Wanderers Cricket - Round 12 Wrap

leichhardtcricket
15 hours ago
30 min read

February 14th / 15th, 2026.

Winter Olympics fever is gripping the nation, as Australia is having its 'best ever' campaign at Milano Cortina. (So far, 3x gold, 1x silver and 1x bronze - not bad for the world's driest inhabited continent, with 70% of its land classed as arid or desert!). What resonates most with me are the stories from the athletes and their families. The athletes all speak about the spark that was ignited when they discovered their chosen sport, and the pride they have competing for their nation - medal or not. Furthermore, they talk of the sacrifices their families make, whilst their families all talk of the sacrifices the athletes make! These athletes are all extremely determined people, with an incredible work ethic - and often they can only reach the pinnacle of their sport with an incredible support network around them.

This underscores the importance of junior sport and the role we all play as part of it. For many kids, the spark of cricket starts here and now. As families, we are all fostering that spark in some capacity. That spark can ignite to become a true love for the game. Whilst it's rare to reach the pinnacle of any sport - let alone cricket - our passion for the game, and simply being part of it, can be the most important thing. This applies if you play park cricket on a Saturday afternoon, or find yourself putting out the boundary cones early on a Sunday morning, or peacefully standing at square leg for hours on end, umpiring your kids and their friends!

Closer to home, we have another bumper round of Wanderers' cricket stories to share. This week there is a plethora of highlights - not just the scores listed below but all throughout our teams' match reports. We especially love the acts of sportsmanship, such as players filling in for other teams - and not just for the Wanderers but even other clubs, against their own team! This is what junior cricket is all about: priority number one is getting on the park in the first place.

But we can't go past mentioning the fact that our club recorded three hat-tricks over the weekend! These are our first hat-tricks for the season, and they all came in one day! Special!

Before we get to 'Around the Grounds', LWCC has a big announcement....

.... as we officially launch: Pitch Perfect - Girls Cricket Academy

This is an exciting new initiative launched by our great club in conjunction with Cricket NSW, designed for our girls to develop their cricket skills over the off-season.

All details can be found on the dedicated page - click the image below.

Or.... open our flyer below and share with your friends!

Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports

Performance of the Round

John O'Connell (U12 Red) - John produced a superb spell and amazingly took three 'bowled' wickets from the first three balls of his first spell for the day, to claim his HAT-TRICK! He later went on to claim the final wicket of the innings LBW, to earn two Honour Roll spots for the hat-trick and the four-fa, finishing with figures of 4 for 11 off 3.1 overs (and a catch!).

Highlights

Nellie Wood (U11 Girls Red) - 3 for 11 (off 4); 2x run-outs
Alexis Harrison (U11 Girls Red) - 3x run-outs Honour Roll
Cate Timpany (U13 Girls) - 2 for 9 (off 2)
Arjun Shanmugam (U8 White) - 5 for 7 (off 3) Honour Roll
Asher Beetson (U9 White) - 3 for 6 (off 2) HAT-TRICK Honour Roll
Benjamin Beetson (U9 White) - 4 for 4 (off 2) Honour Roll
Frederick Werner-Gibbings (U10 Black) - 18* (off 15), 1x six; 2 for 8 (off 3)
Luca Houston (U10 White) - 17* (off 20), 3x fours; 2 for 15 (off 4)
Harvey Bean (U11 Gold) - 3 for 10 (off 3)
Elliot Hughes (U12 Gold) - 4 for 6 (off 4) Honour Roll
Archer Hudson (U13 White) - 69* (off 58), 10x fours, 1x six Honour Roll
Oliver Stoddart (U13 White) - 39 (off 39), 3x fours
James Lezes (U13 White) - 21* (off 39), 2x fours; 1x run out, 1x catch
Tanish Kandpal (U13 Black) - 27 (off 32), 4x fours; 2 for 15 (off 3)
Nevaan Singh (U15 Black) - 20 (off 23), 2x fours, 1x six; 2x catches
Oliver Lista (U17 Black) - 37 (off 15), 1x four, 4x sixes
Gus Cassim (U17 Black) - 63 (off 36), 6x fours, 2x sixes Honour Roll
Adam Blasi (U17 Black) - 61 (off 40), 2x fours, 5x sixes Honour Roll
Bede Russell (U17 Black) - 3 for 7 (off 6)
Edward Smith (U17 White) - 25 (off 43); 1x catch, 2x run-outs Honour Roll
Frazer Tapia (U17 White) - 33 (off 60), 2x fours
Sahil Vellani (Senior D Grade) - 4 for 29 (off 6), HAT-TRICK Double Honour Roll
Liam Schurr (Senior B Grade) - 3 for 6 (off 3)

*James Lezes, Archer Hudson & Oliver Stoddart from U13 White*

Match Reports

U11 Girls Red – LWCC (6-102) def. by Randwick Sixers (7-112)

U11 Girls had a tough match up with Randwick on Saturday and with just six players on the field, we expected a big challenge. Randwick won the toss and put LWCC into bat, and the team batted confidently to reach 102 in their 20 overs. Nellie and Charlotte hit 7 and 6 respectively and everyone got on the scoresheet, with some excellent running between the wickets.

