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Wanderers Cricket - Round 15 Wrap

  • leichhardtcricket
  • Mar 10
  • 33 min read

Updated: Mar 17

March 7th / 8th, 2026.


After 15 rounds of cricket from October to March, our Inner West Harbour cricket regular rounds come to a close. For some, this means the end of the season. We sincerely hope you've all enjoyed your season and have loved your cricket. We hope you've made some new friends, whether team mates, club mates, or opposition. We hope you've learnt some new things from our fabulous coaches and continued to develop your game. We also hope to see you again next season for more cricket! Once a Wanderer, always a Wanderer!


Congratulations to our IWHJCA semi-finalists for 2025-26:


  • U10 White

  • U10 Black

  • U10 Red

  • U11 Red

  • U12 Red

  • U13 White

  • U15 Black


Good luck in your semi-finals this weekend!


(U10 White & U10 Black are facing off against each other in a local derby at Blackmore Oval!)


Of course, our Sixers Cricket League teams have one more round before the finals week, but regardless of your ladder position, good luck to all junior teams still playing this weekend!


Finally, whilst we tend to focus heavily on our juniors in our newsletter, our senior B-grade side finished third in the West Harbour & Churches Cricket competition, and will be playing second-placed Western Jaguars this Saturday afternoon, for a place in the grand final. We wish you the very best of luck lads!



Don't forget, our Juniors Presentation Night is scheduled for Saturday, 9th May, commencing from 5pm at the Blackmore Clubhouse. More details to follow next week!




Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports


Performance of the Round


Rick Scully (B Grade) – this week we couldn't go past a first-class performance from our Senior Men's B-grade skipper. Rick led from the front, claiming bowling figures of 4 for 16 (off 7 overs, with 2 maidens) and remarkably taking 4x catches! Rick earns himself Double Honour Roll! Not only that, but Rick hit the winning runs against ladder-leaders Ashfield, to finish third on the table and book the team's spot in the semi-finals next weekend! Go get 'em lads, we're all behind you!


We'll also take the opportunity to shout out our D-grade captain, Lukas Rawsthorne. Lukas was a Leichhardt Wanderers junior who took on the captaincy of the D-grade side for the first time this season, showing great leadership week in and week out. Congratulations Lukas, you're a true Wanderer!


Highlights


  • Susie Deeming (U11 Girls Red) – 2x run-outs, 1x catch Honour Roll

  • Coco Sculthorpe (U11 Girls Red) – 2 for 14 (off 3)

  • Evelina Sidey (U11 Girls Black) – 13* (off 13), 2x fours; 1 for 9 (off 3)

  • Adelaide Done (U13 Girls) – 1x run-out, 1x catch

  • Mihrimah Clark (U13 Girls) – 1x run-out, 1x catch

  • Sofia Robinson (S3 Girls) – 2 for 4 (off 3)

  • Thomas Platen (U10 White) – 2 for 6 (off 3); 1x catch, 1x run-out

  • Jonah Puechberty (U11 Gold) – 3x run-outs Honour Roll

  • Harvey Bean (U11 Gold) – 2x run-outs, 1x catch Honour Roll

  • Rory Perett (U11 Gold) – 2 for 4 (off 3); 17* (off 15), 2 fours

  • Flynn Sawers (U12 White) – 49* (off 28), 6x fours, 3x sixes

  • Emmett Hudson (U12 Red) – 30* (off 54)

  • Daniel Faine (U12 Red) – 3 for 8 (off 2.4)

  • Oscar Rawson (U12 Red) – 2 for 19 (off 4); 19 (off 30)

  • Ronav Auti (U13 Sabres) – 30* (off 25), 3x fours; 3 for 7 (off 3)

  • Archer Hudson (U13 Sabres) – 18 (off 25), 2x fours; 1 for 8 (off 3); 2x catches

  • Asher Dunne (U13 Gold) – 3 for 20 (off 3)

  • Ted Fitzpatrick (U13 Black) – 3 for 12 (off 4); 2x catches; 25 (off 38)

  • Ronav Auti (U15 Black) – 55* (off 46), 8x fours Honour Roll

  • Nevaan Singh (U15 Black) – 20 (off 26), 3x fours; 2 for 11 (off 3); 1x catch, 1x run-out

  • Xavier Rohanek (U15 Black) – 26 (off 40), 3x fours; 2x catches

  • Andrew Dickinson (D-grade) – 57* Honour Roll


Match Reports


U11 Girls Derby – LWCC Black (3-104) def. LWCC Red (3-96)


Black


The Battle of Blackmore


Nothing builds excitement like a local derby and it was training partners from the U11 Girls this round to ignite their supporters. Coined the Battle of Blackmore during the week, the build up started early and no one was disappointed.


The Reds won the toss and elected to bowl first, so a quick game of UNO for the Blacks was required before they went about their business with the willow. The girls batted solidly, not losing a wicket in the first 10 overs. It was a tight affair though and the Reds bowled admirably, not giving away any free runs. Evie set the crowd alight with a couple of fours, Ella gave everyone a lesson in backing up and Lucia batted with grace.


Controversy set in with a close run out opportunity for the Reds. Lexi v Alexia, and only the square leg umpire to make a clutch call. The word SAFE rang out across Blackmore, and it was only the following day when the third umpire confirmed the bat sliding by Alexia was sublime and just inside the crease. Not out was the correct call.


