Wanderers Cricket - Round 3 Wrap

November 1st / 2nd, 2025.

It's been a sombre week in cricket across the nation, with the tragic loss of young Ben Austin, from Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Melbourne. Cricket is characterised by fun, friendship and sportsmanship, so it is heartbreaking to hear of a young player losing his life in such circumstances. We at Leichhardt Wanderers are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy and our thoughts are with Ben's family, friends and teammates.

At many cricket fields across the country this past weekend, many junior cricketers - including Leichhardt Wanderers - paid their respects with a moment of silence before play.

Whilst this was most certainly a tragic accident, we at Leichhardt Wanderers CC take the safety of our players (and their families) very seriously, whether during matches or at training. With so many young players at our club, this can also be a difficult topic to talk about with our children. In the coming weeks, there will be more information shared with the cricketing community and our club about cricket safety. However, if anyone ever has any concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to contact the club at: leichhardtcricket@gmail.com

Please stay safe out there, and look out for one another.

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Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports

Performance of the Round

Finn Gadsby (U11 White) - a fantastic all-round performance for Finn, with his first half century (for the Honour Roll), scoring 52* off 30 balls, including 10x fours! Plus 3 for 35 off 5 overs with the ball, and a catch. Nice work Finn!

Finn Gadsby

Highlights

• Leon Hughes (U10 Black) - 3 for 6 (off 2)

• Fred Werner-Gibbings (U10 White) - 26* (off 12), 4x fours; 1 for 1 (off 2)

• Patrick Jordan (U11 Red) - 3 for 6 (off 2); 1x catch

• Dilhan Clark (U12 Black) - 4 for 11 (off 4) Honour Roll

• Flynn Sawers (U12 White) - 31 (off 27), 5x fours, 1x six

• Oscar Green (U13 Gold) - 32 (off 39), 4x fours

• Jacob Skowno (U13 White) - 53* (off 50), 6x fours Honour Roll

• Oliver Sim (U13 Red) - 41 (off 42), 6x fours

• Emily Moore (U13 Red, filling in from U13 Girls) - 2 for 33 (off 4)

• Zoe Bastick (S3 Girls) - 2 for 22 (off 3.4); 1x catch

• Charlotte Williams (S3 Girls) - 1 for 14 (off 4); 2x catches

• Edward Smith (U17 White) - 49 (off 53), 7x fours

Jacob Skowno

Match Reports

S3 Girls - LWCC (8-80) def. by Concord Briars Gold (4-103)

Leichhardt Wanderers Stage 3 Girls had a narrow loss to a strong Concord Briars team on Saturday. Winning the toss and bowling, the girls made the most of the overcast conditions. A combination of accurate bowling and some great catching saw Briars held to 4-103. The pick of the bowlers were Zoe B (2-22) and Charlotte W (1-14 as well as taking two great catches).

The Wanderers innings stumbled early against Briars’ pacey new ball attack. However, the middle order fought back, with Bella F (16), Ava T (13*) and Aditi K (11) top scoring. With some handy contributions from others, the Wanderers got close, but were all out for 80.

The margin of 23 didn’t do justice to how close the game was. However, because of a quirk in the draw, it won’t take long for the Wanderers to get their revenge. We play Briars again next week.

U11 Girls Red - LWCC (89) def. by Ashfield CC Green Magpies (89)

Much like Trent Bridge 2015, Saturday was not a day to bat first on a wet pitch with the ball skidding through. The team batted very well but couldn't get the ball away, and were kept to a modest total of 81. Lyla hit some lovely shots, and Charlotte ended the innings well, but there were tough conditions.

As the sun came out batting got easier, and the girls had to bowl at their best to defend the total. There was some excellent, accurate bowling which led to wickets for Susie, Lexi, Imi and Nellie, as well as a couple of tidy run-outs which made the ending pretty tight.

Undoubted highlight of the game though was the energy in the field. The girls were vocal and supportive right from ball 1 and the foundations look well set for a fun and rewarding season.

U11 Girls Black - LWCC (87) def. by Summer Hill CC Blue (131)

U11 Girls Black took on Summer Hill at Blackmore Oval and it was another strong team performance this week, and the development of skills and spirit were on clear display.

Lucia, Bonnie and Audrey led the way with some great bowling and taking some early wickets which had the energy high. Elsie did outstanding behind the stumps with her first keeping session of the season and was diving all over, barely letting anything through and keeping Summer Hills score low before drinks.