102 was always going to be tough to defend against a strong batting line up and the team put in the performance of the season, taking an astonishing 13 wickets in total. Nellie took 3-11 off her four overs and compounded that with two direct-hit run-outs. Charlotte took 2-14 and there were wickets for Lexi and Susie too. Both Lyla and Lexi kept brilliantly, with Lexi adding 3 run-outs from behind the stumps. The girls recognise every wicket with a player pile-on and the celebratory injuries were starting to stack up by the close of play.

Alas, this Herculean effort was not quite enough to get us across the line with Randwick ending on 112 to run out as winners by 10 runs. An excellent effort from the Reds with lots to look forward to across the remainder of the season.

U13 Girls – LWCC (6-46) def. by Carss Park Royals (0-48)

The U13 girls drove half way to Melbourne to play Carss Park!

Emily won another toss and batted first against a very strong Carss Park team. The team was under instructions to bat the full 20 overs and not get out. They may have listened the coach too much! We did that, but only made 46 runs! Karthika and Emily top scored and batted well. Emily was not out at the end, despite a suicidal 2 byes off the final ball. Carss Park bowled really well and exploited a tricky ridge in the pitch.

When we bowled, everyone did well but we didn’t have enough runs to defend.

Another good game against a great bunch of kids.

S3 Girls - LWCC (5-58) def. by Concord Briars Gold (4-118)

Conditions were good, though the outfield had clearly decided it was in no rush today. The team arrived confident after another slick training session on Thursday and were ready to roll.

We bowled first and had a Briars line up packed with representative players on the ropes early, reeling at 4-40. Cate was the standout, claiming 2 wickets and coming agonisingly close to a hat trick, while Aditi and Carmen chipped in with one each. To their credit, the Briars batters showed plenty of class late in the innings, finding the boundary through the long grass to finish strongly.

Our fielding was outstanding, highlighted by three sharp catches to Charlotte, Aditi and Carmen — clear evidence that Thursday night training is paying off.

Chasing 118, Wanderers got off to a solid start with Lila and Charlotte showing plenty of grit while defending the castle in a composed opening stand. Connie and Carmen - the 'Double C Show' - both retired after busy innings. With tight running and grass tall enough to lose a small dog, scoring was never easy.

Aditi almost cleaned up Connie’s dad with some powerful warm up hitting and carried that same intent to the crease, with skipper Bella following suit. We batted out our allocated overs but ultimately fell short of the target.

Credit to all the girls, who once again displayed tremendous team spirit and delivered another very credible performance.

A special mention to Zoe, who showed selfless leadership by filling in for the opposition so the game could go ahead. She was rewarded with an excellent caught behind as keeper and a wicket - a great all round contribution.

Result: Briars 4-118 defeated Wanderers 5-59 in a high quality game of junior cricket, played with skill, spirit and plenty of smiles by both teams

U8 White - LWCC 3/129 def. North Ryde Rockets (9/80)

The wet conditions overnight on Friday didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the U8 White, up against the North Ryde Rockets for the second time this season. Both teams had a chance to show how they've developed their skills since they last played each other at the very start of the season, when the Wanderers came away with a win in a high-scoring match with plenty of dismissals.

The Rockets won the toss and put the Wanderers in to bat, with some tight bowling keeping the opening pair of Austen and Alfie to 16 runs. The boys were clever with their batting calls and running between the wickets, and the runs started to flow as the innings progressed with Oliver and Liam notching 33 runs as a pair, and Arjun's pair (batting one over with each other Wanderer) scoring 32 runs. Liam was the highest run scorer on the day with another big hitting innings and 37 runs without dismissal.

The Wanderers posted 81 with the bat in total, and went into the field after the break knowing that jelly snakes alone couldn't keep the Rockets at bay - they would have to take wickets and stop boundaries. And that they did..

The Wanderers kept the first batting pair to only 5 runs off their 4 overs, with 3 maiden overs to Arjun, Alfie (wicket-maiden) and Oliver (double-wicket-maiden and 2-13 for the day). Arjun was deadly accurate (and quick!) in his second spell, with a 4-wicket-maiden that left the Rockets with a lot of work to do: 7-9 at the halfway point in their innings. Arjun finished with a superb 5-7 off 3 overs, a season-best for the Wanderers!

The Rockets fought back with a lot of courage. The second batting pair finished with 27 runs after their slow start, and the final pair scored a further 33 runs. Both pairs would have made more of the run chase if it wasn't for some terrific fielding displays from the Wanderers, including a 'highlight reel' run-out from Liam and Oliver: Liam, fielding at deep mid-on, scooped up a well hit on-drive and fired a low, flat bullet-of-a-throw to wicket-keeper Oliver who collected the ball cleanly on the full, just above the stumps, whipping off the "bails" before the running batters could comprehend what had happened. Incredible to watch!