From the Reds, a catch each from Alice and Susie and a few skillful runouts excited the RBB.


At the break, it was anyone's game. The bowling and batting in the 2nd innings was great. The Bowen Sisters were tidy, Annie & Annabelle had pace and Bonnie kept amazingly.


The scores were close and nobody could have guessed which way it'd go. It was only a couple of late direct hit runouts from Bonnie and Alexia that separated the teams. The Blacks won by 8 runs. One-all against the two teams now this season. A decider would be the only fitting end to a fun-filled year.



Red


The U11 Reds enjoyed their second derby game of the season against the U11 Blacks at Blackmore. With parents and refreshments in attendance, the atmosphere was lovely and lively. The Reds won the toss and inexplicably elected to field during the hottest part of the day, but proved the armchair critics wrong by turning in their best bowling performance of the year with just 25 extras conceded. The wickets were hard to come by though, with the Blacks batting well through the order; and innings that featuring several boundaries surrounded by some excellent drop and runs, which had been coached expertly into both teams at training during the week!


After the mid-inning break, the bowling tightened further, with Alice in the wickets and Coco bowling a brilliant over that featured two outfield catches (our first two of the season) and a run out. The infamous Reds pile on got a few work outs and tails were up. A very dubious run out decision by the square leg umpire left the Reds four short of a great innings and it was off to the sidelines for some cyclones and killer pythons with the girls joining forces as one big happy Wanderers group.


The Reds batted well, with and excellent 12 from Lexi and contributions from all, but the wickets came steadily for the Blacks who won the game in the last couple of overs by a handful of runs. By the end, no one was really watching the result that closely and the overriding feeling was one of fun and camaraderie, and a huge amount of pride across the parent group at just how far these fantastic girls have come on this season. The future is looking very bright for Girls cricket at LWCC. Well done Blacks! See you for the decider....



U13 Girls – LWCC (5-73) def. by Randwick CC Belles (4-77)


The U13 Girls played at home (Russell Park, Chiswick) versus Randwick Belles. Emily

won the toss and decided to bat. On a very slow outfield, against a very strong bowling attack, our girls did really well. We batted out the full 20 overs, only losing one wicket to the bowlers. We did, however have 4 run-outs! The batting was led by Karthika (10 not out), Emily (9 not out) and Lara (8 not out). Two other girls pitched in with 7 (Adelaide and Hannah). We ended up with 73 against one of the strongest teams in the comp.


While Randwick reached our total, we took 4 sharp wickets. Sofia got a wicket early (caught behind by Mihrimah) and Juno bowled some wonderful spin with Adelaide taking an excellent catch at cover. Adelaide also got run out to complete another fine game after stepping up from Under 11 a month ago.


A big improvement from last week. Well done girls. One game to go!


Stage 3 Girls – LWCC (6-56) def. by Summer Hill CC (4-104)


Another outing against our old nemesis, and down 2 players (Cate and Charlotte) who kindly played for the Briars team so they didn’t have to forfeit (and did brilliantly too!).

 

With only 8 players on the field, the girls bowled and fielded really well – Connie and Ava were stand outs in the field. Harper and Suki lead the charge with taking wickets; Harper with a great caught and bowled (1/8 off 3 overs), and Suki with a direct hit for a great run out (0/10 off 2 overs). Connie and Bella were both solid , also with 0/10 (2 overs each), Ava with a much improved 0/21 (3 overs) and Sofia managed to take 2 late wickets, bowling 2 girls in one over (2/4 off 3 overs).

 

We went into bat, Ellen again bravely facing up to their opening bowler and scoring a classy 7* (29 balls), followed by Bella who smashed 9 off 19 balls. Zoe was clear in her communications with her batting partners for her with 3* (21), and Sofia smacked 8 (10 balls) before getting run out.

 

Again it wasn’t our day but it was a great game of cricket, made even better by ice blocks at the end (thanks Kate).

 

Your support of and for each other, as well as your enthusiasm, cannot be faulted. And your improvement each week is really something. Keep it up.



U8 White – LWCC (1-108) def. Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Jack Sparrows (5-79)


The warm Summer conditions re-appeared (in Autumn) for Saturday's match against the RHH Jack Sparrows.


The Wanderers lost the "hills vs flats" toss and were sent in to bat, with Liam & Arjun opening the batting against some quick and accurate bowling that had them pinned down in the early overs. The boys saw off the opening bowlers, and opened their shoulders up a little, scoring 24 runs (and 5 boundaries) off their last two overs to finish 1/27. Oliver and Theo were the next pair in, adding 29 runs from their four overs for no wickets lost - Oliver top-scoring with a very handy 25. Alfie and Austen closed the Wanderers innings out with a 27-run partnership, with each contributing 3 beautifully hit boundaries and no dismissals.


The Wanderers finished with 1-83 off the bat. While it wasn't a big score to defend on the short Boronia Park 1 boundaries, the boys knew that they had been in this position plenty of times this season. They also knew that their bowling and fielding could make the difference.


They got off to a blazing start, with Oliver diving forward to take a screamer of a catch at mid-on off Austen's first delivery of the innings. Austen finished with a very tidy 2-7 from his two overs, with the Jack Sparrows 2-31 after 8 overs.


Not to be outdone by Oliver's earlier showstopper, Liam took a ripper of a catch, also at mid-on, off a well-hit full toss in Arjun's second over. Arjun took a second wicket in his over to finish with 2-9.


