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November 16th / 17th, 2024
Another superb weekend of Wanderers cricket with some spectacular highlights to report. It's certainly making it a challenge to select the 'performance of the round' this week, that's for sure!
A parent recently said to me that the result is just one feature of a game of cricket, and that sentiment has very much stuck with me. Regardless of the result - win, lose or draw - there are loads of individual storylines, highlights and achievements worth celebrating and worth remembering. That is the beauty of our sport.
We hope everyone is enjoying their season so far and creating those memories!
Strap in, because this week's newsletter is pretty full! Happy reading!
Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports
Performance of the Round
Hartley Ford's HAT TRICK for U13 Reds gets this week's performance of the round. I had the benefit of a front row seat for this wicked bowling spell, as the bowler's end umpire (despite my U13 White being on the receiving end) and it was glorious - a plum LBW, an edge caught behind, followed by a brutal yorker to take the stumps and complete the hat trick. Hartley finished with figures of 4-14 (3.1).
Highlights
We had plenty of other amazing individual efforts this week for the honour roll, any of which could have been the performance of the round. So honourable mentions go to:
Oscar Rawson (U10 Black): bowling figures of 5-4 off 3 overs!
Elizabeth Coughlin (U15 Girls): took a whopping 4 catches plus a run out in one innings!
Bede Russell (U15 White): scored 60 off only 33 balls, including 5x sixes and 4x fours!
Conor Truong (U13 White): scored his debut 50 off 42 balls.
Laurence Bennell (U17 Black): 52 off only 30 balls, including 10x fours and a six!
Oscar Rawson
Bede Russell
Conor Truong
Match Reports
U15 Gold: LWCC (74) def. Balmain South Sydney CC Jets (72)
Down several key players & keen to have a bowl, the Jets put us in to bat on a beaten up turf pitch with no bounce at Alan Davidson Oval. It was hard going with our best being Liam Seymour with 17 off 19, Ryan Hewitt 15 off 35 & Henry Fitzpatrick who hung in there with an important 12 of 30.
Who says we can’t defend a 74 total!!
Okay maybe a few of us had some doubts. It was a big ask but we did our homework & we knew the key to victory would be the early wickets of their top 3 batsmen and the rest will fall cheaply (hopefully).
Our strike bowlers Ben Robertson & Theo Rutgers then decided to go on a wicket rampage & the team knew something special was happening. The energy in the field was contagious. We had a sniff. Ben picked up the 2 openers for 1 run & then Theo chimed in with the key wicket who was 10 off 11 & looking very dangerous. It didn't stop there, Ben ended up with 3 wickets from 6 overs/12 runs & Theo 4 wickets from 4.5 overs/13 runs.
The Jets dug in & made it nerverackingly close but it was Theo that took the final wicket & the Jets finally fell short of our total by 2 runs.
Critical wickets also came from Ryan Hewitt, Declan Slakey and Henry Fitzpatrick who took a caught and bowled screamer. Liam Seymour provided crucial tight bowling support, taking 4 overs for 9 runs.
It was a wonderful confidence building team effort. We can do anything after that win.
U10 Red: LWCC (121) def. by Concord Briars Black (163)
A spirited loss this weekend but many positives from game……
Six players this week contributing across all aspects of the game. Archie top scored with the bat (15), with Sam (7) as they pushed the score over 100, really ramping up the run rate as the last two standing. Special credit to Sam for running between the wickets - halfway down the pitch as soon as the ball has left the bowler’s arm!!
Motivation, if needed at all, came from one of the dads agreeing a $20 prize per 4 run shot for his son. This quickly spread like wildfire amongst the team who took it for granted that this contract now existed with their own dads. All was done in great fun, until the opposition manager brought in the boundary from 40M to 30M, this had nervous dads straight on the phone to their bank managers……
Wickets were again shared out amongst the team, Alexander (1) taking out middle stump!!! Rohan (1), Sam (1), Archie (2), with the extras number dropping each week!!!
Finn put in a measured performance behind the stumps as the team fielding understandings start to take shape. Rohan almost held on to massive hit from the Briars, which would have been play of the day! Jeremy was great in the field showing superb accuracy when throwing at the stumps!
All in all, credit to the Briars, who were strong in depth with both bat and ball but great to see the team enjoying the game regardless of scores…. On to the next game!!!