The final tally saw the Wanderers 3-126 def the Rockets 9-80. Well done Wanderers!

U9 Derby - LWCC White (95) def. LWCC Black (71)

After a few weeks on the road, Wanderers White were excited and ready for a home game at Blackmore oval. It was even more special to be playing Wanderers Black in a local derby.

White were missing some serious star power with the Crittenden brothers away down the coast… but it was a great chance for the rest of the team to step up, and for all batsmen to have 4 over pairs and for every bowler to get two overs each. Black won the toss and decided to have a bowl to take advantage of a bit of light overnight rain.

Asher and Conor opened the innings for White; scoring was a bit tricky early as Black’s opening bowlers were tremendous, and they had the ball skidding through quickly off the surface. But the two ‘young guns’ from White soon found their rhythm, and they put on a nice opening partnership of 0/12.

The next pair brought us ‘the long and the short of it’, with Freddy reuniting with his old batting partner Archie. They shared an awesome 26 run partnership, with Archie getting off the mark with a flying edge for four, before reeling off another handful of boundaries through the covers, including 2 powerplay 8’s. Great batting!

Benji and Tilly came in next… they both had their best batting performance of the year with an amazing partnership of 0-22. A big shout-out to Tilly, who’s running between the wickets was unbelievable… Benji and Tilly ran the first ‘3’ of the year as well as multiple 1’s and 2’s thanks to some great loud calls and speedy leg-work. Amazing! Benji’s lofted straight drive for 8 was also a very classy shot.

Overall, Black had kept things super tight, and White finished up on 3-60… it would take a huge bowling performance to defend that total… could they do it?

Conor took the new cherry to open the bowling, and as usual, he attacked the stumps with every ball. Asher then stepped up to bowl the second over, hitting middle stump with the fourth ball of his spell. His very next ball was even more lethal, hitting the top of off stump! The atmosphere at Blackmore was electric as he stood at the top of his mark on a hat-trick….. Asher couldn't have bowled a better delivery, hitting the top of middle to claim "the Hattie”!! It was a very special moment, and the whole team ran in to celebrate… well done Asher!

Wanderers Black refused to roll over, staging a huge comeback in the middle overs… White kept bowling some great balls, but Ethan and Hamish kept finding a way to score with some expert loud calls, great backing up and great running which at one point saw them hustle their way to 12 consecutive singles in a great partnership. Very well done.

Archie, Conor, Freddy and Tilly all bowled some great balls, keeping things tight… but it was Benji was really having a ‘day out’, hitting stumps twice in both his first and last overs to finish with the incredible figures of 4-4! Wow!

There was nothing in this game with Black scoring 56 vs White’s 60… in the end the 7 wickets from the Beetson brothers had made the difference for Wanderers White. Batting wasn’t the easiest today with the wet deck, but all players from both sides should be super-proud of how they played.

It was a really fun morning for the kids and parents alike, and thanks Wanderers Black for a great game.

U9 Red - LWCC (111) def. Concord Briars Gold (35)

It was a wet start to the day on Saturday with U9 Red away to the Concord Briars U8 Gold at St Lukes Park, Concord.

U9 Red were put into bat and had a steady start to the innings. With U8 Gold being a younger team and their first year of cricket, there were some challenging bowling to deal with and a number of free hits throughout the innings but good on Briars to continue to play with enthusiasm and encouragement (this was us last year). With a very thick and wet outfield hitting fours was a challenge as well. Mateo scored 6 in his innings with a few stopping short of the boundary, Teddy again had a solid game with 10 runs when batting. Ollie and Bodhi were next in and really kicked the innings on with Ollie scoring 18 of his 10 balls and Bodhi another 19. Drew hit a timely 6, Frankie 7 and Hudson once again anchored the innings well with a well-timed 15.

It was then U9 Reds turn to bowl, and they made this incredibly difficult for U8 Gold to score. Ollie started the innings with a maiden and Bodhi followed this up with only 1 run scored off his over. Drew took a wicket and conceded only 2 runs off his first over and Mateo took a wicket and bowled two maidens across his two. Ollie took a wicket in his second as did Bodhi who also took two excellent catches to rightly earn the man of the match award as well. Frankie also took a wicket in his second over. Overall, this was an excellent bowling display that took the game away from Briars with 6 wickets taken in the end.

Final score was 111 to LWCC U9 Red to 35 for Briars U8 Gold. U9 Red now move to 11 wins and one loss for the season with an enthralling derby game for round 13 scheduled against LWCC U9 White at Blackmore Oval on Saturday.

U10 Derby - LWCC Black (6-120) def. by LWCC White (7-141)

Derby day at Blackmore!

It was a nice change to have a cool and overcast morning and Ryan decided the wet ground was ripe for batting on.