The last batting pair for the Jack Sparrows put on an exciting chase, with 44 runs from their 3 overs, including 8 boundaries, taking them to within four runs of the Wanderers batting total. But it was the Wanderer's bonus runs from their wicket-taking that sealed the win - with Theo taking a wicket in the last over of the innings.


Final score Wanderers 1-108 def RHH Jack Sparrows 5-79. Well Done Wanderers!


U9 White – LWCC (66) def. Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Bandits (94)


Friday night’s training included a sight I never thought I would be confronted with in the inner west… a Broncos jersey! The re-emergence of NRL colours was surely a sign that this tremendous cricket season was drawing to a close.


Wanderers have done so well in every game, but the return trip to Monash to play the undefeated RHH brought with it a flashback to the ‘tough day at the office’ we faced early in the season, where the young Wanderers were well beaten by 70 runs. It was going to be a great challenge, and all players turned up bright and early, excited and ready for the game.


Our skipper for the match was Eoghan, who won the toss and decided to have a bowl. RHH got off to a bit of a flying start… one of their opening batsman in particular was seriously handy with the willow, and after 3 and a half overs they had made their way to 0-35… it was then that our skipper Eoghan decided to take things into his own hands, by bowling a ripper of a ball, nice and full, and straight into middle stump! Two balls later, and he produced an even better ball, to smash one into the very top of off stump for a 2 wicket over… Awesome bowling!


Archie and Conor sent down some heat in the middle overs, but without a wicket. Asher has been on a rampage in recent weeks and he produced a nice ball that jumped off a length and catch a top edge to Eoghan behind the stumps. The skipper was everywhere! Great bowling, and superb fielding! Wanderers had their third scalp…


Freddy sent down some great deliveries in his over, before our ‘opening four’ stepped up to close out the innings against RHH’s final pairing. It was awesome to see Ruairi, Benji, Tilly and Eoghan all bowl with brilliant accuracy to keep things nice and tight, with several deliveries missing the stumps by mere millimetres. Our final 4 overs for only 19 runs against some very good batsmen. What a finish! A big call out to Freddy, who put in his best fielding performance of the year, which included a ‘direct hit’ from square leg… Superb!


After the first innings, RHH had made their way to 3-84… a big total... but could the kids from Blackmore make it happen?


Asher and Eoghan were sent in to open the innings for Wanderers. Eoghan belted his very first ball for 4 with a classic pull shot. He ended up with three boundaries and Asher put the last ball of his innings away for a 4 as well. It was a great start and Wanderers were 0-19 after their first 3 overs.


Benji and Tilly were next in… it turns out that RHH’s best batsmen were pretty handy with the ball as well, and this pair did really well against some tricky bowling. A huge shout out to Tilly, who has now not lost her wicket once since the Xmas break. Sensational! Archie and Freddy then shared a nice partnership, that included a powerful six from ‘the Big Arch’ over cover, just missing the powerplay.


Ruairi and Conor assembled a seriously classy partnership to close the Wanderers chase. Conor’s batting is getting better every week… His famous pull shot brought him some great boundaries but it was really awesome to see him also playing straight, and through the covers.


It really was a great performance, but Wanderers had finished just short of the target with a final score of 66 v 94.


It has been an amazing ride this season for the ever-improving Wanderers Whites and every single player had moments to be proud of. Well done team, and we look forward to our final two games together.


U10 Red – LWCC (6-102) def. Concord Briars Gold (5-56)


A great win for the U10 Red as we solidified second spot in the lead-up to finals. Captain Jack E lost the toss and we were sent in to bat on another hot and muggy day.


Luca and Jude opened the innings strongly, with Luca smashing the first ball of the day to the boundary on his way to two fours. At the other end Jude was once again ever-reliable, staying in line, protecting his wicket, and running hard.


Jack E, Will, and Jack T then built the innings through the middle order with a mix of strong boundaries and fast running to keep the run rate moving. Will’s three boundaries helped him reach the day’s top score of 18. Lucy and Henry then made the most of the final overs. Despite the heat and the long outfield, they kept finding the gaps and picking up valuable singles and twos to push us to a competitive total.


With the ball and in the field, the Reds were relentless. Our recent focus on pitching the ball up and staying alive in the field is clearly paying off. Only 13 runs were conceded off the bat, no wides were bowled, and the team attacked everything hit their way.


Wickets were shared across the team, with Will, Lucy, Henry, Jack E, and Jude all striking. Jack T took a stunning diving catch, while Luca bowled with real hostility throughout. Behind the stumps, Will and Lucy wicket-kept with aplomb, conceding barely a bye, with Will also picking up a sharp stumping.

In the end it was a comfortable and well-earned win against a strong Briars side. Player-of-the-Mach went to Lucy for her terrific all-round effort with bat and ball, as well as volunteering to take the gloves and doing an outstanding job behind the stumps.


Go the Reds!


U11 Derby – LWCC Gold (4-163) def. LWCC White (7-91)


With our 2025/26 season already decided, we headed to Callan Park for our last game against our ‘brothers’ in team White.


Jonah P was our Captain for this game and as per usual we once again lost the toss and were sent into bat by the White’s who clearly noticed the damp outfield.


