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March 8th / 9th, 2025.
Not long now! As the line markings of the rugby league field adorn Blackmore, the days get shorter and the various footy codes take over our TVs, the cricket season is approaching a close for 2024-25. Whilst many of our junior teams have now finished for the year, we have some exciting semi-final action in the IWHJCA comps ahead this weekend - and of course the SCL competitions continue for one more regular round before the finals weekend that follows.
Read on below for details of our IWHJCA finalists. Please join us in wishing them all the very best of luck for their weekend games and no doubt they will do us proud regardless of the results!
Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports
Performance of the Round
Bede Russell (U17 White & U15 White) - two games for Bede and an honour roll achievement in each! For U15 Whites, Bede knocked 55* off 45 balls (3x fours & 3x sixes). However the real highlight was Bede's first ever five-wicket haul for U17 White on turf at Kensington Oval, finishing with figures of 5 for 14 (off 6 overs, 2 maidens). This comes after years of hard work and 150+ games of junior cricket - including 100+ for the Wanderers - by the left-arm seamer.
Oscar Rawson (U10 Black) - Oscar keeps setting himself higher standards, with new best figures of 6 for 5 (off 3 overs, 1 maiden)!
Highlights
Emily Moore (U11 Girls Gold) - 10* (17 balls, 1x four); 2 for 12 (3 overs); 1 run out
Juno Ainsworth (U11 Girls Gold) - 9* (17 balls), 2 for 19 (4 overs); 1 catch
Susie Deeming (U11 Red) - first wicket! (1 for 25 off 3 overs)
Charlotte Williams (U13 Girls) - 17* (15 balls, 3x fours)
Eleanor Rhodes (U15 Girls) - 2 for 29 (4 overs)
Clementine Collier (U15 Girls) - first wicket! (1 for 15 off 4 overs)
Kiran Chandramouli (U10 Black) - 4 for 5 (4 overs, 1 maiden); 1 catch
John O'Connell (U10 Black) - 3 for 3 (3 overs, 1 maiden); 20* (15 balls, 2x fours)
Zavier Rodrigues (U12 Gold) - 4 for 9 (4 overs)
Xavier Rohanek (U13 Black) - 25* (20 balls, 2x fours, 2x sixes)
Oliver Stoddart (U13 White) - 3 for 21 (4 overs); 17* (30 balls, 2x fours)
Linus Starkoff (U13 Gold) - 3 for 5 (3 overs, 1 maiden)
James Lezes (U13 Gold) - 2 for 7 (3 overs); 2 catches
Conor Truong (U13 Gold) - 30* (14 balls, 4x fours, 1x six)
Keshav Sachdev (U15 White) - 36 (28 balls, 3x fours, 1x six)
Oliver Lista (U17 Black) - 3 for 23 (6 overs, 2x maidens)
Match Reports
U11 Girls Gold: LWCC (106) def. by Summer Hill CC (127)
U11 Gold won the toss and batted first against the top Summer Hill team at the picturesque Hammond Park. As the drizzle fell, we batted well with Mihrimah, Emily and Juno topping the scoring. We posted a solid 106 off our 20 overs.
Our bowling was on target with Emily and Juno both bagging 2 wickets. Emily also produced a sensational run out from mid on with a direct hit. Luci bowled some great out swingers, but the highlight was probably Juno’s caught and bowled!
But Summer Hill, lead by Amali, chased the runs down. Another good game against great opposition.
U11 Girls Red: LWCC (55) def. by Ashfield CC (165)
U11 Reds had a tough assignment at Ashfield and bowled brilliantly to restrict the home team to 129, their lowest total of the season. Lucia and Adelaide both bowled and kept wicket very well, and Susie picked up her first ever wicket, caught by the substitute fielder from the opposition!
The Ashfield team bowled rapidly and accurately and also featured some genuine leggy’s, all of which made scoring a real challenge. Elsie and Zosia batted well and Lucia and Adelaide finished the innings strongly with some well-taken twos. A great effort against very strong opposition.