Ryan and Louis started off with a solid opening partnership, keeping out some accurate bowling and increasing the intensity from last week with quick singles. Zane and Reuben followed and continued the solid batting and upped the scoring rate. Only 1 wicket down at a good run rate put us in a position for a strong score after the first 10 overs.

Someone put something in the drinks break watermelon and the accurate bowling from the opposition started to bear fruit with a string of wickets with some over confident shot playing and questionable shot selection. Luckily, between the wickets the quick singles kept coming and the score kept ticking over.

Total score off the bat of 97 for the loss of 8 wickets. Reuben top scored with 19 followed by Fred with 18 including the first 6 of the season!

The bowling this week was a huge improvement. Bas and Ryan both bowled accurately up front, bagging a wicket each. Fred and Tommy both bowled particularly well, getting a couple of wickets each with Fred learning accuracy is more important than pace!

Big shoutout to Bas, Hux and Louis for putting the learnings from training into action. Also to Zane for trying out his leg spin in a match for the first time.

Our Leichhardt brethren kept the score ticking over with some clean hitting, but Reuben and Hux finished with some accurate bowling to sneak across the line.

It was a nail biting finish to a close game played in good spirits by both Wanderers teams. So good to see such great camaraderie across both groups of boys!

U10 Red - LWCC (14-114) def. by Pirates Buccaneers (3-222)

It was a challenging day for the U10 Red in our top-of-the-table clash with the Pirates. Captain Luca won the toss and chose to bowl, but the Pirates’ strong batting line-up proved difficult to contain early. We managed to pull the run rate back through accurate bowling from Jude and Will, with Will picking up our first wicket in the eighth over. Jack T then lifted the team with a stunning run out just before the drinks break to keep our spirits high.

After the break, Luca struck in the first over, followed quickly by Jack E, who earned just rewards for his recent hard work at training with the day’s best figures of 1-12. Jude then produced a special direct-hit run out to keep the pressure on, while Lucy bowled a very tidy over that helped stem the flow of runs at an important time. Despite these efforts, a few streaky boundaries late in the innings meant the Pirates posted a very challenging total.

We knew we would need to be aggressive with the bat to stay in the chase. Will showed the way immediately, hitting his first two balls to the boundary on his way to our top score of 15. He and Luca both tried to put pressure back on the Pirates with positive intent and attacking shots. Jude and Lucy worked hard to keep us in the contest heading into the drinks break, but an outstanding spell from one of the Pirates just after the break made the chase very tough from there.

Jack T and Jack E battled hard to the end, with Jack E’s running between the wickets a real highlight, including some brave byes when the ball went straight to the keeper along with two well-struck boundaries.

In the end, the Pirates were too strong on the day, making it one win each between what are shaping as the top two teams in the competition. Matches like this are part and parcel of cricket, and the Reds will regroup, keep improving, and be ready to bounce back next week.

Player-of-the-Mach went to Jack E, who showed the value of sustained effort at training, leading the way with fast bowling, powerful batting, and excellent running between the wickets.

U11 Gold - LWCC (5-84) def. by Pirates Mariners (5-135)

Last Saturday we took on the second-best team in our competition, in much cooler, damper conditions at Callan Park.

Looking to send the opposition in to bat, was not to be for Captain Jack B as the Pirates won the toss and sent us into bat, knowing the outfield would be wet and slow. Captain Jack B and Joe G opened the batting for us and were steady in their approach, not conceding any wickets against their top line attack. Then it was Ben T and Reef R’s turn at the crease and again both batsmen were stout in their defence of their wicket. Reef R did get bowled but was solid with one of his best batting performances this season. Soon Rory R and Jonah P came into bat and again both were resilient in the face of some sharpish pace bowling.

With Harvey B and Dorian A, now at the crease, some quick running between the wickets off leg byes had the fielders scrambling for run outs. Good loud calling and speed resulted in a nice bump to our tally. Gus CN rounded out our innings and made some nice scoring shots, but some tight bowling and late wickets meant that we were below par for the conditions, and we would need to bowl and field well to have any chance.

Rory P and Joe G opened the bowling and kept things tight, however some overzealous throws at the stumps and a lack of backing up resulted in giving the opposition 5 byes. Harvey B came into the bowling attack and yielded instant results with his first delivery being scooped to the waiting hands of Rory P for a great catch, followed up with another catch to Joe G in the deep, Harvey was 2 for 3 runs after his first over. Well done Harvey B.

Reef R stormed into the attach and was sharpish straight away, knocking over middle stump off his 4th delivery for a beautiful wicket. Captain Jack B, Ben T and Gus CN were up next and delivered some tidy overs, but the opposition were keen to run on any byes for extra runs, and these extras were really giving the Pirates the game. Jonah P’s continued improvement in the game of cricket showed up off his third delivery, clean bowling the Pirates batsman - keep them coming!

