Wanderers Cricket - Round 8 Wrap

December 6th / 7th, 2025.

Well that was a hot one! Somewhat of a shame that we had to abandon a host of matches on Saturday, although some of our early morning junior teams were lucky enough to get a game in before the stifling heat took hold. Read on below to catch all the weekend's action - plenty of fantastic match reports on offer!

Thank you so much for everyone who braved the heat to come down to Blackmore on Friday night for a cold drink and our BBQ. It was great having the Ashes live on TV, with a few hanging around late to watch the action! Another great win for Australia, now only one more win away from securing the series.

We hope everyone enjoys their final round of cricket this weekend before the holiday break!

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Sunday Cricket Options Open

You can never have too much cricket! We have opportunities to play for Leichhardt Wanderers on Sundays after the holiday break. We enter junior mixed teams into the Sixers Cricket League (SCL) competition, which plays in the eastern suburbs and inner west. After the break there is a discrete, 8-week ‘Summer’ season starting on Sunday 1st February and running to Sunday 22nd March.

We currently have registration open for:

• U13 players (synthetic), games on Sunday mornings, $115 + Cricket Australia fee (if applicable)

• U17 players (turf), games on Sunday afternoons (may include some mornings), $199 + Cricket Australia fee (if applicable)

To register for these teams click here!

We will consider opening registrations for U15 (synthetic) in the SCL competition if there is demand. If you’re interested in joining an U15 team please email us at leichhardtcricket@gmail.com by Monday 22nd December.

We also have registration options for junior girls-only teams (SCL) and mixed teams (Inner West Harbour comp) on Saturdays. If you'd like to know more about these please get in touch - leichhardtcricket@gmail.com

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Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports

Performance of the Round

This week we have chosen two POTR!

• Adam Blasi (U17 Black) - Adam smashed 76* off 62 balls, and aptly hit the winning runs, in U17 Black's tense win over Marrickville. Adam's innings included a blistering 9x fours and 4x sixes! Honour Roll

• Jacob Watson (U12 Red) - new Wanderers recruit Jacob - in only his second game for the club - scored a mighty 73* off 58 balls, vs the Pirates at Bedlam Bay, as the mercury steadily rose. This included an impressive 13x fours. Honour Roll

Highlights

• William Chapman (U10 Red) - 3 for 4 (off 3); 1x catch

• Reuben Garber (U10 White) - 3 for 6 (off 1)

• Jack Bastick (U11 Gold) - 3x run-outs Honour Roll

• Finn Spilstead (U11 Red) - 2 for 10 (off 3); 1x catch, 1x run-out

• Maxwell Anderson (U11 White) - 3 for 5 (off 3)

• Eamon Russell (U13 Black) - 38* (off 52), 3x fours; 1 for 7 (off 3); 1x catch

• James Ayre (U13 Black) - 31* (off 30); 5x fours; 2 for 11 (off 4)

• Conor Truong (U15 Black) - 44* (off 30), 9x fours

Match Reports

U8 Black - LWCC def. Iron Cove Balmain Tigers

U8 Black are on an awesome run! The kids are putting in the hard work at training and really playing as a team.

Some great cricketers coming through the ranks. Still undefeated this season, really proud of the teamwork these legends are building on!

U9 Red - LWCC (169) def. Concord Briars Gold (54)

The U9 Red had very impressive home win today against Concord Briars Gold with the early game at Blackmore Oval.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat, U9 Red came out all guns blazing again. Hudson and Frankie opened the batting and set the platform with Hudson scoring a solid 12 runs from his 10 balls and Frankie contributing once again, hitting a number of fours to score 16. Drew and Mateo then came into bat, again both contributing well with Drew scoring 15 and Mateo scoring 15 as well. Teddy and Ollie were next in, with Teddy scoring an excellent 22 with a number of well-timed fours, and Ollie scoring 20 off his 10 balls, again with a number of boundaries hit.

Bodhi was the last batter in, using Ollie as the runner at the other end. Bodhi continued his great season form once again by hitting 21 and this included three fours in a row at one stage.

