave 8/205 after the first innings.
Special mention to Chloe Kanally who in her first ever game of cricket bowled 0/19 off 4 overs—an amazing first crack.
Looking to get off to a great start, Audrey Lyons (11) showed her skill alongside Charlotte Edwards (10) as they opened the batting innings.
However Belgrave’s response had us 4/84 at drinks.
Kate Johnstone (32) and Olivia Edwards (25) kept their partnership strong, and saw Wandin compete well against an experienced Belgrave side.
Batting deep into the order, Wandin were unfortunately all out for 123, with Belgrave winning with only a few overs to go.
Wandin Men’s 2nd XI:
Wandin CC secured a commanding victory after Croydon Ranges won the toss and elected to bat first.
The innings got off to a dream start when Mitchell Kogelman struck with a ripping in-swinging delivery in the first over, leaving Croydon Ranges reeling at 1/0.
The wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals as Wandin’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure.
Bailey Padgeham celebrated his first wicket for the club, finishing with 1/19, while Shaun Doolan claimed 2/24 after a change of ends.
Luke Falkingham was economical with 2/14, but the star of the show was Mark Polido, who ripped through the middle order with an impressive 4/29 from his seven overs.
Croydon Ranges were dismissed for just 119 in 25 overs.
Wandin’s chase was clinical and composed.
Luke Falkingham led the way with 22, before Matthew Owens (33 not out) and Miles Rayner (34 not out) guided the team home with an unbeaten partnership.
Wandin cruised to victory inside 16 overs, finishing on 3/124 with seven wickets in hand—a comprehensive performance all around.
Wandin Women’s 2nd XI:
It was a special day regardless of the result but the Wandin Women’s 2nd XI got their first ever win; 2/83 chasing down Croydon Rangers 4/80 after their 20 overs.
Lexi struck early taking her first wicket for the club, caught and bowled with her 2nd ball.
Kerry Peet bowled consistently and ended up with 1/21 (4).
She struck with a great catch from Kim, one of our debutantes.
The next ball Nat Attack grabbed a wicket bowled and ended up with impressive figures of 2/9 (4).
After some great fielding and bowling for the first time by Mel, Rikki and Kim, Croydon Rangers finished on 80.
Energy was high as we began our innings with our mother-daughter opening pair of Kerry and Alannah Peet.
Kerry batted superbly for her highest ever score 24* which included 4 brilliant fours.
KP anchored the innings with an aggressive 36 to give us control of the game early.
Lexi and Kerry P got us over the line for a wonderful first round win.
Wandin Men’s 3rd XI:
The Wandin 3rds began their season at home hosting defending premiers Croydon North.
Sent out to bowl on a picturesque day, Wandin faced early pressure as runs flowed freely from the opposition openers.
Vice captain Trent Richards provided the breakthrough in his fourth over with Croydon North at 1/48.
The star of the bowling attack was debutant Glenn Stubbs, who rattled the batting lineup with 2/37, including a run-out off his own bowling.
Despite these efforts, Croydon North captain Rob Arbuckle’s 72 propelled his side to 211 from 36 overs.
Sam Robinson also bowled well, claiming 2/34.
Wandin’s chase started disastrously at 4/34, but newest life member Brad McKenzie steadied the ship with his trademark cut shots.
He combined brilliantly with Glenn Stubbs in a century partnership, both retiring with half-centuries.
Needing 10 runs per over with six overs remaining, vice captain Trent Richards stepped up with a stunning 38 not out.
In a thrilling finale, the lower order scrambled singles and doubles before Richards smashed the final ball into the bushes to secure victory at 5/215.
A truly remarkable start to the season.
Looking Ahead
Round 1 delivered everything we could have hoped for—thrilling finishes, outstanding individual performances, and a collective team spirit that shines across all grades.
Special congratulations to the Women’s 2nd XI on their historic first win and to all the debutantes who contributed brilliantly.
With momentum building, Wandin heads into Round 2 with confidence and determination.