U13 Black: LWCC (5-243) def. Concord Briars Gold (207)
Skippered by Barnabas Ford found the poor side of the coin toss at Arthur Walker against Concord Briars Gold - and were sent in to bat. Usually the Blacks like to chase runs but today they had to set the target. We went about our business in clinical fashion as Lachlan Ash (n/o) and Barnabas Ford setup a beautiful opening partnership of 49. Following on were some excellent displays of solid scoring from Sam Spiller 35 (30) - (who avoided a third consecutive duck, so well done!). Brilliance from Austin Kelly, 44 (26) after recovering from a minor neck injury after colliding with an outfield throw. Honorable mention goes to Linus Starkoff n/o 28 (30), Xavier giving mid-wicket catching practise to his mate Toby for his 10 (14), Noah unlucky with his duck, and Harry holding down the fort for 18 balls to get his 4 against some tidy bowling.
After that wonderful start Ronav Auti was given due licence to smash every ball to the fence, in which he did. 41 n/o from just 16. It was an incredible strike rate of 256.25. Truly delightful display of fearless batting to produce 243 for the loss of 5 wickets after 30 overs.
In the field now it’s easy to think the opposition won’t reach the seemingly insurmountable 244 to win, but they tried from ball 1, a few lucky nicks over 3rd man, edges past slips, smashing the opening bowlers around until Linus Starkoff broke through with a classic BOWLED. A fast scoring game was kept under wraps by some good fielding, sharp catches and good pressure - a few wickets slow them down significantly until the Briars collapsed under the pressure and were bowled out for 207.
Some excellent bowling by Linus 1/24 off 4, Xavier 2/32 off 4, Noah Kelly a very tidy 1/4 off 3 with other bowlers chipping in with a wicket a piece. Unfortunately Harry Condon had to leave the field after the ball got the better of his middle finger. Special shout out to the catch of the season so far to Sam Spiller (no longer the duck boy), took an incredible outfield catch to WIN the game. He threw the ball so far after the catch we could not find it quickly!
Great WIN boys, thoroughly deserved. Good focus, intent and teams-manship displayed by all. The fast scoring was made possible by the excellent opening stand and the focus our batters displayed, followed up by good energy and desire in the field. Congratulations.
U17 Derby: LWCC Black (2-65) def. LWCC White (64)
The association determined that no venue in the Inner West was quite windy enough for the U17 Leichhardt derby, so players and parents trekked to Snape for a game in a gale. Conditions were tough for all, but the Black fielders held all their catches - none of them easy - and the down-wind bowlers made the most of the conditions, with Asher taking 3 wickets (including 2 in 2 balls), Will S taking a career best 3 for 8 and 2 catches, and captain Max contributing 2 catches and a run out. It was a tough day for the White batters, but Nik’s two enormous sixes gave them something to cheer.
Alejandro contributed two fine early wickets for the Whites, but the total was a tricky one to defend. The injury-ravaged Black team have been grateful for the support of friends and clubmates to enable them to field a full team, and it was one of those guests, Laurence, who’s stylish 52 led the team to a quick victory.
U15 White: LWCC (154) def. Concord Briars White (7-118)
A great win on Saturday for U15 White. Our batting started strongly scoring 2-124 by drinks break however it was a different story in the second half of the innings due to a succession of wickets and a dive in the run rate. The boys still managed to score a winning total of 154 and came away with plenty of reasons to celebrate. Bede Russell scored a massive 60 runs off 33 balls including 5x 6s and 4x 4s and Gus Cassim (32) and Keshav Sachdev (15 not out) had strong batting performances. The bowling was superb all round. Christian Paipetis (2/8) starred as the opening bowler followed by over half the team each taking a wicket and Willem Nelson closed out nicely to secure the win. A shout out this week to our resident scorer Leon Berkelmans who had a few challenges to navigate on Saturday… thanks Leon.
U11 Girls: LWCC (103) def. Marrickville (81)
A good win for Under 11 girls vs Marrickville, played in wonderful spirit by both teams. Emily won the toss and we bowled with Zosh taking 2 wickets including a magnificent catch at square leg by the captain. We batted very well with Adelaide, Emily and Ella getting us home with some nice shots and excellent running between the wickets. Probably our best game of the season so far with laughter and smiles all round.
U13 Girls: LWCC (8-78) def. by Summer Hill CC (3-79)
A surprisingly close game in the end against a very competitive Summer Hill side. We lost the toss and were sent in to bat, Sharanya top scoring with 13 (28) closely followed by Carmen Winter 11* (43). Our bowling and fielding werw top notch and we werw able to limit their strong batters. sharanya excelled here too with 2/7 (2), ably assisted by Sofia Cavallaro with 1/7 (2). Both Sophie Roberts and Zoe Bastick were solid behind the stumps. Great effort girls! Thanks to all the girls and parents too for sticking around for drinks at Ashfield Bowlo after the game.
