Waverley College Cricket
From the Convenor of Cricket, John McCallum
Cricket season has certainly begun strongly for many of our teams in both their training and with CAS Games in 2-day Cricket, and a highly successful Pre-season tour for our 1st XI Squad. There have already been some highly impressive displays from Cricketers of all ages and experience levels, and the willingness to improve their strength and key skills has been a pleasing feature. This Saturday sees all boys in action, either in CAS competition games or trials – so from next week all boys will be training in their new teams according to the published training schedule. Boys will be told teams by coaches, as well as the teams for next week to be published on noticeboards and on the Waverley College Cricket page on TEAM APP, a free app that can be downloaded to any device – and this will also include live scores each week, photos, upcoming matches and results.
Waverley is in a strong position across many of the 2-day games begun last week. The 1st XI bowled first and attacked early – dismissing St Aloysius for 136, with Ryan Connolly the pick of the bowlers with his attacking legspin to capture 3/21. He was assisted well by new captain Tyler Von der Heyden who snared 2 wickets. In reply, Waverley lost early wickets but recovered well to finish day 1 on 4/90, with Mac Jenkins 57 not out, having developed important partnerships with Ben Donaldson and with Rory Doyle presently.
The 2nd XI batted first and made 130, with Jeremy Vanos looking strong in a well-made 43 and Lachlan Forrest 34, but early wickets and disciplined bowling will be the key on day 2, with St Aloysius already 0-29 in their chase.
The 9A and 10A boys both spent their first morning in the field, and look forward to batting this week on great pitches and quick outfields that reward players who find the gaps, are patient in their innings and willing to wear down the opposition. Lachlan Forrest was highly impressive with his legspin, taking 4-46 from 15 overs – well done on a great day Lachlan!
Further fantastic performances in some Trial games in the holidays was achieved by a variety of different teams and boys – and I thank the many boys and coaches who spent time in holidays playing in various matches. Waverley College unfortunately lost the annual Berg-Murphy Shield game with St Patrick’s College Strathfield, though Alex Ferrara began strongly with 73 runs. We also hosted St Josephs, defeating them by 8 wickets which saw Mac Jenkins finish undefeated on 90 runs as we passed the 156 needed for victory. A touring team from Nelson College NZ played against a combined 9/10A team also, and boys were challenged against a strong batting side who posted 328 runs. Year 9 Students Ryan Smith with 5 wickets, and Lachlan Forrest with a rapid 54 runs performed strongly, and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience gained.