Harvey B helped the Golds to another wicket with a sharp run-out off the bowling of Rory P and Harvey chimed in again with ball, bowling another Pirates batsman to finish with 3 wickets and a run out to his name. Pirates finished off their innings sending in their 3 strongest batsmen to tick the scoreboard out of reach and again some lazy overthrows and poor fielding gifted the Pirates too many extras.

Captain Jack B awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ to Reef R whose continued improvement and growing confidence is something this team can really build on. With focus on fielding, backing up and judging when to have a shot at the stumps or not, then this team should be able to contain the many ‘extras’ that we seem to leak each week. Well done boys the effort and skills are growing each week.

Go Gold!

U11 Red - LWCC (9-138) def. Pirates Jack Sparrows (4-113)

Love is in the air, everywhere I look around… despite being Valentines Day there was no room for gestures of affection or gifts for the opposition from the LWCC Reds today…

Archie B, captain for the day, won the toss and sent the Pirates in. The Pirates elected to send in their strongest pairing to open the batting and were quick to put runs on the board, scoring at a run-rate of over 100. However, as the innings continued down the order, the all-round team effort in the field from the LWCC Reds, followed on from their impressive display last week. The wickets were shared through-out the team again, Jeremy (2), Rohan (1) and Archie F (1), with the other wickets coming in the form of run-outs from great throws in the field from Rohan (with a “play of the day” with his pick-up and direct hit from square leg), Finn and Archie B - who also picked up a catch as wicket keeper. The Pirates were limited to one boundary for their total of only 66. Key now would be the LWCC Reds holding on to their own wickets.

LWCC Reds opening pairing, of Archie B (22) and Sam (19), set about what they do best and ran hard between the wickets as well as hitting the big shots, getting six boundaries between them. Next in was the birthday boy Patrick (21 score not age), who made a number of technical sweep shots, scoring 3 boundaries himself, and had parents asking if he really was in Japan on holiday or just in the nets practicing all summer! At the end of his innings Patrick walked off to be greeted with a full rendition of “Happy Birthday”… from the rest of his team-mates!

With the team now on a solid score foundation, Finn (4), Jeremy (10), Rohan (7) Archie F (6), set about picking up the required runs without losing their wickets. A comfortable win in the end and gives the LWCC Red some slim hope of finals cricket….

Despite the game being over, there was still more fun to be had as a number of kids and parents spent just as long as the game in trying to get Aerobie out of a tree. At one stage the team were down a football and two cricket balls in the attempt. However, after Jeremy declaring he had found the perfect angle, dad Chris stepped up with some fast ball action to retrieve all items to the ground!

Cupid can save his arrows for another day…..

U12 Derby - LWCC Black (47) def. by LWCC Gold (3-51)

Gold

Leichhardt Gold woke up on Saturday morning, with no wins in the season so far, but still playing with a hope and a spirit that belied the league table . The Australian cricket team also woke up having been beaten by the minnows of Zimbabwe the night before, and a couple of days after Nepal had been a whisker away from beating England.

So, the spirit of the underdog was alive and well in cricket, and everyone was imbued with a sense of "If they can do it, why can't we?"

This sense of optimism roared out from the first overs. Leon and Elliott roared in with a fresh Kooka and bowled with accuracy and swing, Elliott taking an early wicket. A good catch in the ring from Leon off Xavier's bowling removed the other dangerous opener.

Gold continued to bowl and field like a coach's dream. Tight accurate bowling, some swing and spin, helped by some quick alert ground fielding all round, meant runs had to be earned by Blacks, and nothing was given away.

But then the clock struck "Elliott-time". The seamer bowling a spell like Glenn McGrath in his pomp - everything going between the top of off, and 5th stump, meaning batters on their toes and with no room to play shots, and no extras given away.

First one wicket fell, then another, then another. And dammit at the end of it, Elliott had 4-6 - our team's best ever bowling figures!

A quick drinks break, and Finley took the final wicket in the 18th over with a spell of bounce and precision - Liam at keeper taking a gloved catch down the leg side. Blacks out for 47 - could the Goldies do it?

The message to the boys at the break was clear - we don't need to worry about run rate... and we can win this if we take the shine off the ball, see out the opening bowlers, play yourself in, don't take risky singles. And then look to score those runs.

And like a Coach's dream, the boys played everything as planned. Finley and Henry defending stoutly at the top of the order, but still taking their chances to score - both hitting good shots through the covers, or to fine leg. Although Henry did fall, and Hugo had an unlucky deflection off his pads onto the stumps, we still stayed over the "wicket-worm".

Finley was called in to "retire", but it was a no ball... and of course, irony meant he was bowled next ball. But Jack and Liam managed to bat with safety and security for the last 15 runs to see the boys home, and finish on red, with Liam smashing the winning 4 runs past the bowler to loud cheers.

It was there - a Valentine's Day surprise for the boys, and a repeat of the Zimbabwe upset.

Many thanks also to Sean and the Blacks for showing club fraternity and lending us a fielder to replace our "high school sport" absentees.

Black

Similar to most other teams in this age group at this time of year, we were down a few troops on Saturday, but hoped to put in a good showing in the Leichhardt Wanderers Derby.

