Wanderers v Goondiwindi

Wanderers Tour 2023

15 August 2023 at Goondiwindi Golf Course Ground

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.

After a two year, COVID-imposed hiatus, Wanderers kicked off the traditional regional tour in Goondiwindi, the home of Gun Synd. Overcast conditions early turned into beautiful blue skies by lunch time.

Batting first, Wanderers were in a bit of bother after an early wicket, but a spectacular 2nd wicket partnership between Connor Nowlan and Chad Soper set everything right for the tourists. Nowlan and Soper brought up 50 in 54 balls; 100 in 97 balls and 150 in 134 balls on the way to 195 from 160 balls. Both fell agonisingly short of 3 figure milestones. A collapse of 5/29 from 42 balls in the final ten overs did not prevent a formidable 240 total from the 40 allocated overs. Dylan Jones (2/18 from 8 overs) and Laine Welch (2/11 from 4) bowled beautifully for Goondiwindi.

In the chase, Jack Gardiner terrorised the Goondiwindi batting lineup. In an 8 over spell, Gardiner conceded just two scoring shots (both from the bat of Lance Roudenko, batting for the hosts). Unfortunately there were 7 no balls and two wides as well, but 5/14 essentially put paid to the Host’s prospects. Harley Warrener chimed in with 3/37 and veteran, Shane Wyatt claimed 2/10. Chad Soper took two fine catches at mid-off. Dylan Jones backed up his bowling performance with an entertaining 20 from 9 balls including two towering sixes; the only ones of the day. Dante van Heerden top scored with a stubborn 22 not out from 62 balls.

Wanderers provided some valuable coaching on and off the field for the Goondiwindi youngsters.

A big Thank You to the hosts for providing a lovely lunch and the curator for a well prepared ground.