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February 8th / 9th, 2025.
We're well and truly back into the cricket now for the summer. If last week was about superb fielding performances, this week was about the bowlers! If you've seen the club's 2024/25 honour roll on the website (here), you'll notice it's quite evident how much harder it's been to make the list for bowling, compared to batting and fielding, with only three names so far. Well this week, we've added two new honours to the bowlers' list! Read on below for details.
Thank you to everyone who came down to the clubhouse on Friday for our Summer BBQ. We had a fantastic evening - the weather was perfect, plenty of cricket was being played out on the oval / in the nets and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves after a long week of work, with children back to school! We also had our first session of the new Pop-Up Blast Skills program which looked to be a tonne of fun for all our new kids! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and for those who weren't able to make it, we hope to see you next time! Note, our next event for the season will now be our last - the Presentation Night on Saturday, 3rd May.
*Reminder* Virtual Info Session - Rep Cricket & Transitioning Beyond Junior Cricket
Reminder that next week the club is hosting our virtual info session, "Rep Cricket & Transitioning Beyond Junior Cricket".
This session should be highly useful for all families within the club, especially those with younger players who may not have contemplated rep cricket. The session will provide insights into the system and how to prepare yourself for trials and possible selection. We highly recommend for any age group, girls and boys!
*Free* registration is required - please click HERE to register now.
The dial-in link will be provided for all registered participants - though note only one registration is required per family, so multiple people can join from the same household.
Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports
Performance of the Round
This week, we have a joint Performance of the Round, for two superb bowling performances:
Jack Phillips (U15 White) - Jack collected the match ball in his superb bowling figures of 5 for 13, off 3.4 overs, in his side's win over Concord Briars on Saturday - his first ever 5-for! Well done Jack!
Archer Hudson (U13 Gold) - HAT TRICK! Archer earns his 'POTR' in a slightly more unusual way - with a 'split-round' hat trick - and all three wickets were 'bowled'! Archer took the final two wickets in last week's game vs Concord Briars, then completed the rare feat with a cracking delivery on the first ball of his spell vs Easts Cheetahs on Sunday! Figures for both weeks: 2 for 1 (off 0.5) and 2 for 1 (off 2.1). We have a video available of the hat trick ball: click here!
Highlights
Plenty of other individual performances for the week to share:
Fred Werner-Gibbings (U10 Black) - 2 run outs, 1 catch
Rafael Mayes (U10 White) - 3 for 3 (2 overs)
Grayson Cranny (U12 Gold) - 3 run outs
Ronav Auti (U13 Black) - 3 for 5 (4 overs)
Carmen Winter (U13 Girls) - 2 run outs, 1 catch
Elizabeth Coughlin (U15 Girls) - 34* (40 balls), 3 fours, 2 sixes
Henry Wakeling (U17 Black) - 67 (57), 8 fours, 2 sixes
Ethan Stout (U17 Black) - 3 for 12 (5.2 overs)
Bede Russell (U17 White) - 3 for 14 (5.1 overs), 2 catches
Match Reports
This week features some close games, brilliant team results (including a first win!) and incredible spirit - we are Leichhardt Wanderers through and through!
U13 Gold: LWCC (5-154) def. Easts Cheetahs (40)
It was another comfortable win for the Wanderers. Again we batted first. Our top five faced 20 balls or more, ensuring the runs accumulated steadily. The lower order upped the strike rate taking the innings total to 154. Notable contributions were by Jacob 21 (20), Larsen 18 (20) and Conor 37 (18).
The bowling was excellent and some difficult catches were taken. There was a measly 8 wides and 1 no ball in the entire innings. Kurtis set the standard early with his 3 overs for 3 runs (including 2 maidens). Conor, Archer and James each bagged 2 wickets in tidy spells. James’ leg spin was particularly impressive and the best bowling of the day.
The biggest thrill, however, came after Archer’s first ball when he COMPLETED HIS HAT TRICK. His figures last week were of 2-1 off 0.5 overs, including 2 wickets (bowled) taken in the last 2 balls of the game. The first ball this week hit top of off, sending the bails and team in to hysterics. His figures were 2-1 off 2.1 overs. Well done Wanderer and well deserved. This achievement was earned through all of his extra training and hard work.