U10 Red: LWCC (109) def. by RHH Pirates Jack Sparrows (112)
Yet another game that went down to the last ball of the game…
As the crowd gathered for the last scheduled game of season, expectations amongst the LWCC U10 Red were high, knowing a win would guarantee finals cricket but also safe in the knowledge, regardless of the result here, Iron Cove Tigers would need to beat the top team to stand any chance of taking 4th spot off them.
LWCC U10 Red batted first, with the now common paring of Jeremy and Rohan (2) facing the new ball. Jeremy again reached double figures (14) with two boundaries, one of which was a superb cover drive! Credit to the Pirates for some excellent bowling to our middle order, keeping the run count at a slow rate.
The tail however began to wag as Patrick (6) and Sam (7) started to make a game of it. Archie top scored this week (15) with one boundary included. Finn (8) had a number of large hits and was unlucky not to get more than his one boundary. LWCC U10 Reds finished with 89 runs for the loss of five wickets mainly run outs this week.
Bowling has continued to improve for the whole team this season, with the number of extras continuing to fall. The overall team fielding effort is also delivering results, with four run outs this week, Patrick, Rohan and Sam (2) all with direct hits from great throws! Patrick finished with top honours in the field this week with his run out and one wicket from his two overs.
Another nail-biting finish with LWCC Red needing to try and get a wicket in the last few balls… but ultimately falling just short. A good win by the Pirates and despite the loss a good end to the last scheduled match. As bags were packed-up, news started to filter through on the radio that disaster had struck and the Iron Cover Tigers had pulled off the upset of the season, winning their match and leap frogging the LWCC Reds into fourth spot and finals cricket with it!
Despite no finals cricket this year, the TEAM can hold their head up high on what has been a great, enjoyable season for all!!!!
Special mention to Henry (+dog) being able to make the last game…
U13 Girls: LWCC (4-90) def. Easts CC (1-89)
Lost the toss and sent into bowl. PlayHQ was out for a duck before the first delivery. Our bowlers were steady without luck. Some economical bowling from Carmen Winter and Zoe Bastick were the pick of the bowlers and they backed it up with tremendous glove work behind the stumps. The only wicket was a clever run out by Cate Timpany and Sharanya De. Restricting the opposition to 89 it was setup for a thrilling innings for our batters. Openers Connie Rawson and Sharanya De were steady and made it to retirement off their allotted balls. Olivia McInerney was unlucky to probably get the best ball of the day. Once again Charlotte Williams changed the course of our innings with a swashbuckling 17 off 15 balls including 3 fours, retired not out. The openers came back to bat and closed out the innings with sensible batting and ran the opposition down with seven overs to spare. Thankyou Christine for getting onto PlayHQ and sorting out the mess, and Jill and Jen for scoring in trying circumstances.
U17 White: LWCC (9-141) def. Easts CC Piranas (130)
Leichhardt Hold Nerve in Tight Contest at Kensington Oval
A fine afternoon’s cricket unfolded at Kensington Oval, where Leichhardt, having won the toss, elected to bat first. Their innings was built on steady contributions from Kabir S (24), Bede R (21), and Leo L (20), guiding them to a total of 141. On a surface offering ample assistance to the bowlers, the team coach remained confident that the target was a defendable one.
Easts commenced their chase with assurance, reaching 3 for 71 after 16 overs. However, the breakthrough came immediately after drinks, courtesy of James G’s first delivery, removing a well-set batsman who had been dispatching the ball to all parts. The momentum began to shift when Bede R was introduced into the attack. In a telling spell, he claimed three wickets in his final two overs, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 14.
The contest, however, was far from settled. Easts mounted a determined rearguard effort, inching ever closer to the target. Yet, two sharp catches from Jack C swung the balance once more in Leichhardt’s favour. The final act came in the 31st over, when James G and Nik W combined for a sharp run-out, sealing an 11-run victory for Leichhardt in a keenly contested fixture.
U13 Gold: LWCC (0-36) def. Concord Briars Maroon (8-35)
To stay alive in the finals race we had to win this game and win it big. That we did.
Bowling first we took all 8 wickets in 18.2 overs. Everyone was on task, with accurate line and length and excellent fielding. The best on the day were Eamon (2-3 of 3 overs), Linus (3-5 of 3 overs) and James (2-7 of 3 overs). Yoris also grabbed a wicket and took a sharp caught-behind after an Eamon jaffa. Other catches were held by James (x2), Jacob and Felix. Bowlers Kurtis, Archer, Felix and Jacob were tight and kept the pressure on, conceding 19 runs from their collective 8 overs.
