Wanderers Cricket - Semi-Final Weekend Wrap

leichhardtcricket
8 hours ago
22 min read

Updated: 7 minutes ago

March 14th / 15th, 2026.

What a weekend of cricket! Six semi-finals featuring seven LWCC teams in the IWHJCA competitions saw three teams qualify for their grand finals this coming Saturday. However, even for those who didn't win their semis, some high-quality, competitive cricket was played and they gave it their all, no matter who they were up against. That is Wanderers spirit!

The same can be said for our senior B-grade side, who whilst they went down against the Western Jaguars, had an amazing season together as a tight-knit group and certainly hold the belief they can go further next year. No shortage of Wanderers spirit there either!

The IWHJCA Grand Final Schedule for LWCC teams - Saturday, 21st March:

U10 LWCC Red vs RHH Pirates Buccaneers @ 10am, Bedlam Bay, Gladesville
U10 LWCC White vs RHH Pirates Pearls @ 10am, Morrison Bay Park (6), Putney
U15 LWCC Black vs Concord Briars White @ 2pm, Edwards Park, Concord

Our LWCC Sixers Cricket League teams all play their final matches this weekend, and whilst not featuring in any top-two 'grand finals', I have no doubt the Wanderers spirit will be on full display!

We wish you all the best of luck this weekend! We are Leichhardt Wanderers through and through!

Around The Grounds: Highlights & Match Reports

Performance of the Round

Jack Thornborough (U10 Red) – Jack had an electric performance in the field in our U10 Red's semi-final vs Iron Cove Tigers, effecting 3x run-outs and taking 2x catches. Well and truly earning his place on the Honour Roll for this week. Jack also took 1 for 11 (off 3) with the ball (that makes 6 wicket involvements by our count!) and knocked a handy 10* (off 17) with bat in hand.

Highlights

Ella Nixon (U11 Girls Black) – 3 for 11 (off 4)
Alice Thornton (U11 Girls Red) – 3 for 10 (off 3)
Samuel Lord (U10 Black) – 41* (off 20), 6x fours, 4x sixes
Jake Woolsey (U10 Black) – 3 for 12 (off 3)
Frederick Werner-Gibbings (U10 White) – 22* (off 15), 2x fours, 1x six; 1x catch, 1x run-out
Lucy Roffey (U10 Red) – 3 for 9 (off 3)
Spencer Harris (U10 Red) – 4 for 7 (off 3) Honour Roll
Jeremy Bigg (U11 Red) – 3x catches Honour Roll
Ronav Auti (U13 Sabres) – 56* (off 46), 6x fours, 1x six Honour Roll
Xavier Rohanek (U15 Black) – 52* (off 47), 7x fours Honour Roll
Kabir Sharma (U17 Black) – 3 for 13 (off 6); 2x catches
Frazer Tapia (U17 Black) – 3x catches Honour Roll
Edward Smith (U17 White) – 50 (off 48), 8x fours Honour Roll
Huon Wright (U17 White) – 3 for 13 (off 6)

Match Reports

U10 Derby – LWCC Black (5-130) def. by LWCC White (3-165)

White

A perfect morning for a derby semi final at Blackmore! Both teams came ready to play hard in good spirits.

Jacob won the toss and chose to bowl, and things got off to a very good start with Fred and Tommy both nabbing wickets in their first overs. LW Black kept the score ticking over through strong boundary hitting but the pressure stayed on with some excellent fielding. Reuben and Fred both took great catches in the field with Ryan and Jacob also getting run outs in the first 10 overs to keep the pressure on. The 2nd 10 overs LW Black brought out the big hitters with a couple of sixes and plenty of fours, the bowling was a bit too short and made the hitting easier than it needed. The team stayed positive and supportive even when their heads were down. LW Black finished on a challenging total of 106, but the 8 wickets felt crucial. Best bowling of the day went to Tommy and Zane bagging a couple of wickets each.