U15 White Team: LWCC (3-168) def. Concord Briars White (9-104)
Our best game of the season for U15 White at Edwards Oval. A really tough ground to score runs so a win and total of 168 runs was an awesome achievement. Speaking of awesome, a huge congratulations to our super star Jack Phillips who bowled 5-13 off 3.4 overs... certainly a memorable and proud moment for Jack. Another highlight of the bowling this week was Nick Mabbott's opening spell of 0-3 off 3 overs. Highlights of the batting innings included another strong opening performance from Beau Williams (11*) followed by Vinnie Gardiner (30*), Bede Russell (23*) and Keshav Sachdev (27*). Will Berkelmans scored 28 runs and backed up with a great bowling performance of 2-6 off 3 overs. Lots of energy and running in the field by everyone with Willem Nelson the stand out saving a number of singles in the ring early on. Well done to U15 White... bring on round 12 back at Edwards.
U11 Girls Gold: LWCC (126) def. Summer Hill CC Blue (92)
The new U11 Gold team played their first game today and had a solid 30 run win over Summer Hill. Our captain won the toss and we batted on a very hot Saturday afternoon at Blackmore. We have 4 new girls, and one of the them, Juno top scored. All the other girls chipped in, especially Emilie Benn and Mihrimah Clarke. Not a single of our girls were bowled or caught today. We posted a solid 126 from 20 overs.
Our bowling was excellent, led by Emily Moore with 4 overs 2-10. Sisters Izzy and Luci Mann both took a wicket in their first ever game of cricket. Juno and Charlotte kept wicket well and we restricted Summer Hill to 92.
A nice win and a great start to the post-Christmas season.
U10 White: LWCC (116) def. Concord Briars Blue (105)
Finally the planets, stars, galaxies and perhaps even the flow of the tide aligned and the mighty U10 Whites brought home a much deserved W! 1 in a row! After an erratic Thursday training session in which more balls went on top of the net than hit the stumps, positions in the side were in jeopardy. But alas our superstars won the toss courtesy of a stunning bat flip by captain Adam Spurrs and sent the opposition in on a freshly fertilised (organic) Blackmore wicket. A masterful captains decision by young Adam. And didn’t the bowlers and fielders respond in kind with 8 wickets and 6 run outs from the lads with highlights including two terrific C&B’s from Maxwell Anderson, a sharp screamer in the gully from Leon Hughes, a pair of ‘calm as you like’ run outs from the ever cool Jake Woolsey, a direct hit run out 10m away for Finn Gadsby (now being emphasised at school as from 40m out) and a career best 3 for 3 off 2 from Rafi Mayes supported by Xavier Vulics’ 2 for 9. Everything just stuck and the lads were chasing down 73 at the turn on innings and confidence was high.
With plenty of spirited calculations flying in from the dugout over the space of our run chase, again Maxwell Anderson and Axel Frew kept their heads and played within the V to keep out some hostile bowling from the oppositions speed demon. Special mention to Frank Jansen who had his most impressive innings in the middle order with fantastic running between the wickets, only one reverse lap shot and a few well timed drives back over mid on. The boys got home with an 11-run, never in doubt (sometimes it was) victory and the celebrations I’m sure are still reverberating across both sides of the M4.
I worry for the side we run into this week off they momentum that the U10 Whites will carry into Saturday.
U13 Girls: LWCC (3-97) def. Marrickville (8-96)
Great game for the girls - and another win! Marrickville batted first, and our bowling was very good with very few extras - Charlotte with another excellent spell - 0-0 (2)! Sofia R bowled an impressive 2/8 (3) plus a run out, and another excellent throw to run out another player; and Connie’s figures of 1-9 (3) were equally as impressive. Eva and Sofia C bowled beautifully too and were unlucky not to get a wicket each. Our fielding was generally impressive and tight. Zoe and Carmen were both great behind the stumps; Carmen very capably filling in after Zoe was injured, with 2 run outs and a caught behind! Sharanya bowled another player out with an absolutely cracking ball (plus a great run out), and we bowled Marrickville out and went into bat.
It was a slow start to our innings but our careful batting made the difference in the end. Charlotte top scored with 20* (15), Connie with another solid 14* (21), Sharanya also 14 (28), and Cate 7* (16). Zoe bravely batted too despite her injury and was 2* (15). It went down to the last over but our considered and skilled cricket won on the day. Well done team!
U13 White: LWCC (6-84) def. Concord Briars Black (80)
What a nail biter! A gutsy and determined win by our boys against a high-flying Briars team that probably approached this game with a bit of complacency. Briars won the toss and elected to bat, which put us out in the field for the hottest part of the day, on a typically slow Greenlees outfield that needed a mow.