The batting objective was to get the runs very quickly and boost our NRR. That happened, with Conor blasting 30* off 14 balls and Max remaining steady at the other end with 4* off 15 balls.
The best play of the day was the sharp catch by Jacob, hanging on to a thick edge at first slip off Linus’ fast bowling who was peppering the top of fourth and off stump all spell. It was so pleasing for the coach and supporters to watch. We have practiced slips catching, and a lot of fielding in general, so to see that hard work pay off on game day is special. You rarely see that quality of cricket in the U17s or U15s. To witness it in an U13s game was extraordinary.
To make the GF we need to win next week and for second-on-the-ladder to loose. There is a good chance of that happening.
U15 Girls: LWCC (2-45) def. by St George (4-95)
On a wet and humid afternoon at Gannons Park, the U15 girls fielded a team of seven against top-of-the-league St George. The game, which may turn out to be the last as an LWCC junior for some of the girls, was a significant improvement from Saturday.
Sent in to bowl, the team’s tight bowling and fielding restricted St George to 95 runs. Clementine Collier claimed her first wicket, Eleanor Rhodes added two more to her season tally, and Claire Mather took a magnificent caught-and-bowled.
As in previous weeks, batting proved challenging, but a standout performance came from Eva Timpany, who looked composed as she top-scored with an unbeaten eight runs from 23 balls. Smaller contributions from the rest of the team led to a much-improved total of 2-45.
If this does turn out to be the final game for some of the girls, they should know it has been a pleasure sharing the past four years with them. They have supported each other well and have much to be proud of.
U17 Black: LWCC (49) def. by Randwick JCC Stars (4-50)
The LW Black U17’s competitive season came to sudden halt against the Stars as the wheels came off their batting in spectacular fashion. The Stars wisely chose to bowl on the uneven Marrickville pitch and Leichhardt were simply unable or unwilling to adapt their game to the bowling, or the conditions, and were dismissed for 49. Finn’s 11 from 23 was the most resilient innings, and Tom’s 8 from 3 the most entertaining, but the rest of the team fell below their own usual high standards. Leichhardt bowled well and produced a couple of highlights; Oli’s 3 for 23 included a hat-trick ball and Gus took two brilliant diving catches. However, the target was always well within the Stars’ grasp, and they won comfortably with 6 wickets and 15 overs in hand.
U13 White: LWCC (3-79) def. Concord Briars Gold (78)
A final outing for the boys at the stunning Callan, against the team where our season started, Concord Gold. Scars remained from our round one loss which went down to the second last ball. But this evidently fuelled the boys desire to enact their revenge!
We lost the toss and were sent into field, which turned out to be a blessing. Our innings with the ball was our best for the season, as everyone bowled well and the fielding was there to back it up. A complete performance. Our spinners were too much for Concord's big hitters, with both captain James L and Jack picking up key wickets each, whilst Eamon bagged another. The pick of the bowlers was Oliver, claiming 3 for 21, including the prized wicket of Toby Jones. Today we took our catches, with one each to Darcy, Anton and Conor. A superb run out by U10s sub fielder, Emmett at fine leg, tidily managed by WK Yoris was the icing on the cake. Special mention should go to James L for his brilliant captaincy in the field and with his bowling changes, which directly resulted in key wickets.
Despite the low total to chase, it was never going to be easy. The park fell a little silent from under the LW tree early on, as we lost three quick wickets to be 3 for 6! Opener Darcy was dismissed for only the second time this season after creaming a drive straight to cover - unlucky! However, those were the last of our wickets and everything fell into place. After Archer copped a nasty bruise on the inner thigh from the world's quickest U13 bowler, Ashan and retired hurt, our rock-solid middle order dug in hard to keep our runs ticking over. All other batters earned their retirement, led by Oli (17* off 30), Jack (8* off 30), James L (6* off 30) and opener Archer (5* from 30), who bravely returned to finish what he started. The chasing experience of Eamon (3* off 16) enabled Yoris (8* off 19) to smack the winning runs with a boundary at deep square, to claim a satisfying victory for our boys!