LW White came out with a plan of pushing for quick singles, and despite losing a couple of early wickets the runs kept flowing from Ryan and Reuben opening. The pressure continued with Jake, Tommy and Zane ticking over the score with singles, but taking very few risks. Fred came on in the 11th over and made sure he picked up the run rate with 22 quick runs. Hux and Bas brought the team home with a well controlled final partnership continuing with the strong running and a boundary each.

Probably the best team batting performance of the year.

Super proud of the team for stepping up under the pressure , and always a pleasure playing the derby game against a team that’s improved so much through the season.

Bring on the grand final!

U10 Red – LWCC (2-148) def. Iron Cove Balmain Tigers (9-87)

What a fantastic win for the U10 Reds!

Captain Will lost the toss and Iron Cove elected to bat in our semi-final clash. As has been the case over the past few weeks, our bowling began strong and accurate. The pressure kept building, and just as Iron Cove looked like they might settle in, Lucy struck with two wickets in her first over, the sixth of the innings, to swing the momentum our way.

Luca kept the pressure on with a tight spell, and it paid off with two wickets in two balls, first an excellent delivery went through the batter, and then Jack T produced a sharp run out from the field. A couple of overs later, Jack T struck with the ball himself, finding the edge for a smart catch behind the stumps by Spencer. We went into the drinks break feeling confident, but knowing the opposition still had some dangerous batters to come.

After the break, Lucy continued her excellent spell with another wicket, this time caught behind by Will. Jack E and Jude were relentless with ball in hand and in the field, refusing to give up easy runs and lifting the team whenever the energy dipped.

Towards the back end of the innings, Spencer showed his class with the ball. He bowled the opposition’s best batter twice and had the other caught twice by Jack T at backward point, finishing with outstanding figures of 4-7. Jack T then capped off the innings with two sensational run-outs in the final over, sending us into the change of innings feeling confident but aware we still had to face a strong Iron Cove bowling attack.

Luca and Lucy opened the batting with great composure, seeing off the new ball and putting us immediately ahead of the game. Later, Spencer and Jack E produced the partnership of the day, running brilliantly and keeping their wickets intact while putting on 29 runs together. Both finished with 13, the joint top score of the innings.

From there the Reds knew they were in control and stayed disciplined to close the game out. Jude showed excellent technique with his forward defence, placing the ball either side of the wicket for well-run singles. Jack T and Will finished the innings strongly, putting the final touches on a superb batting performance.

Spencer was the well-deserved Player-of-the-Mach, breaking the game open with four wickets and then helping guide the chase with his calm middle-order innings.

This team has worked incredibly hard all season and thoroughly deserves their place in the Grand Final. Have a great week team, and good luck next weekend! Go the Reds!

U11 Girls Black – LWCC (1-149) def. LWCC Red (4-109)

On Saturday afternoon the U11 Girls Black team took on Marrickville at Tasker Park. It was perfect cricket conditions, nice and sunny with a gentle breeze to keep the girls cool in the field.

Audrey captained her first game of the season, won the toss and elected to bat. After practising our running between wickets at training, the girls really showed up with some exceptional batting performances across the board. It was our highest score of the season, spread evenly amongst our batters and all because they took on the field with ambitious running opportunities - no need for special mentions this week as everyone was batting on point!

When it came to bowling, it was Ella who delivered A standout performance, with 3 for 11 off 4 overs. Elsie achieved her first stumping for the year as wicket keeper, and there was some exceptional fielding performances, with several run-outs and even a direct hit.

Extremely proud of how the team finished the year. It was a great demonstration of just how much their skills, and friendships have developed over the season. We are eagerly anticipating the redemption round against U11 Reds this weekend.

U12 Red – LWCC (3-95) def. by Concord Briars Green (6-96)

Won the toss and decided to bat. We knew that playing the table leading Briars, stacked with Rep players would be tough. Our boys went down by 2 wickets; and we were so close. The Briars only lost 1 game in the regular season and we had them sweating.

Our first mission before the innings was to get 2 or 3 of the top order to retirement. Mission accomplished. In fact, in our best display yet we had 5 batters reach retirement. Poor luck to Daniel F getting out on the last ball before retirement. Ben S and Henry R, bravely retired but scoring runs were tough. Opener Emmett H got to retirement and on his return, needed to press his luck to get the scoreboard ticking over and was dismissed for 12. Outstanding batting from Opener Oscar R and number 3 John O both finished 26 not out.