Alexia and Ella kept the energy high with fantastic on-field chat, whilst also delivering solid all round performance with their batting, bowling and running between wickets.

And in our batting innings, Evelina, Bonnie and Anabel batted solidly against some quality bowling which saw Summer Hill take 6 wickets.

Despite our best efforts, we didn't get the win but it was a great effort all round, girls!

U9 Derby - LWCC White (130) def. LWCC Black (119)

For Wanderers White it was a case of ‘there’s no place like home’ and all players were pumped for their first game on the hallowed turf of Blackmore. It was made even more special to be playing another Wanderer’s team.

The players from both sides had a minute’s silence before the game, in memory of Ben Austin. Well done to players from both sides for showing such respect for the moment… it was very touching.

Black won the toss and elected to bat first. Some great bowling kept things tight early. Freddy took a vital wicket in his first spell, rattling the stumps right at a time when White needed some relief.

Black’s incredible third batting pair then set the game alight putting on 62 without loss in their 3 overs. Just, wow… it was great batting. White showed some fight with some tight bowling at the end from Conor, Eoghan and Archie stopping the score from blowing out which kept the team in the contest.

Overall, White were a little bit ‘leaky’ in the field, but there were some great moments too. Not to be outdone by his big brother’s effort from last weekend, Rauiri scooped up a fast-travelling ball and nailed a direct hit from mid-on. Benji also swooped on anything near him, and Tilly showed huge heart to come back on to the field after an early injury.

Overall, bat had dominated ball, and Black had scored a superb 109 with +10 to White for their 2 wickets. It would be a huge challenge to chase down.

Wanderers White came out from the innings break an inspired team... After a great innings last week, the pair of Asher and Rauiri were elevated to open the innings. They delivered an amazing partnership of 46 runs (2 x wickets) with Asher scoring an incredible 3x powerplay 8’s. Rauiri proved he is more than his partner’s ‘leg man’, this time getting in on the act himself with some great boundaries of his own.

Benji and Conor were great in the middle overs, picking up a boundary each. They faced some full and fast bowling from Black and put on 15 without losing a wicket. They were followed by Archie and Freddy. Archie muscled a superb ‘power-play 12’ off the tee over long-on, to go with a ‘straight-8’ a few balls earlier. Freddy defended his stumps well and couldn’t be dislodged.

Eoghan and Tilly finished the innings in superb style. Eoghan was lethal from his very first ball. He picked up 2x powerplay 8’s and another boundary. Tilly also had her best innings of the season, which included her blasting a drive through cover off the tee for four, which drew a ring of applause around Blackmore.

In the end, it was some great batting which got Wanderers White over the line, with the great start followed by the last three pairings all batting without the loss of a wicket. Well done to all.

All players had plenty of fun in a very even contest. Thank you to U9 Black for a great game played in wonderful spirit. All the best for the rest of your season.

U9 Red - LWCC (88) def. Concord Briars (41)

Another solid win for the U9 Red today with the team playing a reverse fixture at the home ground of Concord Briars U8 Gold. In difficult heavy outfield conditions where it was hard to score a four today, we were asked to field first. The team bowled brilliantly to restrict the Briars team to 26 runs only. Player of the match Frankie took 2 wickets for 6 runs off his two overs, a great effort in only his second game of cricket. Hudson also took 2 wickets for 7 runs and Mateo took a well-earned runout. Sam did well again in bowling to restrict the Briars to only 2 runs off his bowling.

The batting was also a solid performance with Ollie top scoring with 16 runs including a huge 6 and a four. Mateo scored 10 runs also hitting a six for the second game in a row. Bodhi hit 6 runs to go with his well taken 1 for 5 in his bowling as well. Drew fielded well and scored 7 runs today as well. Final result was a win for the U9 Red team 88 – 41 over Briars.

Once again, a great team effort overall and looking forward to next weeks game.

U10 White - LWCC (131) def. RHH Pirates Scallywags (83)

A wet start and a win of the toss meant batting first. The top five of Andres, Ryan, Zane, Louis & Jacob were all solid with not outs, setting a solid foundation for the bottom five of Bas, Huxley, Tommie, Reuben and Fred to accelerate the scoring and running between wickets to finish with 99 from the bat for only 5 wickets.