It was a fantastic way to finish off our season, with an all-round positive performance, a sense of justice to beat Concord Gold and a nice relief for coaches and parents alike. A massive thank you to coach Bill, manager Gabby and all of the wonderful parents who support this team every week. It's been an honour coaching this team - they are a wonderful group of boys.
The following teams are playing IWHJCA competition semi-finals this weekend!
U10 Black: LWCC (164) def. Concord Briars Maroon (65)
Congratulations team undefeated in the regular season. Elected to bowl. The other coach set the pitch to 18 metres. He stated that it's late in the season and our boys can handle it. And handle it they did. Emmett Hudson started the attack with a stunning diving forward C&B, millimetres from the ground for a golden duck off his first ball. Zane Henderson continued his bowling improvement with a wicket, stumped by a cricket-wise Emmett Hudson. Dylan Corfield chipped in with an impressive C&B and another catch. John O'Connell took 3 wickets all bowled. Birthday boy Kiran Chandramouli played out of his skin with 4 wickets and a catch. Considering he came into the game with a hand injury he receives the bravery award. Bowling honours go to Oscar Rawson. WOW 6 wickets for 5 runs off 3 overs and a catch. Our bowling and fielding were first class. Coming out to bat, once again I was impressed by Henry Radford & Zane Henderson, playing straight to some difficult balls. John O'Connell top scored with 20 runs off his allotted 15 balls. Thank you to our fielders that substituted for our opposition and did so in the spirit of cricket, the opposition were thankful for gallant efforts. The regular season is over. It's now knockout cricket. Well, done boys enjoy the win.
U12 Red: LWCC (8-53) def. by Concord Briars Gold (0-54)
Another episode of determined, focused tapering for finals by our U12 Reds against the behemoth of Concord Gold, seemingly stung by recent losses and with a point to prove.
Losing the toss and batting first, U12 Red got all the gremlins out of their system, skittled for 53. Jordan played well for 10, and Noah retired with a swashbuckling 8, but slim returns otherwise with no Glen Maxwell riding to the rescue. Concord Gold happily gathered in our total of 53 in what felt like about seven overs.
Stand back though from the immediate result - to finish in a healthy second place overall is a great result for an awesome team! Our boys should be very proud of themselves for all their efforts over the year, really developing well and playing some very impressive / innovative / spirited cricket in a competitive competition. Bowling machine has been suggested for training on Tuesday, to get the blood flowing for the first final this Saturday against old mates’ mixed Briars.
Separately, intelligence from the front line for all LWCC fans were whispers from Concord Gold’s coach that they might struggle to field seven in the finals due to GPS and CHS conscription policies. Whether this is skilled propaganda or not, TBC...
U12 Gold: LWCC (48) def. by Concord Briars Maroon (53)
LWCC U12 Gold Secure Semi-Final Spot in Dramatic Finish
Facing a must-win scenario to guarantee a place in the semi-finals, or at least a close result, depending on other results, LWCC U12 Gold played a tense and hard-fought match at Campbell Park against Concord Briars Maroon. Though Leichhardt fell just short of a victory in a gripping chase, news filtering through after the match that they had secured their place in the finals on quotient, a fitting reward for their strong performances all season.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, LWCC U12 Gold delivered an outstanding bowling performance, restricting the opposition to just 53 runs in 16 overs. The standout was Zavier Rodrigues, who produced an innings-defining spell, tearing through the opposition lineup to claim 4 for 9 in a brilliant display of controlled, attacking bowling. He was well-supported by James Day (1-9), Will Barratt (1-6), Oscar Green (1-7), and Kasper Arnmark (1-8). The fielding was sharp, with Will Barratt taking two solid catches and Kasper holding on to a superb grab (the best of his season), one that lifted the entire team.
Chasing 54 for victory, LWCC found it tough to build momentum, with the scoreboard pressure and some vocal opposition keeping the batters on edge. The wickets fell steadily, but Will Barratt stood firm, producing a determined 9 not out from 39 balls, soaking up the pressure and giving his side a fighting chance. Despite the valiant effort, the team fell just short at 8-48 in 23.1 overs.