U10 Black: LWCC (171) def. Concord Briars Maroon (71)
Winning the toss and electing to bowl worked well for us. Congratulations to our wicket takers Dylan Corfield with 2 wickets and 1 each to John O’Connell, Emmett Hudson and Henry Radford. And the extraordinary figures of Oscar Rawson: 3 overs, 1 maiden, 5 wickets for 4 runs and no extras. In the field, Dylan Corfield chipped in with a runout and Henry Radford once more popped up for a couple of direct hit run outs. It’s great to celebrate our wicket takers but a shoutout to Zane Henderson: 2 overs for only 4 runs and only 2 extras. It's clear that Zane is working hard at home working on his technique. As a coach it's great to see tight bowling, but this game the most pleasing aspect was that we did not have any run outs. Our batting was satisfactory with the loss of only 1 wicket. Enjoy the win boys - it's always pleasing to beat the Briars but it's devilishly delicious to belt them! Thank you to scorers Jill and Raj, and the parents that kept up with the interchange fielders and wicket keeper changes.
U11 Black: LWCC (111) def. by Concord Briars Yellow (185)
LW U11 Black again lost the toss and were asked to bowl against a very talented Concord Briars. Now making a habit of it, Curtis Jenkins bowled the opening batter with the first ball of the match! His over was followed by some excellent efforts in the field, particularly by Louis Lecoanet who took 2 strong catches under some very high towering hits.
In the end the Briars were too strong proving why they sit so high on the ladder but coaches and parents alike were excited by the improvement in running between the wickets. Most pleasing was the fact that LWCC U11 Black batted the first ten overs of the innings without losing a single wicket!
For picking up wickets with the ball in hand and in the field, Louis Lecoanet received the match ball for which he was delighted!
U12 Gold: LWCC (7-148) def. Concord Briars Maroon (6-130)
For the second week running, LWCC U12 Gold took to the field at Bedlam Bay, with a full squad and high spirits. On a pleasant Saturday morning, the team delivered a composed and confident performance, defeating the U12 Mixed Concord Briars Maroon by 18 runs in a keenly contested match.
Determined Batting. Winning the toss, LWCC elected to bat first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as openers James Day and Will Barratt established a strong platform. Both showed a measured approach, retiring after facing 30 balls each. Day's 22 runs, peppered with three boundaries, provided an ideal start, while Will Barratt continued his strong season with a masterclass in patient aggression. The first Leichhardt wicket did not fall until 77 runs were posted.
The middle order carried on the momentum. Connor Bubb's dynamic 19 from 17 balls injected energy into the innings, while Captain Grayson Cranny's 10* and Jax Lee’s unbeaten 13* from 18 balls added vital runs. The highlight of the innings was Will Barratt’s 41* from 37 balls. Returning from retirement, Barratt anchored the innings with strong play including seven boundaries.
LWCC ended with a competitive total of 7/148 from their 30 overs. The Briars’ bowlers, led by Mitchell West’s impressive 3/16, did well to contain at times but lacked consistency in the latter stages.
A Tight Bowling Display. LWCC’s bowlers struck early, with Patrick Thornton setting the tone by dismissing opener Viaan Shah for just 8. Worth a mention was Captain Grayson Cranny's spectacular catch to dismiss Shah. The team are training hard each week and this is clearly paying dividends.
Each bowler played their role in a disciplined effort. Thornton’s 1/10 from four overs stood out, while Will Barratt (1/14) and Zavier Rodrigues (1/4) bowled with remarkable control. Archer Gannon and Kasper Arnmark chipped in with crucial wickets to keep the pressure firmly on the Briars.
Despite a fighting 30* from Tyrone Young and 23 from Hayden Hong, the Briars struggled to build momentum due to regular wickets. The fielding was sharp by Leichhardt throughout the innings. By the final ball, Briars had managed 6/130, falling 18 runs short. The result seemingly never in serious doubt.
All-Round Performance. This was a clinical display from LWCC U12 Gold, showcasing their strength across all facets of the game. Their batting was patient and purposeful, their fielding sharp and energetic, and their bowling suffocating. Importantly, every member of the squad contributed, a hallmark of a team growing in confidence as the season progresses.
Captain Cranny, leading by example with bat, bowl, and in the field, deserves special praise. His first time as Captain this season clearly instilled a sense of belief and discipline in this young squad.
Looking Ahead. With back-to-back wins at Bedlam Bay, LWCC U12 Gold has set the tone for a promising season. Their cohesive team effort and balanced approach make them a difficult side to beat. Next week, they’ll look to build further on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
U12 Red: LWCC (8-55) def. by Concord Briars Gold (4-161)
Putting the result and the very draining Concord Briars culture to one side (practiced disassociation helps), that was an enjoyable game!