Bowling was difficult up front with a strong Pirates opener hitting out with four boundaries, but from then on it was all down to accurate bowling with Tommie, Zane, Fred and Louis all going for under 2 runs per over! Big impacts from Tommie with 2 wickets and Huxley with 2 run-outs.

So another solid performance from the team, onwards and upwards!

U10 Red - LWCC (7-150) def. Iron Cove Tigers Black (10-100)

What another fantastic game from the mighty U10 Red!

After losing the toss and being sent in to bowl, Captain Jude led the team brilliantly, mixing up the bowlers to keep the pressure on Iron Cove and taking a wicket himself.

The wickets came thick and fast: Jack E, Luca, Jack T (best figures of the day with 2-1) and Will all picked up two wickets each, with Spencer adding a sharp run-out. Behind the stumps, our wicketkeepers were again outstanding, Krish with a lightning stumping and Lucy taking a great catch. Henry was a standout in the field, saving multiple boundaries at mid-on and keeping the legendary “6–7” calls alive and loud!

Then came the batting, and once again we showed great teamwork and confidence. Krish, Luca, Jack E, and Spencer gave us a strong start, putting the pressure straight back on the bowlers. Jude and Henry kept the scoreboard ticking with solid defence and quick running between the wickets.

A huge highlight came from Lucy, who smashed her first boundary of the year with a brilliant pull shot and, combined with her wicketkeeping, was a well-deserved Player-of-the-Mach! To finish things off, Will (top score of 20, including three boundaries) and Jack T brought us home in style.

Three from three for the Reds. What a start to the season!

U10 Black - LWCC (95) def. Concord Briars White (78)

U10 Black had a well-deserved 17-run win this weekend against the Concord Briars. In a rain-affected match, shortened to 11 overs each, Leichhardt bowled first. Luca H picked up the first wicket of the innings with his rapid pace, before Leon H grabbed one two overs later in a similar fashion. It wasn’t long before Frank J struck again with an inch-perfect fast delivery that clipped the top of off stump (a coach’s dream!).

Xavier H was very unlucky not to pick up a wicket on the day, with his consistent line and length causing plenty of trouble for the opposition. Jake W continued his wicket-taking form, grabbing two wickets in two balls, before Leon H returned to take another two and finish off the innings strongly.

Concord finished with 54 runs, and already starting with 28, some smart cricket shots and sensible running between the wickets would seal the win for the boys. Frank J and Rafael M opened the batting, scoring 8 runs in the first over. Leon H and Jake W built on that momentum, smashing three boundaries between them in the fifth over. Luca H was a bit unlucky with the bat, only getting to face two legal deliveries before being dismissed, which left him pretty frustrated. Still, it was a good reminder for him and the rest of the team about staying patient and showing resilience when things don’t go to plan. Evan H and Xavier H then put on a brilliant 17-run stand, with some classy forward shots finding the boundary.

An all-round amazing performance from the team. Maybe I will have to keep promising to say “67” if they keep winning!

U11 White - LWCC (130) def. by RHH Pirates Mariners (191)

For the third match in a row our lads took on the might of Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates and fought valiantly amongst the backdrop of yachts, croissants and latte's. Finn G and Axel F opened up with a dramatic 70-run partnership with all out aggression. Finn G knocked up his first half century off 30 balls (four players gives the lads plenty of time to get their eye in) with Axel supporting admirably in his comeback game with 20. Adam S and third-gamer Tyler then steered us home to a competitive 100 or so to defend.

The harbour tide then receded and with it the assistance in the wicket (sort of like Cape Town) with Hunters Hill chasing down our total with a great all-round batting performance. All four boys bowled without luck but performed once again all-heart being shown.

Tremendous spirit from both teams throughout with quite a few Halloween lollies being snuck into the kit bags and shared around it would seem from the day before.

Onwards to the local derby next week! Up the Whites!

U11 Derby - LWCC Red (111) def. LWCC Gold (94)

Red

Leichhardt derby game today could be a tense classic. I'm doing paper scoring today but somewhat distracted by the Kleenex tissues puppy dog in front of me.

We win the toss and elect to bat. Jeremy and Rohan the opening pair and these two waste absolutely no time running between wickets and backing up excellently but then Jeremy is run out. Not much to shout about scoring wise, 'til Jeremy hits a superlative on-drive for four before ending on 10, which as it turned out was the top score for the Reds. Ro struggling to get going today but manages to get 1 to get off the mark.