What followed was a mix of disappointment and hope as the team waited for other results to confirm their fate. When the news finally came in that LWCC had made the semi-finals on quotient, sadness turned to relief and celebration, a well-deserved outcome for a team that has worked hard all season.
With positivity on their side and a belief in their bowling strength, LWCC U12 Gold are well-placed to deliver a strong performance this weekend and push for a spot in the grand final. One step closer to glory!
U15 White: LWCC (8-148) def. by RHH Pirates Black Beards (4-149)
It was another good game of competitive kids cricket. Sadly the Wanderers fell short.
With nine players the Wanderers batted first and got to a competitive 148. Notable contributions were by Bede (55* of 45), Keshav (36 of 28) and Vinny (25 of 41). Beau and James faced 47 balls between them and helped the team survive until the 30th over.
James was the most efficient bowler (0-2 from 3 overs), while Bede, Hugo, Vinny and Nic had economies less than five per over to help keep the run rate in check. Wickets went to Hugo (2-17 of 4 overs), Keshav (1-28 of 5 overs) and Vinny (1-17 of 4 overs).
The Pirates were slightly too strong on this day. We play them next week, at the same location, in what should be a thrilling semi-final.
U13 Black: LWCC (1-73) def. Concord Briars Black (69)
Minor Premiers! Yes! Congrats boys. We got a win, and a well deserved one too.
Our U13 boys put last week’s defeat squarely behind them as they went about a particularly clinical win against a familiar and fiery opposition.
We happily lost the toss, and bowled first. There’s a few players in this side you need to deal with quickly, and we did exactly that. Leading run scorer for the league - Josh Amparo has his off stump taken out (cracker of a ball, top of off stump) by Xavier (1 for 7 from 3) for 18, half his average. Koby Gibson the other threat, bowled LBW for a DUCK by Ronav Auti (1 for 3 from 3). How’s this for a crazy wicket - poor old Max Narayan thought for a second his name was Johnny Bairstow, took a gentle stroll down the pitch only to be snared by Harrison Burke (WK) in a brilliant long distance stumping. Bowler was Sam Spiller (2 for 4 from 3). The scorers weren’t too troubled by Concord’s batting this week, with two ducks, 18, 11 and every other score under 10. Extras top scored (AGAIN) on 23. We’ll work on that. Other notable contributions, Noah Kelly (C&B) (1 for 6 from 2), Harry Condon (1 for 9 from 2) and Will Goldrick (1 for 2 from 1.1). Sharp catches from both Linus Starkoff and Noah Kelly (C&B).
A terrific effort in the field with no pauses from any fielder, it was like having a team of Jonty Rhodes’ on your side. Concord couldn’t get the ball away, evidenced by only one four and one six in the entire innings. In contrast we hit five fours and two sixes in half the overs. We restricted them to only 69, bowling them out in 23 overs.
Small totals can be difficult to chase down. Not today. We put our finest in there to show them how it’s done. Lachlan Ash - 5 (20), Barnabas Ford (captain) - 8 (20) both saw off some fine bowling by Josh Amparo and Ben McKiernan, displaying good intent with running and playing the correct shots to move towards our total. Ronav Auti - 9 (13) did his usual thing and scored quite quickly, making it look easy, until unfortunately handing a simple catch to mid-on. Xavier Rohanek (aka Megatron) decided to do it all again 25 (20), and ultimately handed over to Austin Kelly - 12 (5) and Sam Spiller - 2 (3) to win the match, convincingly. It was all over in 13 just overs, 1-73. Only one wicket down. Efficient and excellent.
Of note, in this report every player has been named with a contribution because we won this as a team. A focused, energised and confident team.
These boys earned this win, they fought back so well from last week and thoroughly deserve their place at the top of the ladder as Minor Premiers for 2024/25. Huge congratulations boys, and all the best for upcoming finals. My ongoing thanks for Harish Auti for co-coaching and David Starkoff for his ongoing commitment to scoring and team management.
Again, we wish everyone the best of luck for a big weekend of cricket action! Thank you to everyone for their support and commitment for what has been a fantastic season for the club (so far)!
Chris Hudson
LWCC President
We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!