Once again Leo L was safe with the gloves on and finished off a great run out by Oscar R. Pick of the Bowlers was Jacob W 3 overs 2 wickets for 6 runs. Wicket each to John O and Henry the Magician. Dylan C could not bat due to his injury, but once again brought Dylan enthusiasm that the team feeds off. Some disciplined fielding and near chances from Kiran C bowling.

What a great season boys. I’m so proud of your attitude to training and your sportsmanship in the field. Some wonderful bonds between the boys and parents will remain with me for many years. Thank you to the hard-working and often under recognized committee, for giving our boys the opportunity to play this game.

U13 Girls – LWCC (36) def. by Easts (5-37)

The U13 Girls played Easts on a lovely afternoon at Rowland Park. We batted first with Karthika and Lara batting well. Lara topped scored (8) - well done to her. But the opposition had a very strong bowing line up and our defence needs some work in the off-season!

But once again our bowling and fielding were outstanding. Emily demanded the new ball and the coach relented. She delivered, with a high quality opening over, smashing the stumps and sending the bails flying to the boundary. All our other girls bowled really well, with Sophia, Karthika, Adelaide and Lara all getting a wicket. Lara also took a fine, juggling catch to complete her all round contribution. But we didn’t have enough runs to defend. Another 20-30 runs and it could have been a different result.

U13 White – LWCC (60) def. by Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates Black Beards (4-61)

The Wanderers were excited to play in this semi-final against a team of nine division 1 rep players. They were boosted by Oscar R and Emmett from U12 (who are actually U11s) playing their fourth games for the team.

The Wanderers were in a fighting mood as underdogs. They had a chance of doing something remarkable.

Batting first was tough, as expected. The Pirates started with their best seamers. Their line and length were immaculate. Openers Eamon and Noah dug in with no choice but to stay in defensive mode. As it transpired all Wanderers batters had to adopt a similar defensive mindset. Scoring was difficult. There was no respite as the Pirates rotated thought their attack. Noah (7 from 31), James L (9* from 31) and James A (13 from 13) got runs. Our youngsters Emmett and Oscar R showed extraordinary courage to face 14 and 32 balls each, against the fastest bowling they have ever seen. Oscar M also looked settled during his innings, supporting his partner with good running between wickets. There was a bit of bad luck too. Eamon had a go at one of the few loose balls, resulting in a thick top edge caught at fly slip. Not many batters get caught there. Oliver smoked a straight drive, ankle height, to see one of the most unlikely catches from the bowler. That shot would normally be four runs. But the Pirates earned that luck through accurate bowling.

A slightly under par 61 was the target for the Pirates. The Wanderers were up for a fight and ready to show their bowling skills and best ground fielding of the season.

The Wanderers needed wickets early, so went to their top wicket takers Eamon and James L to start. A plan was set. A deep mid-off was in place as that’s where the Pirates like to hit. They also had a slip to capitalise on the edges our seamers regularly generate.

The first wicket came in the second over. A run-out. A well hit ball went to point, only for Oscar M to throw his body to the ground to save it. He got to his feet with ball in hand and accurately through to Emmett who removed the bails. It was exciting to see. Oscar M made a habit of diving, saving at least eight runs during the innings. That is the fielding standard and attitude that the coach has been asking for all year. It was superb from Oscar.

The excitement levels went up a gear in the third over when the batter couldn’t deal with Eamon’s line and length, half-slogging one to the perfectly positioned Archer at deep mid-off where his safe hands were waiting. It was beautiful to watch. The trap worked.

The Wanderers’ feast of wickets was beginning. The Pirates were 2-7 after 3 overs.

The first bowling change unleashed the furious pace of James A and Archer. Pepper off and 4th stumps was the requirement. Nothing on middle, nothing on leg, as the batters would put those away for fours.

