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March 1st / 2nd, 2025.
There is a great quote I was reminded of recently, "they say sport is character building, but it's actually character revealing."
This is as true for players as it is for everyone involved in sport, from coaches to spectators. As we approach finals for some and the end of the season for others, it's important to think about the character we exhibit vs the character we want to exhibit. Just as importantly, the character of our club is important to highlight. More often than not, we see and hear about Leichhardt Wanderers playing hard but fair. We don't always get this in return and sometimes that can be hard to swallow, and a real challenge for anybody on the receiving end. It's ok to be competitive - many of us have a competitive spirit which is why we show up every week. However, we don't believe it's ok to cross a line to gain a competitive advantage - we don't support a "win at all costs" mentality here.
So let's remind ourselves of who we are, as individuals and as a club. Play hard, but play fair and with honour. Whilst trophies are nice, junior cricket is about being part of a team, improving yourself and being proud of the character you reveal.
IWH Cricket Finals - Umpires Needed!
The IWHCA is seeking 'neutral' umpires for the upcoming finals series, details as follows.
Please note that umpires are PAID - the rate is $165 per game.
The games and dates are as follows:
Juniors:
Semi-Finals: 15th March 2025 - U12s start time at 8am, or U13s & U15s start time at 2pm
Grand Finals: 22nd March 2025 - U12s start time at 8am, or U13s & U15s start time at 2pm
Seniors:
Quarter/Preliminary Finals: 8th March 2025 - start time at 1pm
Semi-Finals: 15th March 2025 - start time at 1pm
Grand Final: 22nd March 2025 - start time at 1pm
If anyone is interested, please reach out directly to the association secretary, Matina Moffit, at treasurer@briarssports.com.au
Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports
Performance of the Round
Lachlan Shadforth (U15 Gold) - 54* (54 balls), 9x fours - chosen as the performance of the round this week given it is a career-first half century for Lachie, congratulations!
Highlights
Juno Ainsworth (U11 Girls Gold) - 4 run outs
John O'Connell (U10 Black) - 3 run outs; 30* (15 balls), 4x fours
Emmett Hudson (U10 Black) - 2 catches, 2 run outs; 29* (13 balls), 5x fours, 1x sixes
Curtis Jenkins (U11 Black) - 3 for 9 (3 overs)
James Day (U12 Gold) - 3 for 7 (4 overs); 1 catch; 26* (37 balls), 2x fours
Patrick Thornton (U12 Gold) - 3 for 6 (3.2 overs)
Archer Gannon (U12 Gold) - 3 catches
Xavier Rohanek (U13 Black) - 46 (33 balls), 3x fours, 4x sixes
Jacob Skowno (U13 Red) - 4 catches; 1 for 3 (3 overs)
Conor Truong (U13 White) - 39 (37 balls), 4x fours, 1x six
Keshav Sachdev (U15 White) - 36 (34 balls), 7x fours; 2 for 17 (5 overs)
Bede Russell (U15 White) - 30 (34 balls); 2x fours, 1x six
Oliver Lista (U17 Black) - 70* (38 balls), 8x fours, 3x sixes; 1 run out
Match Reports
U11 Girls Derby: LWCC Red (131) def. LWCC Gold (121)
It was the first “grudge match” between U11 Girls Gold and Red.
Red won the toss and sent Gold into bat on a very hot afternoon at Blackmore Oval. Izzy batted really well and got her best score of the season. Emily and Mihrimah topped the scoring with some fine hitting, but the Red team fielded and bowled brilliantly, bagging ten wickets. A caught behind off the final ball by Ella was the icing on the cake. Gold posted a competitive total but the Red team always looked to have it in the bag and batted consistently to seal the win.
Another great game played in excellent spirit - and that includes the parents on the sideline!
U17 Blacks: LWCC (8-179) def. Marrickville Toshak (6-178)
The U17 Black continue to play with no regard for the nerves or blood pressure of their parents and supporters, with this week’s single run victory coming off the very last ball. Marrickville needed one to tie, two to win, with two balls remaining, and Oli pinned the set batter LBW off the penultimate delivery. The incoming batter didn’t get his bat to the final ball, and magnificent work from wicket keeper Frazer led to the clinching run out at the bowler’s end, and another nail-biting Leichhardt victory.