It was then LWCC U9 Reds turn to bowl, and this was as impressive team bowling effort as I have seen this year. Teddy was first bowler in and made it really hard for the opposition to score, taking two cleaned bowled wickets and conceding only 6 runs from his two overs. Ollie once again was steaming in at full pace and with man of the match figures of 4 wickets for two runs off his two overs including his 20 runs batting earlier, this really was a great all-round performance. Bodhi was also misery with his bowling taking a wicket and conceding only 5 runs from his two overs, and Mateo once again chimed in well with the ball also taking 2 for 4 off his two overs. Hudson ended up with 2 for 6 off his two overs and Drew also took 1 wicket for 4 off his over. Frankie rounded out the bowling with 1 for 1 off his one over.

It was a remarkable day in the field given all 10 wickets were taking bowling the opposition batters out. The encouragement of the others in the team to congratulate their team mates on a well bowled delivery or save in the field was also pleasing to see. Overall, we restricted the opposition team to only one 4 for the entire day.

U9 White - LWCC (63) def. by Concord Briars (88)

It was a Sydney scorcher, and the scent of freshly applied sunscreen drifted across Jessie Stewart Reserve in preparation for an epic Briars / Wanderers clash. With two of our star players on holidays, the first matter of business was for the respective coaches to work out the mathematics of a 6 vs 9 team game (thankfully we had a teacher on hand, well done Rich).

Wanderers were then sent in to bat first, and the opening pair of Conor and Tilly were electric, with Conor taking 8 off the very first ball of the match! The pair plundered 17 in their opening stand, with also Tilly hitting a number of terrific shots.

Archie and Freddy were reunited in the middle order, and also shared a terrific partnership. Freddy again could not be dislodged, and Archie found the rope with back to back fours and hit the ball well through his innings.

The Crittenden brothers were pumped to bat together for the first time, and did an incredible job to close the innings. Rauiri was rocking a brand new Gray-Nic and he certainly put his new stick to good use, hitting some great cover drives. Eoghan was sensational again, the highlight being his rocketing pull shot for 6, and an 8 off the tee down the ground.

Overall, all players hit the ball really well on a day when the long lush grass made it quite hard to score boundaries. Wanderers had finished 3-53 off our 12 overs.

After a nice cool drink at the break, Tilly was handed the new ball to get the Wanderers defence underway. She started well, with a tight over, and then bowled a Briars batter in her second over (unfortunately called a dead ball). Well done Tilly.

Conor was steaming in off the back fence, and he bowled a great spell…. He was rewarded with an amazing caught behind (caught by the super-sub from Briars) in his second over. The Haberfield slinger (Archie) also sent down some serious heat, putting the ball in some good areas.

The hard work Rauiri has done on his bowling is paying off…. he bowled the ‘ball of the day’ hitting middle stump with the very last ball of his spell. Is there a better way to spend your birthday than that? Freddy also had two overs today, and he did well to contain the Briars batters.

Our fielding was just great, especially on such a hot day, with some great ground fielding and returns to the keeper. The two super-subs from Briars were also terrific.

It was a super tight contest, and in the end Briars were able to run down the Wanderers total in the final overs. Irrespective of the result, this was a performance all players should be super-proud of, especially with some players away. As with our past clashes with Briars, the game was played in a great spirit between players and parents.

Well done young Wanderers!

U10 White - LWCC (144) def. Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Scallywags (106)

A shortened 16 over game was in store and after losing the toss and being put into bat, the first 8 overs were a bit of a step backwards after so much improvement in the last few weeks with some loose shots and wild bat swinging to accurate bowling giving the opposition 7 wickets. After a team talk about getting back to basics the next 8 overs were a vast improvement only giving away 3 wickets and continuing on the right trajectory. Special shout out to Andres, Huxley and Reuben all finishing not out. 88 runs from the innings was a good result considering the start.

Bowling was a stark difference with definitely the most accurate bowling of the season. The positivity and intensity in the field was excellent keeping everyone motivated. Most players got a wicket off their bowling and the first 8 overs only yielded 3 extras! The 2nd 8 overs proved a bit more challenging as the heat set in, but was still mostly accurate. Reuben bowled excellently again with 3 wickets, Fred & Tommy both nabbed 2. Hux and Ryan had great opening bowler figures of 1-3 off their 2 overs. Special shout out to Jake for slowly mastering his mystery balls that are proving impossible to hit when he gets it right.