Our bowling was the most consistent display we’ve seen all season, with every bowler delivering good line and length, with very few bad balls for the Briars batters to pick off. Wickets were picked up by Oli, Darcy, Jack, Anton & Harry, but all our bowlers kept the pressure on and the intensity in the field was there to match. We effected three run outs, with excellent throws by Harry, Conor and Darcy, with Yoris taking the bails for all three, whilst Eamon, Darcy and Jack all took nice catches. This Briars team usually likes to ‘reverse’ their order with their stronger batters at the end, however our bowling never let up and they never got going, being dismissed for only 80 runs by the 23rd over.
Whilst a modest total to chase, the long grass would always play a part in our batting innings – we would need to take our singles, push for twos and find the odd boundary. Add to this the desperation of the bowling team, trying to get in our batters’ minds with plenty of chirp from the field. Darcy & Conor made valuable contributions early before a string of wickets saw us five down with just over half the runs in the book. However, a number of boys stood up under pressure and showed the fighting spirit we’ve come to know from this team. Hard-fought innings from Oli, Anton, Harry and Jack, inched us ever closer to the total. However, it was a slow grind, as several maidens saw us score only three runs in five overs, before the returning Darcy was able to find a two, followed by a winning boundary, to seal the result – much to the delight of the players and relief of the onlooking families!
Finally, a second win for U13 Whites - not only much needed but well deserved and well earned – and a true team effort, with everyone playing their part in an exciting victory!
The winning moment in the following photo!
U15 Gold: LWCC (69) def. by Syd Coastal Stingers (5-71)
It’s been a tough start to the summer season with two losses but it was a welcome return for Lachie and Liam who both featured in the highlights reel with Lachie taking two wickets and Liam top scoring with 16 runs.
A stunning one handed catch from Henry F.
Bowling from Henry F and captain Ryan’s was very economical and they were both rewarded with wickets.
Despite setting a low target for the Stingers, we didn’t drop our heads. Our fielding has improved greatly on last year. The run out being a good example of team work.
Zane’s aggressive batting was good to see and I’m hoping others in our mid to low order will take note. He scored 5 not out.
They were a good bowling side but we know we can set higher targets. We are not far away from a win if we all contribute. Top order to lay the platform, bottom order to be bold, play without fear and learn from the experience. There’s no shame in getting out playing a full shot.
U17 Black: LWCC (136) def. Randwick Juniors CC Phoenix (131)
A very late burst of devastating fast bowling from U17 Black clinched one of the most memorable results in the team’s eight-year history. It looked like it was all over for Leichhardt when Phoenix needed 11 runs from 42 balls to win, with 4 wickets in hand, but captain Leo then handed the ball to Ethan and Asher. Asher kept it tight and took a crucial wicket and Ethan’s three wickets for two runs in three overs brought the most unlikely of victories, by just five runs.
Earlier, it was only Henry’s magnificent 67 runs that meant that Leichhardt could set any batting target at all. The rest of the batters struggled to master the uneven Marrickville pitch; Ethan’s 15 from 14 balls being the second top score. Immense credit, however, also goes to Finn and Elijah for their patient and measured contributions; a batsman can only score runs if he has a partner to stay with him. In response, Phoenix always looked like favourites in chasing the target of 136 but some disciplined bowling and fielding, led by Oli’s outstanding figures of 2-11 from 6 overs, kept hope alive. Will and Fraser combined for a smart stumping to stop the Phoenix’s star batter taking the game away from Leichhardt at a vital time, and set the scene for the grandstand finish and famous win.
U10 Black: LWCC (186) def. RHH Pirates Treasures (126)
Congratulations team for another win. 11 wins from 11 games. This game we were pushed. After sending the team into bat on a ridiculously short oval it was hard to protect the rope with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. However, our bowling was good, and fielding was excellent. Fredrick Werner-Gibbings makes the honour board again with 2 run outs and a catch and backing up with a wicket. Ryan Petkovich had an outstanding couple of wickets with figures of 2 overs, 2 wickets for 10 runs and nil extras.
The difference between the teams was our sensible batting. A magnificent 24 not out off 13 balls including 3 boundaries and a 6 by Emmett Hudson was our top scorer, but this week we challenged our batters to not get out and lose 4 runs per wicket. And it was terrific. The team only lost one wicket and that was to a ripping catch. Considering the Pirates had some of the competitions best bowlers a shout out to Zane Henderson and Henry Radford for playing straight and keeping some very fast bowlers at bay.
