PNG Garamuts U19 v Wanderers

31 July 2024 at Kleinschmidt Family Sports Park, Maudsland

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.

A brilliant, clear winter day - a little nippy, but beautiful in the sun - greeted the PNG Garamuts in a trial against a combined Wanderers and Coomera/Hope Island side. The “Garamut” is a resonant drum used in the Sepik region of PNG to announce meetings and warnings. There was no warning, however, of the onslaught by Lekwa Nao and Dauncey Tom who piled on 102 from just 80 balls in an explosive second wicket stand. Good spin bowling by Luke Rowing was rewarded when Lekwa, having reached 50 moments before, was bowled with the score on 108. Ten balls later, Niall Farren took a return catch to dismiss Dauncey (47) and from that point, it was a procession. Rowing picked up 3/33, Farren a remarkable 3/4 (including another C&B from a stunning catch down low), Om Bhikadiya and Rodney Teese each picked up wickets in their first over as the Garamuts crumbled to 9/138. Batting 12 batsmen, the final few wickets added some respectability, taking the score to 187; Bhikadiya and Jeff Teese picking up the final three wickets. In the field, a few catches found grass, but Declan Ross (2), Josh Spies, Jonti Kamo, Rodney Teese, Marty Luna Juncal and Ryan Litherland held onto theirs as did Niall Farren who added another to his brace of C&Bs.

In the chase, Declan Ross (26) and Ryan Litherland got Wanderers off to a good start with a 58 run opening stand from just eight overs, before Ross, after clubbing consecutive boundaries, holed out to Dauncey Tom off the bowling of Anthony David. Jonti Kamo joined Litherland to add 36 for the second wicket before both fell within a couple of overs just before drinks. After drinks Mann Chaudhari and Josh Spies piled on 80 from 68 balls to take the chase to within a couple of runs of the target. Spies retired after a belligerent knock of 49 from 37 which featured three towering sixes. Chaudhary also retired on 39 from 50. David Taraka (3/35) and Rarua Dirana (2/6) picked up wickets as Wanderers hit out in the late stages finishing on 7/243 from a full 40 overs.

PNG Garamuts now make their way to the ICCU19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Aisa Pacific Division 2 Qualifier to be staged in Samoa in August. Players and coaching staff were grateful for the opportunity of this warm-up game. Wanderers and Coomera/Hope Island wished the Garamuts all the best in their endeavours during the tournament.