Special thanks for the parents bringing the eskies and keeping the kids (and coach) cool.

U10 Red - LWCC (125) def. Concord Briars Gold (102)

U10 Red were back in the winner’s circle this weekend, and on a sweltering day too. Captain Krish lost the toss and we were sent in to bat at Arthur Walker Reserve, determined to bounce back into form against the Briars.

Jack T was the star with the bat, smashing his very first ball for four and going on to hit three boundaries in a top score of 22. At the top of the order, Will and Luca were just as positive, keeping the scoreboard moving and putting us ahead by the drinks break.

Through the middle, Krish, Henry, and Lucy battled hard in tough, energy-sapping conditions, while Jude and Jack E ran well between the wickets despite the heat. Although we lost a few too many wickets late in the innings, we still headed into the break knowing we had posted a total worth defending.

Our bowling innings began strongly, with all our bowlers refusing to give away easy runs. But wickets were proving difficult to come by, and as the Briars’ total crept higher, the pressure built. Two sharp run outs from Jack E before drinks kept us in the contest, but we knew we would need something special in the final ten overs. Cometh the hour, cometh the team.

Momentum swung our way straight after drinks when Jack T took an absolute screamer at point off Will’s bowling, a catch that changed the entire match. Will charged in, finishing with the day’s best figures of 3-4, and coming within a whisker of a hat-trick. Everyone lifted. Lucy put her body on the line behind the stumps, Henry and Jude kept the spirits high in the oppressive heat, and Spencer and Luca kept steaming in with real pace. Even so, with two overs left, the game was on a knife-edge.

That’s when captain Krish delivered something special: a double-wicket maiden, including a pressure catch by Will. In the final over, Jack E sealed the win with another wicket to put the game beyond doubt.

It was an amazing turnaround, a team refusing to give up despite the heat, the pressure, and the game slipping away earlier on. Their enthusiasm and constant encouragement in the field made all the difference.

Player-of-the-Mach went to Jack T, not just for his top score and the match-turning catch, but for the way he encouraged his teammates and showed real leadership when it mattered. A brilliant effort, Reds! And yes, after all that, the melted Zooper Doopers were very well deserved.

U11 Gold - LWCC (119) def. by Iron Cove Balmain Tigers (156)

With temperatures expected to hit the high 30's it was agreed with the Iron Cove coach to aim for an 8.30am start at Five Dock Park.

Gus CN took on the captaincy role for this game and as per usual we lost the toss and were sent into bat, which would prove to be decisive as the temperature climbed through the morning. With Gus CN and Ben H opening the batting we got away to a steady start with Gus CN belting an impressive boundary for four runs. However, Gus CN was soon bowled in the third over off a peach of a delivery. Ben H batted stoutly but was a tad slow to make his ground and was caught short of his crease to give the Tigers their second wicket.

It was Ben T and Rory P's turn to face the bowling attack and get some runs on the board for us and like a replica of our openers Rory P got bowled and Ben T was run out. Jack B and Dorian A came to the crease and soon got things ticking over with Jack B belting out an impressive four and Dorian A was steadfast as both batters finished their allocated deliveries without losing a wicket - well done, solid batting.

Now it was Reef R and Joe G's turn to show their batting prowess and get some runs on the board, unfortunately Reef got bowled twice and Joe G continued our bad luck with run outs. The boys batted well but just could find the gaps needed in the field. Harvey B faced out the final overs with some steady batting and saving his wicket but in total we just needed a few more boundaries to get a more competitive total together.

As the temperature was now nudging into the low 30's it was time to take to the field and try and get some early wickets. Harvey B opened the attack with a tidy opening over, with Rory P, Joe G and Ben H all keeping the Tigers run rate tight. It was not until the 4th over that Dorian A dialed in a pearler to take out a middle stump and get us our first wicket. Ben T was his usual fast pace and gave the Tigers batters a lot to think about. Our next wicket came off the handy wicket keeping from Jack B who went on to total three runouts from behind the pegs.... good attentive wicket keeping that had the Tigers team pensive.