Leichhardt had earlier posted what had seemed to be a challenging target of 179. Henry mixed up last week’s batting order, and it was pleasing to see Cameron bat to retirement as he works his way back from injury. The big hitters came in after drinks, with another lightning-fast Oli half century (70 from 38) leading the way. Gus, Max and Frazer providing strong support. However, defending proved more difficult than had been anticipated, with some strong Marrickville hitting. It was Henry and Ethan’s tight bowling that kept Leichhardt in contention; Ethan posting incredible figures of 2 wickets, 3 maidens and just 8 runs from 6 overs. The finals dream remains alive.
U10 Black: LWCC (202) def. Iron Cove Balmain Tigers Bengals (61)
We won the toss and elected to bowl. Great decision as it was hot and steamy in the middle. Zane Henderson took the first wicket with his first ball of the fourth over. This was the beginning of a very dominant fielding performance from our boys. Great keeping by Emmett Hudson, two assisted run outs and two catches and John O'Connell, two run outs and one run out assist. Henry Radford, not to be left out, also effected a run out and bowled beautifully with 2 overs 1 maiden for 2 runs and only 1 extra. Two wickets each to both Fredrick Werner-Gibbings and Oscar Rawson.
Our turn to bat and our boys could not have performed better. At training we have been working on playing straight to good balls and it has been pleasing to see our boys dig deep. Zane Henderson needs a special call out for playing straight to many balls that were middle stump, keep it up Zane. Our last two batters, Emmett Hudson & John O'Connell, scored 29* and 30* respectively, with strike rates at 200-plus, completing a wonderful batting display. The coach was pleased we did not lose any wickets. A very dominant performance from a team that brought energy and their cricket brains to the game.
U10 Red: LWCC (111) def. Iron Cover Balmain Tigers Cummins (110)
The score line only tells half the story!
Captain Jeremy participated in the toss and came away with LWCC fielding first….
LWCC U10 Red have learned to be very economical with their bowling these days, no more so than Sam, with figures of 3 runs from his 3 overs. Rohan was the highlight in the attack this week, with 1 wicket and 2 run outs. Finn provided the only other wicket with some great accuracy. Patrick, it has to be said, was unlucky not to notch up a wicket, with the opposition umpire calling into question his arm technique – a decision normally reserved for first grade or test cricket! Credit to coach Chris, who managed to keep his cool with a number of dubious calls that can be described as “simply not cricket…” The Tigers finished up with a total of 110 – which has come to represent a par score – so game on!
Captain Jeremy and Rohan opened the batting and put the team on a strong footing, Jeremy with the highest score of the day (13), Rohan (2). Patrick was demonstrating his sweep shot with every opportunity (9), while Alex (2) and Finn (3) were more defensive in their approach, trying to protect their wicket and avoid those penalty runs. As we approached the final overs of the game the score was evenly poised, 30 runs required from the last 30 balls. With the last over remaining and Sam having faced his 17 balls, with a score of 10, Archie was left to try and get the final couple of runs required. However, the game seemed to have been lost when disaster struck in the third ball of the over, Willow Peat, who you have to give credit to for being the only girl in the competition, stepped up for the Tigers with a bowled and caught combination to give the Tigers four valuable penalty points and put them two runs ahead with three balls remaining. Under pressure, Archie managed two short singles in succession to tie the game. So, for the first time this season, the game came down to the last ball... and with a forward drive - and Sam already half-way down the pitch - LWCC secured the one run for a famous victory!
A great all round TEAM performance and one the crowd will not forget in a hurry!
U13 White: LWCC (7-100) def. by RHH Pirates Black Beards (1-101)
Another toss won by skipper James L, electing again to take the early initiative and bat first in the scorching conditions at Westminster Park. However, a high quality Ryde Hunters Hill bowling attack kept the pressure on the Wanderers batters. Our ever-reliable opening batter Darcy finished again not out, with 28* off 65 balls (3x fours) stretching out his impressive average (with only one dismissal for the season!). Conor also made a significant contribution to the total, blasting 39 off 37, with 4x fours a huge straight six off a full toss. Unfortunately, no one else was able to fire with the bat, though our middle & lower orders should be commended for putting up a typically "U13 White-esque" fight, with Oliver 6* off 25, Harrison 7 off 11, Jack 4 off 13 and the brave Yoris - battling a painful foot injury - to bat for his team and finish 5* off 16 balls before succumbing to the injury and the heat.
