Mitchell v Wanderers
17 August 2024 at Gallipoli Oval, Mitchell
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 will head west to Quilpie, via Mitchell and Charleville, then loop back via Cunnamulla, St George and Warwick.
Apart from the cricket, the tourists will be 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.The Wanderers juggernaut rolled on to Mitchell after a brief stop in Roma for a look at some sculptures and a visit to the Western Queensland Spirit distillery.
The Mitchell Motel and Cabin Park welcomed us with open arms; Camelle and Michael the consummate hosts.
A beautiful clear game day dawned; Gallipoli Oval an apt venue with Long Tan day (Vietnam Veterans Day) approaching. With football finals still on the agenda for the Mitchell Magpies, the player roster was a little light on, so a scratch T20 was arranged. Wanderers cricket sage, Brad Murphy, cleverly assembled two evenly balanced sides to compete with a mixture of Mitchell locals and Wanderers tourists on each team. Lance Roudenko’s team bowled first.
Jared Spies (2 wkts) and Shane Wyatt (1) struck early, reducing Brad’s to 3/24 from 6 overs. Gecko Leonard then teamed with former Wanderer and Mitchell man, Tallis Martin for a 6 over partnership of 46. Tallis reached 33 before holing out to Shane Wyatt at mid-off from the bowling of Damon Halpin. After a 21 run partnership with Om Bhikadiya, Gecko (18) retired to bring Tallis’ brother Denni to the crease. Denni managed 5 before fellow local, Liam O’Laughlin snuck one through his defences and splayed the stumps. Om went on to compile a valuable 29 from 25 balls including nine 2s and just 5 dot balls. Samson Fox claimed the final wicket from the last ball of the innings; Brad’s team finishing on 6/118.
The chase started off in similar fashion with Lance’s team 3/26 from the first 6 overs; Tom Doherty, James Kleinschmidt and veteran, Ron Faulks sharing the wickets. As in the first innings, the 4th wicket came to the rescue as Shane Wyatt and Hayden Doherty partnered for 47 from 44 balls. Denni Martin provided the breakthrough when Shane played around one on 13. Hayden continued to a well-made 42 from 41 before he attempted to hit Callum Atchison to Charleville. Om Bhikadiya tracked the ball well to take a fine catch on the boundary. Two balls later, James Kleinschmidt swooped on one at cover and threw truly to Gecko for the run out. An over later, Om enticed a lofted shot by Alan Martin into the hands of Tom Doherty at short mid wicket and Lance’s had tumbled from 4/97 to 7/108. The cool head of Lance Roudenko entered the fray with 11 from 12 needed. A tidy 19th over by Callum conceded just 4; 7 from 6 required. A seductive sweep shot for six over square leg from the first ball of the last by Roudenko, levelled the scores. Then, a ripper of a ball from Om got through Roudenko’s gate, but he survived to thump one down to long-on next ball to reach the target.
A very entertaining game of cricket. A highlight was a first ball six by Tallis Martin whose brother had bet him he couldn’t 😁.
Both sides enjoyed some fellowship and a sumptuous BBQ lunch. Brad paid tribute to Chris Hughes who did a wonderful job on the day to make a game possible. Presentations were made, niceties exchanged and Wanderers returned to the Mitchell Motel loaded with goodies for an evening meal in the homely Mitchell Motel rec. area. Camelle and Michael’s gracious hospitality was acknowledged by Wanderers president Brad.
Footy on TV, entertainment by Samson and Gecko (Cricket is not their only talent). What a night!