A few of many memorable moments: Jo’s dropped catch off Mo, which had a certain Shakespearean drama, Ted’s direct hit run out of the opposing coaches son, the smile on the opposing coach's face when Ted got caught second ball, the triumphant celebration led by Leon after a spectacular hit wicket first ball duck by Briars #8; Noah with possibly the finest French cut ever played; James’ attacking spirit with the bat and ball; Leo and James ‘yes / no’ x 4 and the Briars batsmen who stood to the side of the pitch as non-striker for about 2 minutes and through 3 reminders before he realised he was standing next to the keeper and that the umpire and the bowler were at the other end of the pitch! Charlie’s second spell up the hill was also great.
Cricket’s like that sometimes.... Back again Tuesday for nets and a spot of catching practice. C'mon you Reds!
U13 Derby: LWCC Red (8-108) def. by LWCC White (8-201)
It was a glorious afternoon down by the water in Callan Park. After winning the toss, the Whites chose to bat.
Alfie and Charlie opened the bowling for the Reds with a tidy over each but by the fourth over, the Whites were beginning to find the boundary. James and Joe took over and on his fifth ball Joe found a way through and clean bowled their opener only to pick up another wicket, this time with a shorter ball and a blinding catch at mid-wicket by Jack.
Next change saw Kurtis who was working hard to find his line and length. Hartley took the ball from the harbour end and after three dot balls, fired one in right on the toes of the batsman and the umpire raised a finger for LBW. The next ball found the edge and was ably taken by Jake with the keeping gloves. And with his last ball of the over Hartley clinched his first hat-trick knocking the stumps flying!
After the celebrations died down Emily and Jack took the ball — Jack with increasing economy and this time it was Emily’s turn for a double wicket haul. The first picked up the in-form batter with a catch and the second a reward for accuracy — clean bowled.
At drinks the Reds were on a high and the Whites were on the ropes for 96. And then something changed.
With only one wicket spare, the Whites dominated play hitting countless fours and a mighty six, their batsmen accruing over 100 for the final wicket and amassing 201 runs before Hartley finally knocked over the stumps for his four-for.
Max F and Emily opened up the Reds’ innings. Both survived and saw off the openers - Emily retiring on 20 balls - but the runs weren’t flowing. After Max lost his wicket Hartley came out with good intent but was bowled after adding only 8 to the total.
Bowie and Archie both retired unbeaten for 14 and 6 respectively. Jake and Kurtis worked hard together, Jake retiring on 26 off his 20 balls and Kurtis doing a lot of running and adding 3 before he was bowled. Both Joe and Max R were bowled and James added a valiant 8 before being caught. Emily and Bowie returned to bat out the innings until the 27th over when Emily was finally dismissed LBW — 93 runs short of the Whites' total.
A day of highs with the ball for the Reds. Great survival at the crease too. Just need to work on our run rate!
With two sides to every tale, we couldn't help but include the match report from the "other" side:
U13 Derby (part 2): LWCC White (8-201) def. LWCC Red (8-108)
At picturesque Callan Park, this game of cricket had pretty much everything!
LWCC Whites batted first, with Eamon (16) and first-time opener Anton (19) setting the innings up nicely. A beamer to the helmet saw an early, precautionary retirement from Archer, who returned in the middle of a blazing spell by Reds' bowler Hartley Ford, who took a brilliant hat trick! A middle order collapse resulted and at 7 for 97, the Whites were in trouble - and felt we'd be defending a modest total on a quick field. But this was a turning point, as a blistering debut half-century for Conor (50 off 43 balls), whilst being brilliantly supported by Oliver (28*), Jack (19*) and Harrison (16), saw the Whites add 104 runs for the final wicket! The Whites' innings ended with 201 to defend - an incredible achievement considering the circumstances earlier!!
Our bowling was tight from the outset, with fantastic early wickets to James S and Eamon and excellent wicket keeping from Yoris and Harrison across the innings. Left-armer Anton took 2 wickets in one over, then backed this up with a brilliant catch at cover from off-spinner Jack's bowling. The Whites' bowler of the day however was Archer, with 3 for 7 off 3.1 overs, who was nigh on unplayable. The team was managed superbly by skipper James L in the field, who is really taking to his captaincy with aplomb. The team eventually bowled out the Reds for 108, delivering the Whites' first win of the season and (somehow?) by quite some margin!
Coaches Bill and Chris were immensely proud of what can only be considered an all-round team effort - with contributions all across the park with bat and ball - demonstrating that despite individual brilliances, cricket really is the ultimate team sport! Big congrats to both teams for what was an entertaining game played in a wonderful spirit.
We have the men's test series between Australia and India commencing this Friday, 22nd November, in Perth - good luck to both teams. There's plenty of Big Bash action to follow with the WBBL continuing and the BBL due to start soon. But of course we have four more weeks of Leichhardt Wanderers cricket prior to the holiday break - exciting stuff all round!
Chris Hudson
LWCC President
We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!