Archie F and Finn the next pair no wickets for the last five overs but then Foye is dumbfounded by a delivery from Ben T and clean bowled and then he's clean bowled by Harvey B in the next over - Foye foiled again! Finn then faces The Beanster next ball and is clean bowled by the maestro.

The rain is coming and going today very unpredictable. Gorgeous off-drive for four by Foye in the 8th (it would have been a lovely line if it was in the 4th). Finn follows suit with a magnificent off-drive in the 9th but then he's clean bowled by Rory P. Spencer and Patrick hold things steady till the 13th when Ben T finally gets his man Jordan. Spencer is un-gettable 'til the 18th when he is floored by Rory.

Sam and Archie B bring up the rear with some super running between the wickets, real understanding between this pair and nice tap and runs from Archie, this maybe crucial in the end. A sniff over 80 runs at the break, we are going to need wickets.

Super start by the Reds as Jeremy runs out Richardson and this followed up by an impressive maiden over from Sam (the only one of the game).

The Reds are a bowling machine today, into the 11th and still no boundaries. Jordan then bowls Rory P in the 12th, finally a well deserved wicket! We are in the 16th and still no boundaries for LW Gold. Patrick up to bowl and gets a nick of Rory P, Archie F dives to his right and takes a superb catch. Two balls later Patrick gets a caught and bowled of Rory. What an over...game changer. In the 17th Joe G gets Gold's first boundary of the innings and it's game on again.

12 needed for Gold off 2 overs. Rohan is up he bowls full onto Joe's stumps - it's unfortunately a no ball - the despair on his face is palpable. Next ball is an absolute peach and knocks the bails off! Joe is gutted.

Archie B against Joe for the last over. Archie has been his usual express pace with nothing to show yet but he delivers two run outs in the last over to deliver victory for the Reds by 17 runs. What a Derby and what a sausage sizzle catered for by Scott, yes the same guy who umpired last week is now providing lunch.

Thank you Chris for impeccable umpiring and me for scoring and Sarah for the umbrella.

Gold

With soggy conditions and rain throughout the game - the Red's won the toss and elected to bat.

Play got underway with Captain Ben T bowling the first over, to an enthusiastic batting pair, but their luck ran out with Jack B, at keeper snagging a runout off the second ball of the day.

Ben T went on with his impressive bowling, by picking up 2 more wickets for the match.

Special mention goes to our newest player, Harvey B after coming out of moon boot from an ankle injury in his first ever match (has not even been to a training session with the team) he picked up 2 wickets in a row, a nervous batter prevented the 'hat-trick' however the amazing effort saw Harvey pick up the 'player of the match' award nominated by our captain for the day Ben T.

Our bowling and fielding were greatly improved from our last outing with Rory P also picking up two wickets with sharpish bowling - Jack B, Reef R, Joe G and Benny H all delivering very tidy overs.

A couple of great runouts had the team in a good position at the half-time break. Special mention to Reef - how also did a magnificent job as keeper and managing a nice runout to really help the team!

Unfortunately, our batting lacked zest, with Jack B top scoring with 7 runs off his 17 balls faced...Reef R smashed a long on drive for four and Joe G also sweeping nicely down leg side for four runs.

A few late run-outs and not finding the gaps in the field really restricted our overall score and ultimately cost us the game. I am sure with a bit more batting focus and finding the gaps will see this team build more competitive totals in games to come. Positive signs for the Golds though, with easily their best performance in the field, catches, fielders backing up, good chatter and tidy bowling is all showing that the boys' hard work and commitment at training is starting yield positives in their gameday play.

Keep it up boys!!

Well done to the Reds, best of luck for the rest of the season - we will get you next time! Coach Michael Bastick.

U12 Derby #1 - LWCC White (8-139) def. LWCC Black (8-96)

White

After last week’s win, the boys carried their momentum into another exciting match - full of teamwork, energy, and a few brilliant “you couldn’t script that!” moments. Here’s how it unfolded.

What a game! Fresh off last week’s victory, the Wanderers White U12s faced off against our clubmates, the Wanderers Black - and it was a beauty! The game had everything: strong partnerships, sharp fielding, and plenty of smiles all round.

