Wanderers v Barcaldine

Doug Gesch Shield

Wanderers Tour 2023

20 August 2023 at Barcaldine Showgrounds

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 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.

In August 2023, the Wanderers Annual Tour will loop around Goondiwindi, St George, Roma, Tambo, Barcaldine, Emerald, Springsure. 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 future tours.

The Club relies upon its own fund-raising resources and sponsors to finance its activities including supporting youngsters in coaching clinics and on tours.

The Wanderers “machine” rolled on to Barcaldine for a match against the locals at the Barcaldine Showgrounds. The clashes between the two sides commemorates Doug Gesch, a great lover of cricket in Barcaldine and instrumental in establishing “the best pitch in the west”.

The visitors had first use of the deck with openers Connor Nowlan and Chris Leonard charging to 83 from 13 overs, before Leonard popped one up on the on-side to Michael Williams. Connor Nowlan went on to another 50 from just 44 balls, before his dismissal sparked a mini collapse setting Wanderers on their heels at 4/119 on the stroke of drinks (20th over); Dan Kempson picking up the prize wickets of prior-day century makers Nowlan and Jamo Allan. After drinks, Chad Soper and Robert O’Keeffe took on the attack in a partnership of 47 from 50 balls, before O’Keeffe fell to fellow Wanderer, Shane Wyatt, filling in for Barcaldine. In the search for runs, wickets began to fall regularly. Soper posted another 50 from just 54 balls and Lance Roudenko entertained with a nice cameo of 35 from 31 at the death. An attempted ramp off the last ball by skipper, Brad Murphy, did not come off, but drew wild reactions from Wanderers tourists 😁. Wanderers 9/233 from the allocated 40 overs.

The tourists were treated to a lovely BBQ lunch under the Ted Seaby Stand.

Barcaldine also made a good start in their innings; posting 55 before Soper snuck one through Dan Kempson in his first over. O’Keeffe emulated Soper with a wicket in his first over, thanks to a good catch by Matt Hicks at mid wicket and all of a sudden Barcaldine were 2/61. Paul Donnelly and Mitch Bradford negotiated the six overs to drinks without loss and the addition of 30 runs. Donnelly became Soper’s second victim just five balls after drinks and Mitch Bradford his third (for a fine 34 from 53), nine balls later; Matthew Hicks taking his second catch of the innings. Simon Plumb blasted two 4s and two 6s in a short 17 ball innings and was attempting to smash Hicks for a maximum, only to find Jamo Allan on the long-on boundary. Ten balls later it was Hicks again sneaking one through the new batsman to make it 6/124. Jamo Allan stood aghast as he watched his first ball sailing to the square leg boundary only to see Matt Hicks leap high, take a brilliant catch and land just inside the boundary. To make it 7/134. Barcaldine’s innings came to an end - with three wickets falling in 13 balls (2 to Allan; 1 to Roudenko) - in the 36th over on 156.

Skippers, Brad Murphy and Paul Andrews paid tribute to the late Doug Gesch citing his passion and devotion to the development of the game in the local area. Presentations of Yellow Tail wine were made to the organisers, groundsmen and caterers. A lovely event on a beautiful winter’s day. Well done to all.