Knowing that we have struggled to make runs this season and get to a competitive total, we opened the batting with two of our big hitters in Joe G and Reef R.


These boys did not disappoint, making seven runs off the first over faced to get us off to a great start, with Joe G retiring not out with 13 runs and Reef R (9 runs) unlucky to be caught short and run out on his last delivery.


Harvey B (7 runs) and Rory P (17) came to the crease next and really powered on with some smart running between the wickets and looking for the gaps in the field. Jack B (9 runs) and Captain Jonah P (8 runs) came in next, and both boys kept the scoresheet ticking over.


Things really got going once Dorian A (17 runs) came to the crease, smashing it to all sides of the park, the Gold’s were looking at a tidy total.


Ben T (4 runs) rounded out our innings with some stoic batting in the humid conditions.


Golds had a handy total to defend and with only losing 5 wickets, we needed to bowl and field well to keep this out of the reach of the White’s who we knew had some handy hitters in their side.


Jonah P opened our attack with the new ball and was tidy with his first over, but it was Rory P that knocked over the stumps with his third delivery and would go on to bowl another batsman later in the innings.


Reef R came into bowl next, and what a pearler of a first delivery, knocking over the stumps with his first ball.


Ben T waited for his last delivery off his first over, to crash down the stumps for his first wicket of the game, Joe G and Dorian A both bowled next, and were tidy in keeping the runs contained to the innings break and some much-needed water.


Jack B came into bowl after some nice wicket keeping and this over would lead to a rare ‘Team Hat-trick’ – as Captain Jonah P at wicket keeper ran out not one but two batsman and then the batsman chanced our arm again and this time it was Jack B at the bowlers end that smashed over the stumps for 3 straight runouts in as many balls. Well done boys for such sharp fielding!


Reef R and Harvey B were also not going to be denied in the run-out stakes with Reef nabbing one run out off his own bowling and then Harvey with his pinpoint throwing, taking out two more runouts!

Harvey B also rounded out another solid cricketing performance with a spicy caught & bowled – well done Harvey!


Joe G entered the attack and knocked out the stumps with a superb middle stump delivery, and this was immediately backed up by Rory P knocking over the stumps off the very next ball. Reef R took a difficult catch off the bowling of Jack B with Jonah P finishing off the game in style with a final run out off the bowling of Ben T.


Without any doubt this was the best performance of the season by the Under11’s Gold team in their batting, bowling and fielding attitude and one that they can look to, as the standard for next season.

We did not award a ‘man of the match’ as all the players worked brilliantly and each player earned themselves an ‘Easter Bunny’ for their efforts not only in this last game, but throughout the season.

As always, we thank the Whites for their sportsmanship and wish them all the best for the future and hope they continue to develop their cricketing skills.


We wish all Wanderer’s teams that are heading to the finals all the best of luck.


Go Gold, go Wanderers!



U12 Black – LWCC (8-38) def. by Concord Briars Black (5-251)


It was going to be a tough last round assignment against another strong Briars outfit, so this weeks Captain Toby planned on bowling first to get the most out of the game if he won the toss. He lost it and Briars chose to bat first anyway so it was a moot point, but it speaks to enthusiasm and trying to get the most cricket possible out of the game.


True to form, the Briars got off to a strong start. Any delivery that dropped short was an instant four, and perhaps fearing that treatment, we bowled far too many full tosses which were dispatched just as quickly as the short balls. They brought up the 100 without loss in the tenth over and energy levels were starting to flag in the field before Louis (1-24) finally got the first wicket. Wickets equal energy and after the drinks break it was like a different team came back on the field (maybe it was the watermelon?) with Charlie (1-19) getting his first wicket in cricket and Noah S taking his first ever catch. Very exciting stuff which the team celebrated jubilantly! After an excellent stint behind the stumps, Noah L took 2-12 off his three overs and Caleb (1-21) was rewarded for his subtle variations by hitting the stumps yet again this week. Even with the spirited fightback it was a formidable total of 251 to chase.


Rufus and Louis drew the short straw and bravely took their turn opening the batting and faced a relentless line and length from the opening bowlers. Henry, after being stranded at the non-strikers end without facing a ball last week, was elevated in the order to make sure he got a bat this week and found himself out there in the fourth over with the ball still shiny and hard. He took one under the armpit early, but he shrugged it off and he and Dilhan dug in for a few overs to steady the innings with Henry, in only his third game of cricket ever, commenting to the umpire "this if fun!" after digging a quick ball off middle stump to find a single. The bowlers changed, but only got taller and faster and after a mid innings collapse ( where both of our bails were shattered by two separate deliveries!) Noah L returned to form slapping the ball over the infield regularly to top score with 13*. Caleb and Angus chipped in at the end to push the total 10 runs higher than when we last played this team, so everyone was happy with that.


As it was the last game spirits were high, so it was fitting that Toby's Captain speech was the longest of the season where he singled out many highlights but eventually gave the match ball to Charlie for taking his first wicket in the last game of his debut season.Thank you to all the parents for being so supportive, scoring, bringing drinks and snacks and doing all the things needed to get the boys on the field each week. They are a great group of boys and I hope they enjoyed playing as much as I enjoyed coaching - and that's that, season over, what will we do on Saturday mornings now?


U12 Red – LWCC (7-126) def. Concord Briars Yellow (8-86)


Something I have not witnessed before as an umpire/coach, I heard Briars say in front of me and the opposition coach that they wanted to bowl. I said "well that is settled no need to toss as we wanted to bat" I love this game and the bits it throws up.