They delivered in excellent partnership bowling. The third wicket fell in the 7th over, a caught and bowled to James A and the catch of the season (and there has been some serious competition on that front!). It was a ball smashed straight back at him, ankle height, and somehow he twisted his body to a position so his hands could safely wrap around the ball. That is the type of play required to beat the best team in the district.

Complacency turned to worry in the Pirates camp. The third wicket saw their coach, who was umpiring at square leg, substitute himself so he could go and talk to his incoming batters. His team was in serious trouble. The Wanderers were on top. Could the Wanderers keep it going and inflict the Pirate’s first defeat of the summer?

Maybe yes. The fourth wicket was due to the raw pace of James A, removing the stumps. Euphoria replaced excitement in the Wanderers camp. The Pirates were 4-29 after 8.2 overs!

Alas, the Pirates ‘talking to’ from their coach did the job. The next batters steadied the ship and got the runs required in the 16th over.

It was such a great game to finish on, despite the result. The Pirates coach made it clear how impressed he was by the Wanderers’ competitiveness and fight. They hadn’t been pushed that hard all season.

The team fight, effort and attitude all game were highlights. Individual players knew they might not bowl as much as they normally do in this game, especially with only 60 runs to defend, and they played their guts out anyway with the bat and in the field. The team-first attitude from our players was exemplary.

Thank you to parents for ferrying your kids around to training and games, providing snacks, umpiring and scoring.

And thank you to our players, it has been a privilege to coach you. You’ve had a strong season and will become better cricketers from your experiences.

U13 Sabres – LWCC (5-189) def. Concord Briars Black (73)

Sabres Make It Five Straight with dominant Win over Briars at Callan Park

Our Sabres boys arrived at Callan Park brimming with confidence after four consecutive victories, although there was a slightly different feeling around this match. For once the weather was kind - no rain or drizzle - which was particularly welcomed by the parents on the sidelines.

Batting first, the Sabres put together another strong performance with the bat, finishing on 5 for 189. Ronav led the charge with an outstanding 56 not out from 46 balls, bringing up his half-century in style and sending both teammates and the crowd into celebration. Archer also made a valuable contribution with 23 not out, and it was pleasing to see many of the boys getting among the runs, with Alfie, Eamon, James L, Oliver, Nevaan and Arjun all reaching double figures to round out a well-balanced team batting effort.

With the ball, the Sabres continued their impressive form of recent weeks. Nevaan and Eamon both claimed two wickets each, while Kurtis and Arjun also chipped in with a wicket apiece. The pressure built steadily as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Behind the stumps, both James A and James L kept tidily, conceding only 3 byes for the innings. James A also produced a particularly sharp stumping, highlighting another excellent all-round fielding performance from the team.

Concord Briars struggled to keep up with the scoreboard pressure, and steady wickets meant they were eventually bowled out for 73, sealing another comprehensive victory for Sabres and making it five wins on the trot.

Unfortunately, despite the strong run of form, the cricket gods weren’t entirely on our side this season. The boys finished third on the ladder and will face the fourth-placed team in next week’s final match. With two extremely narrow losses early in the season, the Sabres could easily have been playing for caps - but that’s cricket.

Onwards and upwards, as the Sabres now set their sights on a sixth straight win next week to finish the season on a high.

S3 Girls – LWCC (4-85) def. by Randwick (1-136)

It was a beautiful day for cricket at Five Dock Park and it was amazing to see so many of you at the game, enthusiastic and ready to play.

The team again bowled and fielded really well - Zoe kept the wickets and then got a wicket maiden! Bella was also solid behind the stumps and with the ball (0-7 off 1 over). Sadly though the Randwick big hitters took a toll on our bowlers, but overall we still performed well with the ball.

We went into bat, with Ellen and Charlotte bravely facing up to their opening bowlers. Connie confidently saw out her 15 balls for 5* followed by Bella who smashed 17 off 16 balls. Lila was superb with the bat for her 13 (13 balls), and there was great support from Suki, Sofia, Zoe, Harper, Cate and Ava.

Again, it wasn’t our day but it was a great game of cricket.

