Wanderers CC Cello Basin Reserve Invitational Tri Series 2024
A sublime 70 from just 38 balls by Jeremy Dean was the highlight of the Wanderers T15 Tri-Series held at the Basin Reserve last Saturday. The innings came in what was an effective final between Wanderers and United and Country Vineyards after both had defeated Seddon Cricket Club in the first two matches of the day. In the result, the Marshall Cup (for matches between Seddon and Wanderers) and Cook Strait Classic Cups (for matches between UCVC and Wanderers) will spend the winter with the Wanderers at the top of the RA Vance Stand. The Currie Cup (for matches between Seddon and UCVC) went back to Blenheim.
A sunny and windless day greeted the teams at the unusually early start of 8.30am. Wanderers chose to bowl first despite the dew in the first match against Seddon. The decision looked questionable initially as Ben Strang took to the local bowlers with relish, hitting boundaries on both sides of the wicket and depositing Hamish Marshall well over the fence and into the seating. But a magic delivery from Brett Coffey triggered a collapse, taking out James Marshall with a leg-cutter that landed on middle and beat him all ends up taking the top of off. That’s two international scalps for Coffey this summer on the Kindred circuit.
After Strang’s blistering innings ended on 48 off 26 Seddon’s middle and lower order was unable to keep up the momentum, with Andrew Wilson very parsimonious in taking 3/18 with his leg spin. Seddon ended on an under par 114/9. Wanderers managed to chase down the total with 12 deliveries to spare and Jeremy Dean, Duncan Elliott, Hamish Marshall, and Andrew Fullerton-Smith all contributing.
In the second game, UCVC batted and was in early trouble, with Paul Hickman being dismissed for a royal. UCVC’s innings was dominated by Bryn Cotching, who was dismissed swinging at the death for 58 from 41 including a couple of cleanly struck maximums. Seddon’s reply was led by Ben Strang and James Marshall but without much support. UCVC showed good athleticism in the field to keep runs tight and scoreboard pressure told in the end, Seddon ending their chase 20 runs short.
Wanderers again bowled first in the final game. UCVC struggled to 66/5 off the first 11 overs, with Andrew Wilson again miserly. But the last four overs were taken for 64 as UCVC set Wanderers 131 to take out the Tri-Series. This was thought to be a steep chase, given the wicket was by now in its fourth day of action and spin was proving hard to get away. But then came Dean’s masterclass, studded with boundaries all around the ground and an effortless pick up over midwicket for six. He was well supported by Hamish Marshall (29) and Andrew Fullerton-Smith (16) and took Wanderers home just three down and with 8 balls to spare.
All in all, the weather was perfect, the Basin a picture, and the cricket of a high standard. The spirit of cricket was in evidence long into the night as all three teams celebrated the end of a great season of Kindred cricket.
The event was superbly run by Ben Castle and Willie Marshall, and we thank Kent Currie (Seddon) and Dave Clouston (UCVC) for their efforts in corralling two great touring parties. And a huge thanks to Ashan Wanasinghe for capturing the day in images for us.
