Steady as they go for Wanderers

PATIENCE will be the key when Beechworth Wanderers continue their chase to overhaul Rovers United Bruck's (RUB) gettable total of 189 in round 4 of WDCA A grade. That said they will have to do it without opener Kayde Surrey who was dismissed for just two runs caught off the bowling of Jacob Schonafinger when Wanderers had to navigate two overs before the close of play last Saturday. It was Schonafinger who earlier provided the anchor for RUB's total, top-scoring with 51 as his teammates fell around him at regular intervals, despite several making handy starts. Wanderers coach Kate Burns was happy with the side's effort to restrict RUB to fewer than 200 runs on the fairly hard Baarmutha Park ground. "The under 16s in the game before were going at a run a ball so I thought our bowlers did pretty well," Burns said. "When Richie (Worcester) felt some tightness in his hammy (after just eight overs) a few others had to step up and bowl some extra overs. "I was particularly impressed with Henry Scalzo, he bowled really well and is only in his first year out of juniors." Scalzo took 2/21 from seven overs with his left-arm seamers, his inswingers causing headaches for the right-handed batters. Kayde Surrey took 3/17 from 12 overs, while Brenton Surrey and Timothy Cogger took two each and Jack Ryan deserves a mention for his epic 18 overs effort. Burns said while the 190 target was achievable her side won't be taking anything for granted. "We have to secure the points first before we think about anything else," she said. "They've got a lot of talent in their bowling line-up so our batters will have to be on their game. "Before the game I would have said Kayde was due for a big score, he's been batting so well, but he got himself out and will now face a long day ahead watching the others. "We will need one of our batters to set themself for a big innings and hopefully a few others can contribute along the way. "We have the batting depth, players like Clancy (Ellett) and Brenton know what to do and young Will Prebble at number three is due. "He's only 15 but it shows how much faith Brenton has in him." If the Wanderers can reach the target on Saturday, what happens after that will depend on a number of factors. "If we can get the 190 it will be up to Brenton to decide which way we go, whether it's chasing more runs or going for quick wickets, he'll decide that on the field," Burns said. "But we have to focus on reaching the target before anything else." And while the A grade men do battle this weekend, the under 14 girls have their second round of matches with Beechworth taking on RUB at Mayday Hills Oval from 9am on Sunday. Burns said more girls are invited to join the club as the competition hopes to expand. "Not all girls want to play with the boys so if you love cricket this is the place to be," she said. "The under 14s are coached by Lewis Richards and we want to encourage more girls to get involved. "It's a really great environment for kids to be a part of." Burns said she was hopeful of organising some friendlies for the senior women's side too so any women interested is also urged to come along. For information on how to join go to the PlayCricket website and search for Beechworth Wanderers, or go to the club's Facebook page.

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