The overnight rain meant the grass was wet, so the toss was vital and when Noah L called correctly and elected to bat, confidence was high. The message to the opening batters was to dig in and set the platform, as the batting was sure to get easier in the later overs. That plan went astray in the first over when Angus lost the top off stump to a good ball and the Gold team had their tails up.

Caleb (6 off 24) and Dilhan (13 off 27) steadied the ship, and Toby had his most confident innings yet (8 off 37), but it wasn’t enough to post a competitive total and it was all out for 47.

It was going to take something special with the ball to find a win, but even with some incredibly economical spells it wasn’t enough. Bowling highlights were.

Caleb 0-1 off 3 overs
Rufus 1-4 off 2 overs
Dilhan 0-2 off 2 overs

Special thanks to Angus and Rufus who showed excellent sportsmanship to help the Gold team in the field, and overall it was a well-deserved win for Gold team - a very pleasant group of players and supporters to play a game of cricket against.

U12 Red - LWCC (52) def. by Pirates Black Beards (171)

Losing the toss was tough and being sent into bowl. After 5 overs the ball was paper matchet after the rain in the morning. Notwithstanding the ball, our line and length were not our regular standard. However, from a dismal result cricket can always offer something to feast on. And we dined with joy watching John O claiming a hat-trick with his first 3 balls. Ending the innings 3.1 overs, 1 maiden, 4 for 11 and a catch. A wicket each to Leo L, Ben S & Henry the Magician. A special call out to Daniel F, although he did not take a wicket is a game where the opposition run rate was near 8 RPO Daniel’s econ rate was 3.5 RPO. He has made wonderful improvement in his first year of cricket. Daniel also hit his first boundary for the season.

Being rolled in the 17th over the Reds will put this behind them and reflect on things to improve, mainly running between wickets and hitting the ball on the ground! Tough loss but lessons should be learned. Congratulations again to John O, you gave us a wonderful display in stump to stump bowling.

U12 White - LWCC (8-66) def. by Iron Cove (8-119)

White captain Milosh called “Hills” - and it was Flats! They chose to bat first.

Up against another strong team with representative players, we delivered our best bowling and fielding performance of the season. We kept the run rate low, applied pressure, and took important wickets that caused them plenty of concern.

With the bat, we started positively and scored at a great rate. However, after losing both our openers, Lincoln and Flynn, we lost a few more wickets. Paddy and the boys mounted a determined fightback, but once again we ran out of wickets.

Bowling Highlights

Flynn Sawers - 2-8 (4 overs)
Owen Sharkey - 1-3 (3 overs)

Batting Highlights

Paddy McColough - 18 (17), 3x fours

Well done to White for fighting to the very end, and congratulations to Iron Cove Balmain Tigers. This was our strongest collective fielding and bowling effort of the season, which bodes well for the final few games. I couldn’t be prouder of how the boys competed - they never gave up. Go Wanderers!

Bonus! Reports from rounds 10 and 11 for U12 White:

R10 - LWCC (6-55) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Mixed Royals (4-150)

We went up against another strong, well-established team and with only seven batters available, we were tested from the outset. After a quick start, we did well to slow their batting and fought back hard in the field. Unfortunately, we ran out of wickets in our chase.

Match highlight: Gutsy batting - Owen Sharkey with 31 (71), 3x fours

R11 - LWCC (8-43) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Mixed Galleons (8-163)

We faced another strong side stacked with representative players. Despite this, we struck early and kept their run rate under control. Credit to them for fighting back to post a competitive total. With the bat, we just couldn’t build partnerships and again ran out of wickets.

Match highlight: Team bowling effort - 7 wickets from 7 bowlers! Lincoln Sawers, Sebastian Lewis, Jack Malone, Xander Shen, Flynn Sawers, Freddie Bakker & Milosh Pajovic. A fantastic spread of contributions across the team.

U13 Red - LWCC (61) def. by Concord Briars Maroon (5-64)

Thrust late into the Biege suit jacket, Aaron Martin reports:

"Haha if I had've known I would’ve taken notes! As it is all I can reliably recall is Ted’s impressive 22 run innings (standing out quite a way from any other scores… other than the handy 19 from Extras), although Oli S’s retirement - was it first ever? - certainly deserves a mention as does James’s Boycott-esque 3 off 26. A fairly fierce rain shower seemed to weirdly inspire our boys to get out into the field for practice, but once we were out bowling proper some pretty inspired fielding at least rattled Briar’s cages as they tumbled to 5 wickets - including another one handed casual gem of a catch from James. But ultimately the boys ran out of runs to defend before Briars ran out of wickets. Early shower for all."

Marvellous effort Aaron, we'll see all of the boys as usual at 6pm for training at Blackmore, looking forward to a tune up before taking on some over-achieving Pirates.