Special thanks to Carmen and Aditi who kindly played for the Randwick team to give them 9 players. They both were amazing - Aditi was smacking the ball around (14* off 11 balls) and bowled very tidily, and Carmen did brilliantly too (6* off 12 balls and 2-11 from 2 overs).

Thanks too for those who came and celebrated the end of the season at Five Dock Bowlo (even with one match still to play).

U15 Black – LWCC (5-145) def. Concord Briars Black (5-140)

This could very well be the match of the season. We were desperate to win today being a Semi Final, and verses our old friends from Concord - the Black side! We have won and lost against them this season, but as I said before the previous loss was just a rehearsal for the main event.

Ronav, our captain, won the toss, and strategically the team decided to bowl first. Put the pressure on Concord to score runs. Our team had a great chat and gathered around for a good few minutes to get themselves ready for some fine cricket. Today we’re at the true, original and never to be taken away home of Inner West Cricket - Callan Park. Long live the natural grass, beautiful surrounds and not a synthetic pitch to see! Friends of Callan Park we are :)

Sidenote - we had a proper hat stand penguin today. The real deal - who pointed out that we had better get the game done pretty quickly as he has a Swannie’s match to get to by 7. LOL.

Coaches were not allowed to umpire so the parents stepped up. Thanks Paul Miller and David Burke for standing in today. As a coach I was so happy to let the boys run their own race. That way they can really claim the victory (or the loss) for whichever outcome prevails. We had 11 players today - such a pleasure to watch.

Concord sent in their best, and had no intent of retiring players earlier than 60 balls so the tone was set. We opened with Xavier and Linus 0-19 (4) . Both Bowlers started well. Runs were coming as the batters found gaps, hit the occasional boundary, nothing extravagant. I thought they batted well for a final. Xavier 2-22 (6) struck first in the 7th over to grab Sam M. Good catch by Barnabas. Bowling change at both ends to being on Nevaan 1-13 (4) and Austin 1-21 (4). Austin softened them up with a few radar errors (part of his plan), which then one of the stars of the day Harrison performed a beautiful stumping to dismiss the opener. Great to have you back in the side Mr Harrison!

We now had Josh and Max at the Crease. These two can change games. Well well - we let a few overs go by with Ronav 0-14 (2) and Nevaan probing away at them both until a magic bowling change Austin ended this with Josh for LBW (23). He was not happy at the umpire’s decision.

Max Narayan did a superb job of bringing Concord back around for his 37 (54) until he skied a ball to Ryan of Xavier’s bowling in the final over. The other batters from Concord came in to score a run ball until Harrison ended another one’s dream with a second stumping!! We love you Lord Harrison!. Usual boundaries in the penultimate overs, but kept quite well under control. Concord gained a small reprise with 2 difficult catches going down. This is cricket. Quite unusually, the umpire used his ultimate authority to end the innings right on 100 minutes (27 overs) to close the innings ay 5-140. I will add Cooper - in his usual style, hit his only ball he faced for four runs. He’s good at that.

141 to win, required run rate 5.2 per over. We discussed and planned. Take the quick singles, look for two, smash the bad balls. Bat well and use up your overs. Runs will come if you focus.

Quick break before the Swannie's kick-off - Nevaan and Sam opened the batting. They did so with intent, and showed a maturity that will bring rewards. Shots in the gaps, bad balls dispatched to the fence. Excellent start. Sam 20 (21) and Nevaan 21 (28). Austin 26 (27) performed similarly. He set himself up well, watched for a while and played the right shots. All batters looked for runs - they ran hard, turned for the second and looked like they wanted to win.

Nevaan and Sam both sent catches to their mate Sam for Xavier’s innings. He started slowly, didn’t face many balls as Austin appeared to have that under control. Xavier pushed around numerous dots to find his feet. A few quiet overs, the run rate crept up slowly. Both Austin and Xavier pushing singles with the occasional 4. Very sensible and mature batting. Unfortunately Austin top edged one to Cooper (WK) for his 26. Conor decided 2 ball was enough and got himself out for a duck - possible Swan’s game nerves maybe? 2 wickets in one over at this ate is unsettling. Ronav 7 (16) started slowly pushing singles and ended with a stumping.

