Ipswich Grammar School v Wanderers
2 December 2024 at IGS Brassal Main Oval
Wanderers was formed in Queensland during 1933 by the then Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson, with the aim to encourage young people to play and enjoy the game of cricket. Today the Club plays mid-week matches each Summer, mostly against schools in the State's south-east, and undertakes an annual 10-12 day playing and coaching tour of country centres. Tours in recent years have taken Wanderers west to Eromanga, South to Yetman and North to Charters Towers. The Club relies upon its own fund-raising resources and sponsors to finance its activities including supporting youngsters in coaching clinics and on tours.In August 2023, the Wanderers Annual Tour took in Goondiwindi, St George, Roma, Tambo, Barcaldine, Emerald and Springsure. The 2024 tour headed west to Quilpie, via Bowenville, Mitchell and Charleville, then looped back via Cunnamulla, St George, Thallon and Warwick.
Apart from the cricket, the tourists were edified by stops at various country pubs and tourist attractions. If you are a cricketer, golfer, lawn bowler or just an avid observer/supporter, please visit the Wanderers Club QLD Inc. Facebook page and register your interest for the 2025 tour; details to come.Given the deluge of the previous few days, it was a credit to ground staff that play was possible. Hot humid conditions prevailed and a full day’s play ensued.
Wanderers batted (as is their want!). Having just finished his time at IGS, Jack Hillier turned out for Wanderers adding 41 in partnership with Sterling Saini, before the latter lobbed one to Arush Chandvania off the bowling of Gurutva Singh in the 11th over. Hillier went on to bring up a 50 off 55 balls in the 17th over and a 2nd wicket 50 Partnership with Prince Lucky just three overs later, but just a couple of balls after that, Prince’s luck ran out (😮💨)when Edwin Jins got under one off Mitch Harte to make it 2/92. Hillier batted on to 71 from 75 balls before retiring at the end of the 24th over sparking a collapse for the visitors. Wanderers lost their remaining 8 wickets for 87 runs (😈), including a returning Hillier. Ben O’Connell offered some resistance with an aggressive 47 from 42 balls and Amila Weththasinghe added 19 in a 12 ball blitz, but managed to avoid facing son Ryan’s leg spinners! 😁. Spencer Comyn (0/26) and Arush Chandvania (2/26) bowled well at the top of the order; Ryan Weththasinghe and Mitch Harte picked up a wicket each, while skipper Rushi Kakkad, picked up a brace along with three catches to cap off a great day in the field. Edwin Jins came back well to pick up a couple of wickets, including the dangerous Amila!. A 19 run 10th wicket partnership between veterans Tony Pentecost and Brad Murphy took the score to 216 of a full 45 overs.
A tight opening spell of 2/17 by Amila Weththasinghe featured great catches by Sterling Saini and Prince Lucky, However, IGS moved on positively to 50 inside the Power Play. Ryan Weththasinghe and Rushi Kakkad added 44 from just 39 for the 3rd wicket before, the unthinkable… Ryan lofted a ball to long on only to see Dad, Amila, settle under it and take the catch! A few overs later, Brenden Scifleet gloved a sharp chance off Prince Lucky and there was a glimmer of hope for Wanderers at 4/93. It was not to be though. Kakkad went on to a well made 50 combining with Jack Newlove for a 50 partnership. Newlove and Mitch Harte then added an unbeaten 75 from 58 balls before Newlove retired on 65 after reaching the 217 target score. A little batting practice followed, before stumps were called at the end of the 40th over. Running between wickets was a feature for IGS with 11 threes in the innings. Prince Lucky’s 2/61 could’ve been 4fa if hands were a little stickier!
Wanderers skipper, Brad Murphy; IGS skipper Rushi Kakkad and IGS cricket director Lachlan Pfeffer exchanged words, thanking officials volunteers and contributors to the day.