Jack B's overall batting performance and his work behind the stumps see him take out the player of the match as awarded by captain Gus CN. Speaking of Gus CN his bowling performance was by far the best he has ever put together even getting the Tigers out back-to-back clean bowled. Gus was on a hat trick but alas not to be. Reef R and Joe G contributed with the ball getting a few more wickets to keep us in the game but unfortunately as the heat climbed and fatigue set in, the Tigers were able to out do us on the boundaries front and claim the day!

An overall solid performance given the hot conditions and how hard it was to maintain concentration.

With extra special mention to both Harvey B and Jack B, who took on the wicket keeping duties, both handled the heat and stopped everything that was fired at them - great work!

U12 Black - LWCC (59) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Royals (2-60)

Pirates won the toss and put us in to bat and after a lean couple of weeks, the team set the goals of batting through to at least drinks and getting to 50.

Felix and Angus reprised their opening partnership from two weeks ago and started well before Angus was lost to a good ball. Felix went on with it and top scored with 16 not out and was the backbone of the innings again. Caleb and Dilhan both looked excellent early with text book form, but were both dismissed before they could capitalise. Louis batted with great purpose, surviving hostile overs and stopping the flow of wickets and his contribution really helped us get through to the drinks break. Special mention to Charlie who came in late, but was unlucky to face some of the quicker bowling and Rufus who hurt himself employing an impressive ramp shot but batted on regardless.

After conceding a large total last week, the training focus was on pitching the ball up to avoid a repeat of 'death by pull shots' and captain Felix trusted Noah's keeping so much he removed the backstop to give an extra body on the leg side - an excellent tactic. Toby (2-7) learnt the lessons of last week the best and found a consistent, nagging length and was rewarded with his first 2 wicket haul and finds himself on a hat-trick next week.

It's been a tough run of games, but the team achieved their goals this week, played with an excellent spirit and it's only a matter of time until it all comes together we find our second win.

U12 Red - LWCC (4-183) vs Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Jolly Rogers (0-34) - Match Abandoned

Beautiful playing conditions down at Bedlam Bay at 8:30am. Losing the toss and sent into bat. Being one player short, openers Oscar R and Jacob W, were given one task and that was to get to retirement. They both achieved that goal. More about Jacob later. Emmett H and Kiran C, scored 27* and 25* respectively, both from 25 balls and both hitting 5 fours. Coming back from retirement, Jacob W - in only his second game for the Wanderers - put on a master show of power, hitting 73* off 58 balls with 13 boundaries. Oscar R (21*) was happy to play second fiddle and do his best to get the in form Jacob on strike.

Coming out to bowl, the breeze that was coming off the Parramatta River had died off and conditions were starting to deteriorate. After 5 overs it was decided to abandon the game. A terrific morning of cricket before the heat.

U12 White - LWCC (8-60) def. by Concord Briars Green (7-223)

We came up against another strong, undefeated side - and on a seriously hot morning - but after a tough start the kids dug deep and fought it out right to the end. Green got on top early with some dominant batting, but our fielding was noticeably improved and helped slow them down through the middle overs. With the bat, we lost early wickets and were suddenly miles behind, but the team showed real grit to claw back a respectable score before simply running out of wickets. Birthday boy and captain Benji called “flats”… but it was hills! Green chose to bat first.

Bowling

Flynn and Owen key opened up against their best batters. Despite much sharper fielding and backing up, we couldn’t land an early wicket. It took some brilliant bowling from Lincoln to break through, with another neat caught-behind by keeper Xander - 1-41 in the 6th. We held our lines well but couldn’t find another until the 16th over, when Jack struck and Xander claimed his second caught behind of the day. Green were cruising at 2-139.

The pressure finally told as the runs slowed and the catches stuck:

• Freddie took a wicket, caught by Flynn - 3-162 (21st over)

• Jack took a fantastic catch off Paddy - 4-169

• Lincoln bowled another for his second wicket - 5-170

• Sebastian took a caught-and-bowled - 6-177

• Owen matched him with his own caught-and-bowled - 7-200 (29th over)

Their retired batters returned and finished strongly to reach 7-223.