Barnabas came into bat with Xavier knowing he had a job to do. He settled in, head down. Batting until the end of the inning for his 9 (13) not out. Prior to this, when Barnabas entered we needed 41 runs from 6 overs. 6.8 per over.

Over 23 - we’re playing it safe 3 from the over. Looking ok. RR required now 7.6. Barnabas hit a boundary, Xavier 2 and 1. 7 from the over.

Over 24 - still pushing it around - couples of 2s - 6 from the over. RR required pushed up to over 8. Everyone is nervous. The crowd are seriously cheering for every single run. We have wickets in hand. Surely it’s time to do something.

Over 25 - Concord send in the big guns - Ryan, their div 1 reps opening bowler. Barnabas hands the strike over to Xavier, who decided that NOW is the time. FOUR. FOUR. 1. 10 runs off the over. Cheering and Screaming from every Leichhardt person on the sideline. 2 overs to go. 14 to win. Wickets in hand.

Over 26 - Xavier well and truly earned his Champion Player title by showing everyone how it’s done. Sam Miller, their other opening bowler becomes the poor victim of the original Megatron who is ready to launch. FOUR. TWO. FOUR. FOUR. 14 runs in 4 balls - all over the ground, Concord fielders hopelessly unable to stop the runs. He retires on 52 not out. What an innings. 52 (47) including 7 fours. Scores are now level. Linus had the honour of coming in for one ball - took the opportunity to hit a no-ball for 4 to give us 5 runs off the last ball giving us a WIN with 145 runs! An over to spare! Lord Harrison all padded up just for the photos - Ryan and George enjoyed a batting rest today.

What a match. Excellent batting from our boys. Solid running, good execution, fantastic teamwork and a cricket ethic like no other team in the competition. They play to win in the spirit of the game. They all enjoyed the pressure and rose to the occasion. Congratulations. You won the game on your own, using your own strategies and abilities. As a coach this is heart warming to see. Thanks to the boys who didn’t bowl or bat today - your commitment to the team does not go un-noticed.

We play the Concord White’s next week who are a strong team. It will be a great final. See you there.

U8 White – LWCC (2-126) vs Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates (5-84)

The cricket gods were smiling on Blackmore Oval on Saturday morning with clear, warm conditions for the match against the RHH Jolly Rogers.

A fateful call of "flats" saw the Wanderers lose the bat toss and be sent out to field first, but the wicket was green and the opposition opening batters had their work cut out for them.

The Wanderers opening bowlers kept the opening Jolly Rogers pair under pressure, with only 10 runs from their first 3 overs. The first wickets came after the change of batting pairs. First to strike was Oliver (1-14), and then Alfie who - having had a six hit off a free hit awarded from the prior delivery - promptly responded by cleaning up the top of leg stump (1-12). Arjun snared a wicket in his second over with a quick delivery that kept low and struck middle stump (1-13), as did Austen (1-8).

The Wanderer's fielding was sharp all morning, with an almost-caught-and-bowled for Austen, some run-out chances created by huge energy from the boys in the field, and one clinical direct-hit run-out from Arjun, who collected a pull shot on the square-leg boundary off Theo's second over, and managed to fire his throw into the stumps at the bowlers end before the batter had made it onto the home stretch. Terrific, positive play from all of the boys in the field. Jolly Rogers 5-74 after their batting innings.

The Wanderers went in to bat with quiet confidence that they could get the job done, but they didn't get ahead of themselves. The batting calls for quick singles were loud, clear and clever, and it was a delight to watch the organic encouragement of each other as batting partners. Alfie and Theo saw off the opening bowlers, finishing 1-12 after Alfie was caught in the outfield from a high-hit sweep to cow-corner.