U13 White - LWCC (7-170) def. Pirates Swashbucklers (8-162)

Some games of kid’s cricket are breathtakingly good. This was one of those games, with the result not being determined until the last couple of balls. The Whites prevailed over a determined Pirates team, strengthening their chances of making the finals.

High levels of skill and cricket nous were on display. There were contributions from everyone, and it was played in the right spirt.

It was good to win a toss and bat first. The Whites called upon fill-in players Oscar G and Patrick to open, who were happy to get an extra game in while their usual Gold had a bye. Oscar scored quickly giving the innings momentum, finishing on 15 (of 22). Patrick fell early bringing Oliver to the crease. The team were 1-35 after 7 overs. Oliver retired after facing 30 balls, and despite the scoring continuing steadily afterwards, wickets were falling.

The team was 4-88 at the 15 over mark. It was Archer and James L batting at that point. The coach’s instructions were very direct saying that the game result hinged on their partnership. It was essential that at least one of them retired to help the team get through the 30 overs. They listened. They also thrived. Each got to their 30 balls undefeated, and the team were 6-116 after 23 overs.

A score of 150 was looking like the maximum that the team could get to at the 23 over mark, probably not enough. Returning batters Oliver, James L and Archer had loftier ambitions. They put on another 54 runs in the final 7 overs, against front-line bowlers, including 21 in the final two overs, to reach a score of 170. James L was outstanding as he took on the anchor role while also hitting two boundaries, finishing on 21* (of 39 balls) in the best innings of his career. Oliver finished on a run-a-ball 39. Archer attained a personal high score of 69* (58 balls). His acceleration in the final overs was exemplary.

Defending 170 at Arthur Walker reserve is not easy. The square boundaries are only 35m. The magnitude of the challenge was obvious after the first five overs where the Pirates top-order reached 1-42. This was off our front-liners who normally concerned only 4 runs an over. That one wicket, however, was their most damaging batter, who attempted a slog off Oliver to be well caught by Noah. It was still game on.

Archer, Patrick, Noah, Oscar M, James A and Oscar G then had spells, finishing with a combined 3-77 from 17 overs, at a match-rescuing economy rate of only 4.5 runs per over.

The game was evenly poised. Overs 23-27 were going to be pivotal. They were shared by Eamon, Noah and Oliver who conceded a combined 2-13 off the five overs. This is where the bowling was at its best, the fielding and wicket keeping was razor sharp and the game was put under our control.

A victory was far from secure, however. The Pirates’ top batters were back at the crease ready to resume their early onslaught. In the last three overs they had to score 29 to win. Eamon and Archer were on point, well-supported by the fielders, hitting line and length to help the team to an 8-run victory.

The game awareness, teamwork, captaincy from Eamon and composure were impressive to watch.

The 30 overs of wicket keeping from James L was outstanding (only 5 byes), notable in it being his first time in that role this year and required him to miss an opportunity to add to his impressive 10 wickets so far as a leg-spinner.

The comradery, selflessness from players, and the contributions by Oscar G and Patrick, are what makes this team and club so great.

Club first. Team second. Individual third.

U13 Sabres - LWCC (8-153) def. South Sydney Mt Carmel TNT (8-40)

The Sabres boys travelled to Callan Park to face South Sydney Cricket Club, determined to respond after two heartbreakingly narrow defeats. Sent in to bat under persistent light rain, the challenge was clear - set the tone early and build a defendable total.

Our top order answered emphatically. Jacob (26) and Ronav (27) laid a strong foundation with confident stroke play, while Kurtis' composed unbeaten 19 followed. As the innings gathered momentum, James A (20) and Alfie (15) added valuable runs through the middle and late overs, ensuring we posted a competitive 153.

With only half the job done, the Sabres turned the screws in the field, and what followed was a complete team performance. The bowlers applied relentless pressure with Oliver and Ted leading the charge with two scalps apiece, while Archer, James A and Arjun each struck to keep the opposition firmly on the back foot.

The fielding effort matched the intensity of the bowling. Ted produced a moment of brilliance at fine leg, diving forward to claim a spectacular low catch - a true “blinder.” Kurtis also showcased sharp awareness and athleticism, tracking back to take an excellent catch over his shoulder.

The Sabres’ dominance with ball and in the field was absolute. South Sydney were bowled out for just 40 in 14.3 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory.

It was a superb all-round display - disciplined with the bat, ruthless with the ball, and electric in the field. A fantastic response from the boys and a performance to be proud of.

U15 Black - LWCC (9-103) def. Pirates Jolly Rogers (102)

Leichhardt Black’s tried everything in their power to win the toss. It’s just becoming a standing joke. No we didn’t win the toss, an yes we bowled first. Again. I can hear the groan coming from the opening batters who have to wait two hours for their chosen pastime.

So we stuck it out at Morrison in an overcast day, lovely for cricket. Not a bad toss to lose. Beautiful view as always, and a great opposition.