In the field, the story of our season played on repeat, with an innings full of missed opportunities despite bowling relatively well, seeing us unable to defend a modest total. A couple of dropped catches amongst some misfields saw us only nab the one wicket in the run chase, a catch to Eamon off the bowling of Darcy. We were however, particularly pleased to see a great response from the boys in terms of attitude, after the previous week, again showing their fighting spirit and their character. A brief stint (thrown in last minute) on debut at wicket keeper from Archer was also a bit of fun to watch. It's been a long season and despite our boys not making finals, they should be super proud of their attitude and fight in every game, against some very strong oppositions in this age group. One to go lads, let's have some fun!
U15 Gold: LWCC (7-138) def. by Sydney Coastal CC Stingers (5-184)
Facing one of the strongest teams in our division it was always going to be a tough game. And, although they were missing a couple of players, the Stingers had two rep players to bolster their ranks. Despite this, our boys performed admirably and scored their highest total of the summer season.
Having lost the toss and been put in to field, our bowlers restricted the run rate early on with the help of some much improved and focused fielding. Captain Ryan Hewitt (2 for 10 off 4) was the pick of the bowlers, ably assisted by a very economical Ben Robertson (1 for 7 off 4) and Henry Kornits (1 for 4 off 2). The Stingers’ strong middle order got into their groove, however, punishing anything short or wide. They went after our part-time bowlers and posted a very challenging target of 185 to win.
At this point, based on recent performance, one would be forgiven for expecting an early finish and perhaps a lunchtime dip in the ocean. Instead, in a display of true grit, the boys rallied, batting out their full complement of 32 overs and posting their highest total of the summer.
Sam ‘Konstas’ Evans (14) kicked things off with some beautiful stroke play, cracking two boundaries before miscuing one to be caught in the deep. This brought Lachie Shadforth (54 not out) to the crease, entertaining the crowd with a stunning display of cover drives and pulls, to score a career-first and long awaited half century, comprising nine boundaries. An unlucky and very tight run out brought an end to Ryan’s innings, having looked very composed in his new position as opener. An ensuing middle order collapse might have left Lachie stranded without a partner, but a late rally by Henry Kornits (13) and Henry Fitzpatrick (12), plus contributions by all the final three, left us wondering what might have been.
There’s a lot of positives to be taken from this game as we move towards the finale of the 24/25 season.
U15 Girls: LWCC (17) def. by Concord Briars Gold (2-127)
It was a tough afternoon for the girls this week, suffering a heavy defeat to an extremely efficient Briars team. The girls only had seven players on the day but managed to make Briars work hard, taking until the 17th over to bowl them out. Marlana Sardelic and Ellen Winning faced 76 deliveries between them. Special credit goes to Ellen, who bravely took to the field despite injuring her hand earlier, showing great courage and team spirit.
U15 White: LWCC (171) def. by Concord Briars White (5-177)
This was a gutsy effort by the Wanderers although they couldn’t quite get the job done.
It was always going to be tough. The team fielded nine regular players, so welcomed second-gamer James Gilchrist and sub-player Sam Evans to make up the 11, with six of the squad playing School, Shires or Premier cricket or mending a broken arm.
The team bowled first but the opposition got to 5 for 177 in the 30 overs. Keshav and Nic were the most economical, also taking 1 and 2 wickets, respectively, but no one had their best day due to some determined batting. The other wickets were attributed to Beau through a run out and a caught (by Sam).
The batting started well, with Hugo, Beau, Jack and Drew getting the rate up to around 5 per over after 12. Bede and Keshav carried it on in 7-RPO partnership, but a direct hit runout on a risky single saw its demise. They finished on 30 (off 34) and 36 (off 34), respectively.
The lower order took it to the opposition, ably led by James Garland, but James was caught hitting out on 21 (off 19). The remaining batters had a swing, connected to a few, but fell short by 7 runs (with 9 balls remaining) in a thrilling finish on a beautiful summer afternoon at Callan Park.
The boys were brave.
U13 Black: LWCC (75) def. by RHH Pirates Jolly Rogers (6-186)
We finally had our chance to roll the Jolly Rogers at Morrison Park, Putney. Oddly enough, we were the home side.