Liam and Austen were next in to bat, stepping up the run-rate with some terrific running between the wickets and big boundaries - 1-45 from their overs with Liam top-scoring on 35 with 4 sixes. Arjun and Oliver wrapped up the run-chase with surgical precision - no dismissals between them for their 44 runs. The spectators were treated to some delightfully hit boundaries from both of the boys, including an elbow-up, checked cover drive from Arjun reminiscent of a young Virat Kohli - Arjun struck a good-length delivery so hard and clean that it barely made it above shoulder height on its rapid journey to the boundary for six. Arjun finished with 28, and the Wanderers 2-101 from their batting innings.

Final tally Wanderers 2-126 def RHH Jolly Rogers 5-84. Well Done Wanderers on some of the best team cricket you've played all season!

U9 Red – LWCC (98) vs Concord Briars Black (75)

What a thrilling showdown to mark the penultimate clash of the season for the LWCC U9 Red team against Concord Briars U9 Black! The stage was set under dazzling sunshine, with excitement crackling in the air as Hudson confidently won the toss and chose to bat first. Yet, the outfield seemed determined to test our resolve - so slow it felt like the grass itself was conspiring against our boundary-seekers.

Undaunted, Bodhi and Mateo stepped up to open, weaving together a gritty partnership and refusing to let the sluggish turf dampen their spirits. Every single run was a battle, and they fought for each one -Bodhi tallying 4 and Mateo 6 from their nine balls apiece, setting the tone for a relentless innings. Ted and Drew were next, and the crowd erupted as Ted unleashed a colossal six, sending the ball soaring like a rocket and racking up 10 runs. Drew, cool as ever, timed his runs beautifully, adding flair to the proceedings. Ollie and Sam continued the charge, with Ollie’s steady 10 and Sam’s supportive 4 keeping the scoreboard ticking. To close, Frankie and Hudson took the crease, and Hudson delivered a thunderous six, matching Ollie’s total with 10, while Frankie chipped in a valuable 3. Concord Briars U9 Black, however, showed grit of their own, holding us to 53 runs and making every single count.

Then came the bowlers’ moment of glory - a spellbinding display that turned the tide! Hudson wasted no time, snatching a wicket in his first over and wrapping up with figures of 1 for 7. Mateo kept the pressure on, giving up just 11. Sam entered the fray, claiming a wicket and conceding a mere 5 runs, while Bodhi struck gold with another wicket and surrendered just 3. But it was Ollie who became legend - our player-of-the-match - taking an astonishing 5 wickets in just two overs and executing a run out with the precision of a seasoned pro. At one stage Ollie was on a hat trick ball but was thwarted by the last batting pair on that delivery.

The U9 Red juggernaut rolled on, amassing 9 wickets - though the drama didn’t stop there. Some fiercely debated umpiring decisions stole the spotlight, including a run out thwarted by a fielder standing a shade too close and a bowled batsman mysteriously staying in as the bails refused to fall. Still, nothing could halt the team’s surge as they stormed to a sensational 98 to 75 victory, bringing their record to a jaw-dropping 14 wins and only 2 losses as the final round approaches.

Congratulations to everyone on a spectacular team performance and a win worthy of a highlight reel! Let’s keep this unstoppable energy flowing and finish the season in style.

U9 Black

U9 Black have had a ripping season and it has been a real pleasure watching this group of boys grow together in their second season as a team.

After 16 matches the boys sit on an outstanding record of 15 wins, a reflection of the effort they have consistently put in week after week. The team has shown great commitment, turning up to training ready to work hard, improve their skills, and support each other. That effort has clearly translated onto game days.

Across the season the team has produced some fantastic cricket, scoring a total of 1,609 runs while also taking an impressive 97 wickets. These numbers tell part of the story, but what has stood out just as much is the way the boys have played the game.

They are a competitive group who love to win, but they have also demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the season. The respect they show to teammates, opponents, and umpires is something the club should be proud of. It’s clear this group has not only some promising young cricketers, but also a bunch of genuine little sportsmen.

We head into the final game this weekend to close out what has been a fantastic season. A few of the boys will unfortunately miss the match due to soccer commitments.

Regardless of the result this weekend, the season has already been a huge success.

Well done boys – a brilliant season from the U9 Black.