Batting

Benji and Jack opened but Green’s bowling was outstanding and we were suddenly 3-0 after 8 balls, with Lincoln and both openers gone. Things got worse at 4-4 in the 3rd over after Sebastian was given LBW. From there, it was all about grit. Paddy and Owen dug in to steady the innings. Owen looked set until a brilliant gully catch removed him - 5-9 in the 6th. Paddy then partnered with Flynn, who batted superbly and retired for a well-made 23 off 25. Milosh kept the resistance going with Paddy until Paddy retired not out, adding valuable stability. Xander joined Milosh until Milosh fell in the 15th over, followed quickly by Freddie. We were 7-53 when Flynn returned to join Xander. Xander continued his improved batting and retired not out as Flynn was bowled late in the innings.

Match Highlights

• Flynn Sawers - 27 (31), 4x fours, 1x six

• Paddy McColough - 10* (25), 2x fours

• Lincoln Sawers - 2 for 10 (3 overs)

A massive “well done” to White for the way they fought back. Starting at 5-9 with five ducks, many teams would crumble - but these kids kept battling, kept believing, and showed great heart.

Congratulations to Green on the win. Proud of the effort by White, proud of the attitude. Go Wanderers!

U15 White - LWCC (31) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Jolly Rogers (4-33)

Match report courtesy of captain Bowie...

It was a scorching day at Morrison Bay Park. The Jolly Rogers won the toss and sent the Wanderers out to bat. It was a tough innings with few in the top of the order able to get a foothold in the intense heat. Anton did well to bat through to retirement in a partnership with Hartley, who put on a great defensive show to halt the flow of wickets. Darcy and Bowie followed and stuck it out for a few overs together. Yoris and Harry both made valiant efforts to add runs to the total. Despite the intense heat and quality bowling the Leichhardt Wanderers made it to the 22nd over.

After a prolonged half time, the Wanderers went out to bowl with high spirits, intent on defending their total. Hartley bowled a corker in the first over, taking the opener out for a duck. Anton took the wicket of the new batter in the second over; the opening combo was working very well. Hartley switched out his usual pace for spin for his second over, and took another wicket. The second spell consisted of Darcy and Yoris, who both showed great tenacity. In the final over Yoris removed the off-stump bail with surgical precision, but it wasn’t enough to stop the opposition.

It was a difficult game for the Wanderers, they didn't make enough runs in the first innings, but they certainly made the Jolly Rogers fight for victory.

U15 Black - LWCC (4-119) def. by Concord Briars White (5-148)

It was starting to look like we would never get to play the Concord Whites: our first fixture was rained out, and this week the coaches and managers flexed their amateur meteorological skills to determine whether a game could happen. Ultimately, we agreed to a late start and a reduced over game, with which the Callan Park microclimate cooperated.

Linus and Xavier got us off to the perfect start, combining to dismiss one of their openers in the second over. Some further wickets from Barnabas, Lachlan, and Nevaan put Concord under pressure. But with wickets in hand, Concord was able to set an imposing target of 149.

Austin and Nevaan opened with intent, with Barnabas steadying the chase after early wickets. Xavier and Conor looked to lift the tempo, but couldn’t get the team over the line.

Despite not coming away with the chocolates, there were pleasing performances against a strong side of mostly older players. This one will go down as a learning experience, and we will be ready to give them a much tougher contest next time around.

U17 Black - LWCC (9-150) def. Marrickville Ernies (9-149)

The U17 Sixers comp has been evenly matched all season. These two teams played out a tied game last time they met so were keen to see who would get the win on this cool and overcast day on a worn pitch at Kensington Oval. A Marrickville win would advance them to the GF. If Leichhardt were to win they too had a chance of playing in the GF, but only if other results went their way.

The Wanderers bowled first and produced an outstanding team effort, keeping the oppositions big hitter relatively quiet, and also removing their other notable batters without conceding many runs. The players were excellent in the field, diving and getting hands out to stop well-hit balls, and several players taking serious blows to the body but bravely playing on. Marrickville were restricted to 149, their second lowest score of the season.

The Wanderers batting accumulated runs steadily until big hitter Adam took 76* of 62 balls. The lower order were great, getting a valuable 40 runs or so to steer the team to victory with 7 balls to spare.

The Wanderers missed the GF narrowly. Teams ranked 2nd to 5th ended equal on competition points, separated only by run rate. The Wanderers look forward to the 3rd v 4th playoff next weekend, and then the Summer part of the Sixers season.

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We are Leichhardt Wanderers Through and Through!