Batting - Captain Lincoln S won the toss and chose to bat - and what a start we had! Openers Flynn S and Xander S got us rolling with sharp singles, doubles, and a few boundaries, even on a soggy outfield. We were 1-39 after five overs when Xander was caught - a solid platform! Milosh P came in next, working well with Flynn before Flynn retired on 32 not out in the 8th over. Lincoln S joined Milosh, and the runs kept coming until Milosh was bowled by a smart delivery in the 10th - 2-60.

Then Owen S and Lincoln took us to drinks at 2-101 after 15 overs - looking and feeling good (maybe too good). Lincoln retired soon after for 26 not out, followed by Owen on 26 not out. After drinks came a mini wobble - great bowling from Black’s Dilhan (4-11) saw us lose a few quick wickets. We finished on 8-139 in 24 overs; a total we felt confident defending.

Fielding - Coach Tim’s pre-game message was simple: “early wickets are the key!” And the boys delivered in style. Freddie B and Paddy M opened the bowling keeping it tight, with Paddy knocking over their opener in the second over - 1-5.

Then came the cricket karma! Benji R bowled the same batter, Dilhan who’d got him out earlier, and Owen S did the same to Louis - who’d bowled Owen in our innings! By the start of the 4th over, Black was 3-16 and we were flying. Milosh P added another wicket in the 8th over (4-29), and with Xander S keeping tidy behind the stumps until he retired hurt, Paddy M took over with a brilliant run-out in the 10th - 5-32.

Credit to Black - they dug in and fought hard, reaching 5-61 at drinks (15 overs). After drinks, Sebastian L took a crucial wicket in the 17th over, before Jack M wrapped things up with a sharp run-out in the 20th. Black finished on 83, a solid total with only eight players - but those early wickets made all the difference!

Match Highlights

• Top Batters: Flynn 31 (27), Owen 22 (27), Lincoln 27* (33)

• Wickets: Paddy, Owen, Benji, Milosh & Sebastian

• 5 bowled, 2 run-outs - awesome team effort in the field!

A cracking team performance from start to finish - everyone contributed, everyone supported each other, and everyone walked off smiling. Well played, Wanderers U12 White - bring on next week!

Black

Bowling first in rainy conditions proved difficult early with most bowlers struggling to control the slippery ball and the opposition got away to a good start. The team regrouped at drinks and bounced back strongly taking quick wickets after the break with Dilhan finishing with an incredible 4-11, hitting the stumps three times and getting an LBW, showing that accuracy was the order of the day.

When it was our turn to bat, success came for those that played straight, with the variable bounce on the wet wicket punishing any cross batted swipes. Caleb played a real captain's knock this week, top-scoring with 28 and he combined with Felix (who has not been dismissed yet this season!) pushing the innings past drinks and giving us some hope in the run chase.

But in the end it wasn't enough and congratulations to the LWCC White team for a well-deserved victory.

U12 Derby #2 - LWCC Red (1-62) def. LWCC Gold (8-61)

Gold

The day started with leaden skies, post-Halloween sugar comas, and a date with the unbeaten U12 Red on the horizon for U12 Gold after two difficult games.

But a won toss and a chance to bat gave a glimmer of optimism. The message to the boys was "value your wickets" - no one had been able to "retire" in the first two games, as players were adjusting to the new rules of "If you're out, you're out". Luckily the openers heeded the message - Finley S and Luciano M both battling valiantly to retire and to be unbeaten over the innings. Exactly the mettle and mental toughness we needed.

Some very accurate bowling, by all Red bowlers, plus a swinging ball and a slow outfield, meant that this optimism waned. Runs were not gifted, but had to be earned. Unfortunately, this situation naturally led to frustrations, and an over-eagerness to "make something happen" led to lapses of concentration. Some rash shot selection (allied to some exceptional swing bowling from Ben S which accounted for Hugo and Curtis), meant wickets fell steadily, resulting in a final score of 61. Although we reached our first drinks break still batting, which was a plus, and showed we were trying to dig in.

This total naturally proved difficult to defend, as the Red batters then showed why they'd been able to score 154-5 and 116-0 in their previous two games, and why they had some of the highest run scorers in the comp. This total was surpassed for the loss of one wicket (Liam G taking the team's first LBW dismissal), although we created some chances, and also reduced our wides and no balls.