SAVING THE BEST TILL LAST. It took a season, but our boys found their game with both bat and ball in the final regular round. Oscar R, John O, and Emmett H making it to retirement set the team up for an ok total. That was until Jacob W, raced across town after school cricket to bat at 9 with a wonderful cameo of 20 from 18 deliveries. But more impressive than that was on the last ball he sacrificed himself to try and get another run and was run-out. To me that unselfish team first attitude was more important than his impressive 20 with a S/R of 111. John O was removed from Oscar's Xmas card list for torching him, but before that they played beautifully together running between wickets, along with Emmett H top scoring 30*.


126 was our score but we were nervous as they know the quality of the opposition. It's all about scoreboard pressure and opening attack of Emmett H and Ben S was the tonic needed to put Briars under the pump. Emmett to taking the prized wicket of rep player VJ cheaply caught by John O was a relief to the umpire who was overruled by DRS in the previous over. Bowler of the week was our freshman Dan F, 2.4 overs, 3 wickets for 8 runs and nil extras. This included a caught behind by impressive keeper for the first 15, Leo L. Dan followed up by clean bowling the opener and number 3 as they returned from retirement. Our newest boy won us the game that got us into the finals. Henry the Magician who is always in the game claimed another scalp with a neat catch to wicket keeper Emmett. Kiran C nursing an arm injury also chimed in with great figures of 3 overs, 1 maiden, 1 wicket for 6. Oscar R with his modified shorter run up, claimed 2 wickets including a spectacular one-handed leap to the heavens C&B. All he remembered was Tim, Fraser and Drew chucking a wobbly in the spectators stand as if he was Cam Green at full extension.


This was the best game I have coached for four years as it was a full team effort, including injured player Dylan turning up to support his mates both new and for many years. We are Leichhardt Wanderers through and through, how 'bout you?



U12 Derby – LWCC Gold (67) def. by LWCC White (4-141)


White


White captain called “Flats”… and it was Flats! Our second win at the toss in seven matches – woohoo! We chose to bat. After earning our second win in a row last week, we were hoping to finish the regular season with a hat-trick of wins. We came up against a Wanderers Gold team who, despite struggling for victories recently, gave us plenty of problems the last time we played them. We wanted this win to keep our chances alive and we're definitely not taking this game lightly.


We opened the batting cautiously and before long had lost both openers, bringing the Sawers brothers back to the crease. Flynn and Lincoln handled the bowling well and both retired not out in the 12th over, leaving us in a strong position at drinks. After drinks, the retired batters continued to rotate through the crease. By the time we lost our next wicket we were 4-124 in the 27th over, but we needed another boost to lift the run rate. The Sawers brothers answered the call. Lincoln pushed his score to a personal best before taking a single to leave the last ball for Flynn to try for his 50. He needed a six. Flynn launched the ball high - everyone watching - but it landed just inside the rope and bounced over for four, leaving him one run short of a half-century. So much drama!


Wanderers White finished on 4-141. Now it was our turn to bowl.


We started brilliantly. Freddie bowled their opener with the third ball of the first over. Then Milosh struck in the next over with a great catch taken in the field by Owen. Suddenly it was 2-7 after two overs and we were looking strong. After several tight overs of bowling and fielding, Lincoln Sawers produced a run-out aiming at a single stump. It’s easy to see how much our fielding has improved each week.

Our bowlers continued to restrict the runs until Flynn trapped the next batter LBW. They were 4-32 in the 14th over and we could smell blood. The pressure continued. Benji then joined the party with a tidy caught and bowled, making it 5-45 in the 18th over. Soon after, Owen produced another brilliant run-out in the 23rd over. 6-57 and only one wicket to go. In came Jack, who bowled their final batter to end the innings. All out for 67 in the 25th over.


Batting Highlights

• Flynn Sawers - 49 (28), 6x fours, 3x sixes

• Lincoln Sawers - 28 (29), 4x fours

• Paddy McColough - 17 (21), 3x fours


Bowling Highlights

• Freddie Baker - 1-4 (off 3)

• Milosh Pajovic, Jack Malone, Flynn Sawers, Benji Roy - 1 wicket each


Well done to Wanderers White for another complete team performance and a great way to finish the season. Congratulations to Wanderers Gold, who fought hard to the end despite being a player short. This was a fantastic way to wrap up the season, with every player wanting just one more week of cricket. That’s a great sign for the future. It bodes very well for next season.


Go Wanderers!


Gold


One of the most cliched sporting expression is that "In a derby, all form goes out of the window". So although the Goldies were bottom of the ladder, the sporting gods and their love of punishing hubris and by extension those towards the top of the ladder (such as the Whites) meant we might be on here. After all we'd only lost by 10 runs out last time....


So although we lost the toss - we started to bowl well. Tight spells early on to the openers meant slowing scoring and 2 wickets for Hugo. However, we soon found out why the last game had been so close - 2 of the Whites best players were on holiday last time, but they were back today. So came one of those infuriating games for the attack where bowling on the stumps is punished, and your best ball on 5th stump ends up over the fence. However, we continued to chip away at the whites, the drying wicket allowing for more spin from Xavier and Liam, who both took wickets.