As the coach, the best part about the game to me was when the opposition coach, said “that we have a lovely bunch of respectful boys that play hard and fair”. BOOM! (Hats off to you, coach! - CH)
U17 White: LWCC (9-129) def. Randwick Juniors CC Ravens (109)
Catches Win Matches: Leichhardt’s Fielding Masterclass Secures Victory
It’s a well-worn cricket cliché, but yesterday proved its truth: catches win matches. Leichhardt’s sharp fielding, with no fewer than seven catches, sealed a stunning win against a formidable Randwick side.
Sent in to bat on a tricky pitch that kept low at times, the team posted a competitive 9-129. Contributions came from Quinlan B (20), Kabir S (24), Ewan M (20), and Jack C (27), ensuring a solid total against a dangerous opposition.
Randwick boasts several powerful hitters and a quick scoring rate, but Leichhardt had their measure. Every bowler bar one claimed a wicket, with standout performances from Bede R (5.1 overs, 3-14), Keshav S (4 overs, 2-8), and Peyton BF, who put the brakes on with a tight spell of 5 overs for just 15 runs.
However, it was the fielding that stole the show. Not a single chance went down, the commitment to saving runs was unwavering, and captain Nick W set excellent field placements.
Two catches deserve special mention. Quinlan B, with his uncanny knack for snaffling sharp chances, made a brilliant reflex grab, one moment the ball was flying, the next it was in his hands. Then came Bede R with what could be the catch of the year: sprinting in from deep square, sun in his eyes, diving full stretch, and somehow holding on. Simply breathtaking.
In the end, Leichhardt bowled out Randwick to claim a 20-run victory. On a scorching afternoon and an unpredictable wicket, the lads can take immense pride in a hard-fought and well-earned win.
U10 Red: LWCC (111) def. RHH Pirates Black Beards (85)
A close game that LWCC U10 Red only looked to take hold of in the last few overs….
An emotional day for the team as they say goodbye to Henry, who will be donning the pads for St. Pat’s next week. Captain for the day, Henry stepped up to make the call on the tossing of the bat (flat or mountain)! Fielding first the LWCC Reds made a very good start, restricting the Pirates to a slow run rate. Once again, the wickets were shared out amongst the team: Jeremy (2), Rohan (1) with a great delivery taking out middle stump, Archie (1), Patrick (1) and Sam Kelliher ending up with figures of 3 overs for 1 wicket, 1 maiden and 4 runs only! This week it was catching in the field, rather than run outs, that made the difference, with Finn taking one behind the wickets and Patrick taking 2 and would have been 3 if a no ball wasn’t called! The team could be happy with their fielding, knowing that if they didn’t give away any cheap wickets that the run chase was on…..
As the season goes on we are starting to see more development in technique in the batting shots. Special mention to Patrick (12) with a number of sweep shots connecting and earning one four for his efforts. Alex and Finn were keen to run between wickets whenever the opportunity arose. As the scores were tied in the later stages, captain Henry showed a cool head partnering both Sam (top scoring with 16) and Archie (10) home. As the game was won the crowed could relax and enjoy the last ball of the game being struct for four!!! A second victory in a row sees the team once again move up the leader board!!
A hot day for all, especially for Henry’s dog, who was unable to rehydrate with the lack of filtered water or Pellegrino on offer….
The team gathered for a victory photo and to say farewell and good luck to Henry!!
U13 Black: LWCC (134) def. by RHH Pirates Swashbucklers (6-135)
Not everything goes to plan. You would think 134 might have been enough, but ultimately we down to the Swashbucklers. A team we have beaten before, but on this occasion we didn’t score enough runs. Some notable mentions - Harry Condon opened the batting and was able to see off 51 balls for his 16, only being run out in a desperate last over attempt to add to the total. Solid efforts from Harrison (17), Austin (17), Noah (18) and some lusty scoring from Sam Spiller with his lovely new bat by DSC 26 (31).
So we set to defend 134. We thought we could, but they found gaps in our defence. Pushed the ball past the fielders, gained some umpiring favouritism, and found some ways to get the run rate above 5 an over. Our bowlers toiled - in particular Ronav Auti 3 for 5 off 4 overs. Wickets to Linus Starkoff and Austin Kelly, the total was chase down in 25.3 overs. We will prevail next time, good attitude from all players. Great team, thanks boys :)
Finally for this week, those in attendance at Blackmore on Friday may have spotted our updated cricket honours board in the clubhouse. We look forward to adding to the board for 2024/25!
Cheers!
Chris Hudson
LWCC President
We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!