Hunters Hill started well. Good opening stand between Hugo and Jack - to be expected. Both good bats. Xavier and Linus (quite economical) did not make any inroads, they preferred to leave it for the bowling change. Our Captain for the day George opted for Austin and Ronav to relieve. And yes - Austin (2-18 off 4) bowled quite well with good shape and then as the joke would say: 'that ball was too good for a wicket' came true. His best balls didn’t get the edge, but he secured Jack on the worst ball of his spell. LOL. A mis-timed leg side glance ended up straight up in the air with a good catch by Navaan. Ronav (1-6 off 3) kept the runs down to 2 an over.

Double change, Navaan (0-11 off 3) and Barnabas (0-6 off 3) both unlucky on paper, but brought the game to a pause for runs. Ryan (0-12 off 2), George (0-7 off 2) both decided to leave the wickets for Lachlan (2-8 off 2) which included a sharp caught and bowled. Sam got a stumping, tricked the batter into going forward (1-6 off 2). Linus returned to take his wicket - good catch by Ronav. Catches to Austin, Lachlan, Ronav and Nevaan (2). Sam and Conor both contributed to run outs, and Conor a stumping. A few boundaries - 6x fours, no sixes. A good solid effort in the field mostly, albeit with some rain and some frustrations. We bowled them out in the 28th over - 9-102. I think we bowled and fielded well enough to contain the runs.

We batted reasonably well. There may have been some thoughts of - this total isn’t too big, so we’ll just got out and get them. Small totals can be the most challenging and this was no exception. 5 of us didn’t make double figures, with our top score of 20 (23) to Nevaan. Solid. I am obliged to quickly mention ducks as we have a linked special ceremony for this achievement - Sam and Conor both claimed this prize. Linus batted most excellently for his 14(31). Xavier a considered 10 (21) after giving deep mid wicket some catching practise, Ronav a handy 13 (18). The prize really goes to the captain, George for his 13 (34). He came in while there was still 38 runs to get, with only 3 wickets in hand. He just stood there and batted with purpose. Ultimately George 13* (34) and Austin 5* (2) guided the team through to a victory - 9-103 with 3 overs to spare. It could have so easily gone south for us, but we pulled it through. Every run counts - Lachlan 2 (2), Ryan 4 (12), Barnabas 5 (12). This is a fine example of a team, not individuals winning the game. We now have an unassailable second place on the ladder.

Well done boys for sticking it out, on a frustrating batting day out. Wickets tumbling, uncertainty, rain forecast threatening play all day - but we won against a team that could easily have had us for dessert. Next week we play the top ranked side, so we’ll be ready for some dedication and focus at Callan Park - the home of true grass cricket.

U15 White - LWCC (63) def. by Concord Briars Gold (2-64)

Match report compliments of Darcy.

A great day for cricket this Saturday and it began with us winning the toss and electing to have a bat. With some great opening bowling, the opposition capitalised with the new ball taking a great first wicket of Max F. However Jack F got off to a flyer at the other end getting 10 off 11 and looking good before a mix up ended with an unlucky runout for him. Another mix up in between wickets for Anton and an unbelievable ball to Harry, just clipping the top of off stump had us 4 down early. Darcy then retired on 9, which put Bowie and Jack H in the crease. They were both looking good but after a couple of good balls they were both unluckily dismissed.

Felix then came out to bat for his very first time and was looking like he had been playing for years and managed to pick up a run while getting lots of bat on ball. And then it was Charlie who smashed a four through the leg side for his first four of the season, topping it off with a seasons best of 5, finishing us with a score a bit too slim of 63.

While defending a low total, the whites were all switched on in the field, energetic and ready to put it all out there. And they did, with Anton bowling two amazing overs, right on mark for all 12 balls and only going for 1 run. Bowie also bowled right to plan with a great two overs of his own. Max came in and after some consistent bowling, took the first wicket with Felix in his first game, taking an amazing catch with no hesitation whatsoever. Not long after, Emily bowled a great ball that was hit very high into the air and taken safely by Max F. And while Charlie had to bowl the final over with them only requiring 2 runs, he finished it with a bang and we nearly took a runout on the very last ball. In the end we played very well in the field despite the lack of runs, with a special mention to Felix playing his first game of cricket and taking a catch while he was at it.

U17 Black - LWCC (9-226) Drew (Abandoned) with Concord Briars Gold (4-50)

Today at Snape, we put on an incredible all round display against Briars, but unfortunately, the rain had the final say, denying us the win we deserved.

Oli (37) was once again phenomenal at the top of the order, while Gus (63) kept the momentum going. Adam (61), Kai (11), and Vinnie (16*) then took us to a commanding total of 226.

As the weather closed in, Vinnie opened with spin from both ends, and Bede had an outstanding spell of 6 overs, 2 maidens, 3 for 7. With the rain starting again, we had to call it after 13 overs as the pitch was getting dangerous for the boys trying to bowl.

I'm thoroughly impressed with the boys' commitment and attitude, they're enjoying their cricket and they’re a credit to the club, both on and off the pitch.