That said - a few dropped chances meant that batters were able to continue on to retirement, before coming back out again. Everyone bowled well though - extras we lowest of the season at 29, and only 2 byes from Liam and Finley behind the stumps, with Elliott, Leon, Liam and Finley all conceding less than 3 an over.


So a total of 142 to chase. It would be our highest innings of the season, but "it's a local derby, so all form goes out the window", right?


Alas, not all form goes out of the window, Liam and Leon falling early. But Jack was in a batting mood - hitting a giant six and seemingly set for a decent total. But some bad luck came back to haunt us - Finley being run out by a foot on a direct hit, and Xavier falling LBW to a rocket. Hugo came in an steadied the ship with some dilligent batting (not a sentence I'd ever imagined writing in October), and a great deal of skill, as did Henry who weathered a crack on the ankle to defy the bowlers. However, the beginning of the end came when Jack was "mankaded" - not heeding the umpire's warning first time around when backing up.


So overall the last MOTM of the year was Hugo - although Jack and Liam were also close considerations, and the Goldies get to spend the winter considering the merits of an intensive "Rocky IV style" training camp before next season.


Congrats to Flynn from the Whites, who failed to hit a six off the last ball by a foot or so, and was left stranded on 49 not out. And thanks also for the use of an extra fielder from the Whites through the game - a sign of true club camaraderie.


U13 White – LWCC (6-82) def. by Concord Briars Gold (3-83)


The game was a dead rubber, with 4th place being the only possible ladder position for the Whites at the end of the round.


The Whites batted first and got bogged. Noah stood in as opener and accumulated a tidy 11 to retire after 25 balls, doing the job required, but others mostly struggled to get runs. The slow scoring was not helped by the oppressive humidity, long grass and tight Briars fielding. That, and the Briars conceding only 6 extras, left the Whites with 82 after 30 overs. There was a significant positive though, with Kurts, Oliver, Eamon, Archer, James L and Oscar R also spending 19+ balls at the crease, and James A fine tuning his four hitting, which is good practice for the semi-final next week.


Everyone bowled two overs. There was some good line and length although the 8 wides/no balls in 18.3 overs were too many and a measure of a slight bowling radar misalignment. Oscar R (1-1) and Archer (1-5) had the best figures, Kurtis got a run out and James L took a catch. Emmett conceded only 2 byes as keeper.


The players played this game like it was a dead rubber, with a few straying from what has worked well for them all year. It is time for the players to be themselves and the great cricketers they are. That will be needed for next week’s semi-final against the table toppers.


U13 Red – LWCC (109) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Swashbucklers (7-178)


Reds rolled into Morrison Bay 4 with a real end of school vibe. Both teams unburdened by the scoreboard and keen to strut their stuff under grey humid skies.


Toss lost and sent into the field saw some wonderfully chaotic cricket. Noah’s dancing 7 Nation Army challenged by Leo’s ‘We are Charlie Kirk’ after a caught behind off Ted provided the sound track to some Benny Hill-esque drop catches (Ollie S and Ted take a bow), before the second 15 led to two screaming catches by Ollie B, and wickets for recruit Dilhan (absolute legend, well done), Noah, Ollie S, with the re-modelled action hitting a hard length, and Leo with some old fashioned ‘donkey drops’. The higher the better. In between some good spells the Swashbucklers 12 players all retired or got out after blazing away to set us an imposing 178 to chase.


Batting for the final time in season 25-26 saw a determined opening partnership of Leo and Noah; Leo’s clean striking reminiscent of Greg Chappell in his prime and Noah fighting hard to retire. James then dusted off the fists of fury batting with Noah and then Ted (locked in nicely) until an unlucky run-out. Dilhan then copped an awful run-out call but took it in his stride before Ollie B flexed his high back lift scoring 13 solid runs and Charlie - I mean Noah - returned to form, whacking 17 as the light faded to black at 7-109.


Big thanks to all the boys, Mel as manager and all parents for another ‘goated’ year, it’s been a pleasure to be coach and I am sure we would agree just the right amount of cricket. The humour and team spirit and entertaining characters make it special. The boys are all improving as well, don’t doubt it. Looking forward to Tuesday!


U13 Sabres – LWCC (3-146) def. Summer Hill CC Gold (8-52)


On a typically wet Sunday morning, the Sabres boys entered their clash with Summer Hill Gold brimming with confidence, having already secured three consecutive wins.

Batting first, the Sabres faced some disciplined and tight bowling from Summer Hill early on. However, the boys showed great composure and skill at the crease, building partnerships and steadily increasing the scoring rate. Impressively, the first four batters all retired after reaching their limits, highlighting the strength and consistency throughout the top order. The Sabres didn’t lose their first wicket until the score had reached 120, a testament to the outstanding batting display. Our batting innings closed at a formidable, 146 for 3, with notable performances from Nevaan (17* off 25), Ronav (30* off 25), Oliver (21* off 25), Alfie (19* off 25), and Archer (18 off 25), all showing excellent technique and confidence at the crease.


With a strong total on the board, the Sabres carried that momentum straight into the field. The bowling attack applied immediate and relentless pressure on the Summer Hill lineup. Wickets fell steadily as the Sabres maintained tight lines and energetic fielding throughout the innings. It was particularly pleasing to see the wickets shared across the bowling group, reflecting a true team effort. Ronav led the way with three wickets, while James A claimed two, Eamon, Archer, and Oliver each added one wicket to the tally. Summer Hill were eventually bowled out for 52 in 18.1 overs, sealing another comprehensive win for the Sabres.