Although the main game ended quickly, to their credit the boys still wanted to play on, and a friendly game ensued. This gave some bowling overs to Gold, and batting opportunities to Red's order, and ensure everyone got to get in some practice and to their confidence up. After all, we were all there to have fun first and foremost, and on a week when we were somberly reminded that some things in life are more important than winning cricket matches, it was good that we managed to have fun.

But in sports, there's always a next week - and hopefully the positive lessons from this week will be carried forwards.

Red

It was a special moment when President Chris Hudson, invited all four Wanderers teams playing at Campbell Park, to pay respects and a moment of silence to our fallen cricketing brother. His beautiful and gentle words resonated with the boys and coaches. We could not have honoured this boy any better. Thankyou Pres.

Losing the toss (three in a row) we were sent into field. On a damp morning the bowlers took full advantage of the conditions. John O, taking 2 wickets for 4 runs (off 3), and Leo L claimed a wicket in his third. Henry the Magician, was on a hat-trick, and was a millimetre a way of achieving one. Ben S, with the best average in the team claimed 2 wickets in one over. We skittled them in the 16th over in a tidy bowling performance. Chasing a modest total, Oscar R retired 19*. Dylan C, once again playing a great opening bat, fell for an LBW that would have taken many batters out. John O closed it out with a rapid 20* of 11.

It’s a bittersweet moment in club cricket when you chase them down in seven overs, however the generosity of the Gold coach to allow play to continue so our lower order could have a hit and his bowlers to throw the arm over is another example of the spirit of the Wanderers. Enjoy the win lads.

U13 Gold - LWCC (8-44) def. by RHH Pirates Black Beards (1-45)

A Tough Afternoon Under Grey Skies

It was a grey and challenging afternoon for U13 Gold as they took on an exceptionally talented Pirates U13 Mixed Black Beards outfit. The Pirates showcased the kind of experience and precision that only comes from years of cricketing development, making life tough for the young Gold side. But while the scoreboard didn’t tell a happy story, the way the team played, supported each other, and stayed upbeat reflected all that is positive about junior sport.

Oscar Green’s Power-Hitting Masterclass

The clear highlight of the LWCC innings came from Oscar G, who produced one of the finest individual performances of his career. Walking in with his team under early pressure, Oscar delivered a masterclass in swashbuckling aggression, blasting 32 runs from 39 balls at a superb strike rate of 82.05. His four boundaries were struck with authority, timing, and confidence, a true display of power batting and a season best that lit up the innings. While wickets tumbled around him, Oscar stood tall, showing both technique and confidence in equal measure.

The Bowling Challenge and a Moment of Brilliance

Defending a modest total of 44 against a strong Pirates batting lineup was always going to be a challenge, and the opposition’s top order wasted no time in applying pressure. Yet, even amidst the dominance of the Pirates, Patrick T produced a moment to remember a beautifully pitched delivery that the batsman struggled to place, and Harry J completed an outstanding catch, judged perfectly under pressure. It was a genuine highlight of skill, teamwork, and composure.

Spirit, Positivity, and Progress

While the Pirates reached their target in quick time, the LWCC U13 Gold side never dropped their heads. Every player stayed engaged, encouraging one another and giving their best effort right to the end. Under difficult conditions and against elite opposition, they demonstrated resilience, unity, and a willingness to learn.

Each week, the team grows stronger, learning from these tough encounters. As the season continues, this match will stand as a reminder that improvement doesn’t always come from easy wins. The lads will learn, keep working and move forward with positivity from this challenging encounter.

U13 Black - LWCC White (5-176) def. LWCC Red (8-90)

I feel like I’ve said the same thing each week but again a real all round team performance that resulted in a great victory on Sunday. Sent into bat, the U13 Black made a classy 4-160. Kicked off by a great opening where each of the first three batters Zach (25), Alfi (21) and Will (20), reached the 30-ball retirement mark setting us up for a strong score. Some middle order hitting from Flynn (20*) and Eamon (29*) saw us reach a very competitive score.

Taking the field, in the back of our mind was last week’s game when we had made 167 batting first only to be chased down. There was to be no repeat this week with tight bowling and energetic fielding making runs hard to come by for the opposition. The wickets were shared with Eamon (2 for 10), Bradley (2 for 2) and Will (2 for 6) being economical wicket takers. A big shout out to James A from the U13 Saturday team for filling in and putting in a great effort with the ball and behind the stumps.