So we lost the toss, and bowled on a warmish afternoon. We started quite well. The nightmare last week’s extras tally was a distant memory as we tended to bowl fairly straight and full. Xavier and Linus opened the bowling, keeping a fairly good lid on the run rate. Special mentions to Sam Spiller 1 for 14 off 4 (1 maiden), Xavier 0 for 6 off 4 (1 maiden), Austin Kelly 1 for 14 off 3 (1 maiden), Dylan 1 for 15 off 2, Noah 2 for 30 off 3 and Harry 1 for 22 off 3.
Some terrific catches by William Goldrick (spectacular!), Lachlan Ash and Sam Spiller showed that we were switched on in the field. The Jolly Rogers unfortunately were able to open their shoulders and start swinging big, piling on some runs in some key overs which ultimately saw them get to 6-186 at the end of the 30th. Good spirits in our team kept our bowlers chipping away at some genuine quality batters.
For LWCC, 186 can be chased down, we’ve done it before. But not today. Unfortunately not much to report, the scorecard wasn’t our greatest moment, with most batters falling to the mind game the Rogers know how to play. One notable exception, Xavier - aka Megatron - managed to smash 46 off 33 balls, including their opening bowler into the nearby forest of trees, almost matched the total and rate of the Rogers star reps batter. Some nice starts by Lachlan Ash 8 (13), Sam Spiller 5 (22), and some late resistance from Noah Kelly 5 (19). Add to that a few ducks in the pond… in the end we were rolled for 75.
A big loss today, something we will need to recover from before next week. Good luck boys on Saturday for some redemption!
U13 Gold: LWCC (8-102) def. by Summer Hill CC Gold (6-103)
It was a tough day of highly competitive cricket, a privilege to be part of and a valuable learning experience. It was a 7/10 performance from the Wanderers, so not bad at all, but not quite good enough to get over a very strong opposition.
This Wanderers team has a great chemistry: each player clearly loves the game and working for each other. That is a blessing and first-priority for any coach/parent, and it is great to witness in any form of kids sport. But they, like all kids, are still learning the game.
The Wanderers batted first and had the right mindset. Seven got out bowled or LBW but each while playing a correct defensive shot. You have to tip your hat to the accuracy and skill of the opposition seamers. Several of the balls pitched on 4th, then hit middle, and that is enough to beat just about any junior cricketer in the district. There was also a close run out, from a direct hit, so there was an element of bad luck there. Even so Linus, Jacob, Kurtis, Yoris and Larsen faced enough balls, batted with maturity and discipline, for us to get a decent total of 102.
The fielding and bowling was generally very good. The best fielding and most-consistent bowling teams always rise to the top, in any form of cricket, and the Wanderers are developing these skills well. The intensity and alertness in the field was outstanding, never against the rules or spirit, and unsettled several of the opposition batters.
The fielding practice is paying off – exemplified by Max’s two excellent catches and Felix’s attempt to catch a bullet. There was also a direct-hit run out from Archer, and a fast-thinking run out from Linus and Conor. But the one-percenters, like putting your leg down to stop a rolling ball, to throw accurately back to the keeper and with the right amount of power, were missed on a few occasions and cost us about 6-10 runs. But that even happens in U15 div 1 rep teams so we are not unusual there.
The Wanderers bowlers know they must try and eliminate the few half-trackers from their overs. The team bowled about five in the innings, each getting hit for four by good batters, and that was crucial to the outcome.
The boys should stay positive. With some good performances in the next two weeks, and luck with other results, we may get a chance to play Summer Hill again in the GF which would be an awesome contest.
The most pleasing aspects were:
The intensity in the field, tidy run outs, chatter, backing-up.
The batters who were at the crease for long periods, especially Linus and Jacob, who kept their team in the game.
The excellent over from Kurtis, with two clean bowled in two balls, to give the team a good chance at winning in the last 10 overs.
The two catches by Max. Both shots, when leaving the bat, had a 20% chance of being caught by a ‘normal’ team. Max somehow put his body to where it needed to be and caught the balls while he was sub-horizontal and chaotically tumbling to the ground. He even grazed his elbows, as per the coach’s request, and that is evidence of a player putting his team first and having the right attitude.
We wish all teams the very best of luck this weekend, whether it's your final game for the season or you're on the cusp of finals. Regardless of where and how you finish - play hard, but play fair and with honour!
Chris Hudson
LWCC President
We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!