It was another fantastic team performance, with both bat and ball firing. Other standout performances on the day included Sachin’s most appreciated coffee run for the parents 🙏 and once again, Matt’s tireless effort umpiring the entire match.


It was great to see so many of the boys in excellent form and clearly enjoying their cricket. The Sabres’ winning streak continues, and the team’s confidence and teamwork are going from strength to strength.



U15 Derby – LWCC Black (7-173) def. LWCC White (54)


White


Our final match report for the season, compliments of captain Bowie.


Saturday was the last game of the regular season, and we were fortunate to be at Callan Park, facing our club mates, the Under 15s Blacks.


The Whites' effort in the field was excellent. Keeping runs down to a minimum. A runout courtesy of Harry was our first wicket. Anton, Darcy and Yoris took showstopper catches and kept the momentum going. Bowling highlights included economical overs from Anton and Hartley. We took 7 wickets and kept the Blacks to a total of 173.


Harry and Max opened the batting and faced the strong bowling attack. Darcy and Hartley entertained with energetic batting and running, but the highlight of the innings was the late partnership of Jack H and Felix. Even though it was the tail end of the game, they put a high price on their wickets and faced ball after ball of excellent bowling. Jack H was able to add 10 runs to our total and Felix finished the game not out.


The Blacks were too strong and took the win, but I am very proud of all the achievements we had in this game and in this season. We have faced some tough opposition, but I am very happy to be part of this team.


Thank you, Martin, for coaching us and helping us set our goals. Thank you to Nicky for keeping everyone organised. Thanks to all the parents who umpired, scored, gave us throwdowns, and provided snacks.


Good luck to the Blacks as they head to the finals.



Black


Back at Callan Park for an excellent Derby Blacks v Whites. This is the home of cricket in the truest sense. Green actual grass shall live forever! I saw the remains of the lawnmower on the boundary edge, and the threat of rain meant only one thing - BAT!!! So we sent Ronav with Conor’s lucky, slightly age-inappropriate gambling coin. Ronav tossed, the whites called - and we WON! And yes, we chose to Bat first.


Not everybody is pleased with the batting order and such is the nature of club cricket. Well in this occasion everybody got to bat, even those who retired not out.


I thought we batted quite well apart from some nervous runs, unclear calls and general confusion as to how to get from one end of the pitch to the other. One day we will be able to do this. You see, we run from one end to the other. Turn, and then run again. You’d think.


Off to a fine start against some fairly steady bowling. I think our boys were a bit surprised by the swing and length of the bowling - and they struggled a bit. Some overs were quite slow in contrast with the Ronav show later on which I’ll talk about later.


Sam S 4 (6) looked quite solid until he decided to take 2 runs, and didn’t quite make it back. After taking a short nap in the grass, face down he decided to get himself up and drag his bat to the pavilion. When I say pavilion I mean the big tree. Conor 14 (26) gave it a solid go, but struggled the same as Xavier 26 (40) who both scored slower than usual citing the ball being unusually hard to get away. I suggested they just hit the ball into the ground and run but that fell on deaf ears. Needless to say they weren’t really troubled until they both got out - caught off the same bowler. I am going to guess frustration settled in. Xavier did retire after 30 balls and return, so that was nice.


Nevaan did well 20 (26), with a few notable fours, and good singles behind the stumps. Taking advantage of some lazy fielding at times. Austin, 0 (2) unluckily spooned a catch. He was understandably frustrated. Me too. All I can do is click my counter to the next ball and wait for Ronav.


Well he didn’t waste any time. Fantastic innings, not rushed, not slogged - just good shots to the bad balls, and to be fair he got his fair share of short leg side rubbish that he dispatched to the fence. 8 fours to bring him 55* (46). Excellent batting Ronav. George unlucky to be trapped LBW 0 (3), Linus looked steady to get his 4 (9) but like the others became a bit frustrated and chopped onto the stumps from our old mate Max. Ryan came in and put his head down to let he returning batsmen Xavier and Ronav come in and finish the job. I remember saying to both Ryan and Ronav - 5 overs to go, and bat all of them. Do what you can and don’t get out. Well that was marvellous. Final over they were given permission to launch, but they chose to keep their head. Instead of giving up at 150 we pushed the total to 7-173 after 30 overs. It also helped that we were given 47 extras. Probably too many.


Apart from some poor running calls and typical teenage communication breakdowns (I still suffer those BTW), I thought our boys did a terrific job of batting in what did seem like difficult conditions. Threat of rain, it was quite hot, the annoying umpire was always at them to do better - and they delivered. Not to mention we were down 2 players. Congratulations!


Quick innings break - Harish took over umpiring while Michael drove to get his BBQ for the post-match Derby drinks and sausages. He (I) returned with most of my BBQ, only to drive home again to get the rest. Duh. I kid you not when I returned the Whites were like 3 wickets down. Austin’s first over was described as the stealthy assassin. To warm them up he dished up 9 pies, which included 4 extras, and then the final ball BOWLED. See ya later. Max did tell me he planned on getting out early which is kind of funny. Sam struck in the second over, BOWLED. Austin took another wicket, caught by Xavier. Ryan Hewitt and Nevaan came on to bowl for the next few overs where nothing much happened - until over 9, Ryan took a wicket and another catch to Xavier.