U13 Derby - LWCC White (5-176) def. LWCC Red (8-90)

Red

Episode 3 - into the Wandererverse.

U13 Reds missing two from their regular line up welcomed Emily Moore and Sofia Cavallaro to the team that has redefined cool and ran on to bowl first on a steamy Callan Park against the muscular LWCC U13 whites.

Set 176 it was hard going at points (well batted Jacob!) but we were resilient and there were a number of ‘tough’ or even ‘super tough’ moments, in particular Emily’s 2nd wicket with a hooping Starc-esque swing yorker taking out middle stump, Ollie B’s sharp catch and fielding, Noah’s 5 game streak continuing with a sharp caught and bowled and a clinic in the field from Sofia.

Half-time and soft drinks and birthday celebrations and factional lobbying resolved to attack the big guns with Charlie and Ted up front following by 2x Ollies and then Emily and then James. Charlie set up his redemption arc plot armour for next game after catching the bad luck of a hot catch from Kurtis early. Ted went off like a bag of crackers with a first ball 6 but another diving catch hosed him out. Ollie B copped a good one which brought together the two main characters of the afternoon, Ollie S and Emily. In a great sign for us, Ollie batted with authority and bashed anything short or full racking up 41 in the heat without ever really looking phased against a strong bowling attack. Emily’s batting was also excellent - 7 off 25 - only undone ultimately by the umpire - as was her chat, which peaked mid over to a year five colleague with ‘don’t you have a crush on [redacted]’ and then during the blushing bowler’s run up chanting out each letter in [redacted]’s name. Hectic!

Shout out again to Ollie S for a great knock, Sofia and Emily for joining us and being multi-verse legends and also to the Whites crew for their hospitality. And cheers Mel for scoring, and no need to mention the umpiring. See you all at training!

White

It was a club derby, plus a garden party to celebrate Sue’s 80th birthday (Eamon’s grandma), at everyone’s favourite venue Callan Park.

White won the toss and batted first, leaving the navigation of a slightly damp and slippery pitch to the opposition bowlers. It was the best batting performance by the team so far, with Jacob (35*), Archer (28*) and Oliver (16*) each facing their 30 balls as per the coach’s constant nagging. Kurtis (14) and James L (7) also built starts to their innings’ but fell to some sharp catching at backward point from some tidy bowling. Oscar (10*) was the rock at the bottom of the innings, again, essential for incoming retiree Jacob to attempt to get his 50. Oscar, on strike for the second last ball of the innings and with Jacob on 49* at the other end, managed to find a single. It was then over to Jacob, who slapped one through mid-wicket for four to bring up his half-century. There were cheers and fist pumps all round. Well done Jacob.

The bowling started very strongly, with Oliver (two wickets) and Eamon (one wicket) removing the top order in the first four overs. It was then over to good line and length, and a bit of pace, from James A, Noah, Oscar and Kurtis, to keep the run rate in check. James L’s wicket taking continues, who bagged two in three overs. Kurtis got one wicket, as well as two very neat catches (one involving some diving). Archer then bagged the last two wickets.

It was a great game of cricket for the club. A big shout out goes to Oscar (an U11 filling in for the Whites) and Emily and Sofia (U11s filling in for the Reds) to step in and test their skills, which everyone watching admired greatly.

The old saying that ‘Club is first, Team is second and Individual is third’ was on display. Well done Wanderers, through and through.

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For all coaches & managers, we would love to receive highlights and brief match reports after your matches, which we will publish in the weekly newsletter and on our News page. (Please submit these by Monday night each week). We'd love to hear from all teams! We're particularly keen on hearing about special achievements, whether it's a standout performance, acts of sportsmanship or general good stories about your games of cricket!

The Honour Roll will also be celebrated for the season for individual achievements. This year, we have changed our requirement for junior bowlers to 4+ wickets in an innings (instead of 5+ wickets for last season). This is to reflect the more limited overs junior bowlers can bowl, plus the lower number of wickets available (in S2 & S3 formats).

• 50+ runs in an innings with the bat

• 4+ wickets in an innings with the ball, or a hat trick

• 3+ dismissals in the field: any combination of catches, run outs or stumpings

Please send details to us at leichhardtcricket@gmail.com highlighting any individual achievements that meet this criteria!

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Chris Hudson

LWCC President

We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!