Wanderers wallop all comers to claim double crown

It was a memorable weekend for the Wanderers Cricket Club, who recorded a clean sweep of Kookaburra Sports Geraldton Junior Cricket Association grand final success.

The glorious weekend for the yellow caps began last Saturday, with all-conquering Wanderers Gold crushing sister side Black by 139 runs at GBSC Sports Park No.1.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Gold monstered their way to 6-190 from their allocated 30 overs.

It was a tough morning for Black’s bowling attack, who leaked 73 runs before taking their first wicket.

Taj Satie was in terrific touch early, retiring not out on 38 and propelling his side into a comfortable position.

He was one of four players to retire unbeaten, however Black’s bowlers didn’t do themselves any favours— conceding 55 extras.

Chasing 191 for victory, Black were quickly despatched by their sister side, with Gold’s Mitchell Thompson (2-1 from three overs, two catches) sensational in a man-of-the-match performance.

Only Jannie Pieterse (20) was able to display any resistance, as Black were dismissed for 51 in the 21st over.

A day later, Wanderers claimed the under-17s grand final over Towns Blue, with premier all-rounder Hudson Toomey the undisputed difference between the teams.

Blue, whose semifinal victory a week earlier was their first since November 24, won the toss and elected to bat. However, after a promising start, they found themselves in a hole.

Sitting pretty at 1-44, Wanderers snatched momentum with a lethal spell of bowling from Marley Crowe (3-12 from six overs) and Toomey (2-5, four maidens from six overs).

In the blink of an eye, Blue lost 4-5 and their hopes of posting a solid score hung in the balance.

Joel Groessler (19 from 53 deliveries and Ethan Johnson (14no off 15) lingered to ensure Blue hit triple figures — although the score of 109 appeared difficult to defend.

Blue came out firing and had the yellow caps reeling early at 3-18, however once Toomey and fellow talent Gerard “Ringo” McKenna dug their heels in at the crease the match ceased as a contest. Toomey, who has benefited from playing several matches in Perth with the Fremantle District Cricket Club at under-17s and third-grade level this season, smashed 12 boundaries in his unbeaten knock of 71 from 78 balls.

The performance resulted in man-of-the-match honours, with the yellow caps celebrating their six-wicket grand final win in front of friends and family at the Recreation Ground.