Ryan struck again - catch to Nevaan. To add insult to injury Nevaan took a catch off his own bowling reducing the whites to just 6-38. It was a very short innings, all done in 18 overs - some very fine bowling from Nevaan, Austin and Ryan in particular. Bowling figures were Sam 1-4 (3), Austin 2-16 (3) - most of those runs in the first over BTW. Ryan a very miserly 2-4 (7), Nevaan 2-11 (3). George 0-8 (2), Linus 0-4 (2) and Xavier 1-0 (0.2). A few of us didn’t get to bowl as we only had 18 overs to fit in - great team work and attitude to share the bowling around in this team. Thanks boys. 13 extras. A fraction too many but we can work on that.


Catches - Xavier 2, Sam 1, Ryan 1, Nevaan 1.


What I am enjoying at the moment is the boys are captaining themselves, settings, batting orders, bowling orders. Occasionally I’ll tell them they’re being dumb and need to run faster or move fielders around, but generally speaking it’s been great journey watching them develop as cricketers.


A great win - and it’s great to see you go the semi-finals so you can re-live last week’s dress rehearsal against Concord Black’s - except this time we’ll WIN.



Senior B Grade – LWCC (8-106) def. Ashfield CC (105)


Match report by skipper Rick....


Bs you bloody ripper! This Saturday was an awesome one to be involved with and I'm so very proud of our team for ripping in.


Last round of the regular season, a must-win match against the top of the table to make finals, a loss would see us fall out of the top 4. The stage was set, we needed an all time effort from the boys and oh boy did they deliver.


I lost the toss and ACC elected to bat first. This proved to be their downfall, as the B's were RARING to go after a heartfelt and inspirational speech from the skipper... Queue big Joe "The Purple Wiggle" Neely, who strikes with the first ball of the match. A pearler that nipped away, found the outside edge and was taken at second slip by an over-excited Simon, who was screaming before taking the catch cleanly - juggling it off his belly while laying on his back laughing.


This set the scene for an awesome first innings, with wickets falling like clockwork, we had them at 8-78 by drinks. The last two wickets lingered a little too long after the break, but for not many runs, we got them all out for 105. Some tight bowling was on display all around, with wickets to Rick (4-16), Matt (2-15) and one each to Joe, Hardik, Simon and Liam. Shout to everyone for an impressive display in the field, with no chances missed - Connor took two with the gloves, two incredible slips catches by Chris and Simon, a vital catch at point from Alessandro and yeah I guess I'll claim my 4 catches too (all sitters though). I think I've missed one catch too so please feel free to claim this below.


Needing 106 to win, this was achievable but would need some serious batting on an unbelievably slow outfield. James (15) and Chris (6) opened us up well, but some quick wickets, losing our leading run scorer Hardik and Nikhil for ducks, saw us 4 down for not too many. Queue Carlos "Pujara" Smith-Diaz, the man who is impossible to get out, who carried us through to the finish with 28*. Some great cameos from Himanshu (13) and Tom (16) got us under a run a ball. Alessandro got a quick 4, then I helped Carlos finish it off with a 5*. It was a really tense finish, my heart rate was over 195 BPM even before I had to walk out batting at 10.


The Wandies secured the win, third place on the ladder and a semi final against the Western Jaguars next week. I'm so proud of the way out team banded together, supported each other, and just kept turning up for each other. It's a really tight group, we play team first cricket and I think we have a genuine shot to go all the way. See you all at the nets on Tuesday and let's RIP IN on Saturday!


Senior D Grade – LWCC (5-141) def. India Avenue (139)


Match report by skipper Lukas...


How bloody good is a win to finish our season. We won the toss and elected to field. Was almost the perfect day out in the field, bowlers rarely strayed off that perfect line and length and we caught everything. The pick of the bowlers were Charlie with figures of 3-19 and Callum with 2-34. Lior, Pat F and myself also picking up one each. We restricted India Avenue to 139, and we went in believing we were a serious chance of chasing that down.


We didn’t start our batting innings brilliantly, losing both James and Saxon for ducks in the first 2 overs. Then Lachlan came in a smashed them all over the park before being caught for 28. When Pat C went we were 4-31 and it felt like we were letting it slip again. But after a little bit of luck the game began to swing back our way. Andrew and myself put on a partnership of 100 to guide us to just short of the win. With Pat coming in at the end to hit a big six straight down the ground to hit the winning runs. Andrew finished 57* and I ran myself out for 32.


Was great to finish off the season with a win. Ds are undefeated in March. Keen to cheer on Bs to hopefully go all the way this year.


Other match results:


U10 Black – LWCC (5-93) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Black Beards (3-121)

U10 White – LWCC (1-167) def. Concord Briars White (7-76)

U11 Red – Bye

U13 Gold – LWCC (73) def. by Concord Briars Maroon (4-75)

U13 Black – LWCC (77) def. by Easts Leopards (6-221)

U17 Black – Bye

U17 White – Match Abandoned



Finally for this week, don't forget, the Leichhardt Wanderers Rugby League & Cricket Club's "Red & Black Ball" is fast approaching.


Single tickets and tables of 10 available. Your club needs your support as we celebrate 115 years, so we encourage you to get some groups together and grab your tickets now. Click the image below to secure yours!




We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!

 
 
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