Wallan wins its first two games in its GDCA McIntyre Shield return

With a good mix of youth and experience Wallan has made a strong return to the GDCA McIntyre Shield, winning it first two games, and has high hopes.

Kieran Atkin bowls for Wallan. Picture: Rob Leeson

Wallan’s unbeaten start to the GDCA McIntyre Shield season has the promotion-winners dreaming off a finals charge.

The Magpies finished runners-up in Johnstone Shield last season and have made an impressive return to the top flight, claimed wins over Woodend and Sunbury Kangaroos in the opening fortnight.

A Bryan Vance century ensured a three-wicket win over the Hawks in the season-opener before young gun Reuben Rode starred with bat and ball in Saturday’s 99-run win over the Kangaroos.

Wallan captain-coach Steve Bell said the club was benefiting from a good mixture of youth and experience.

“I’ll be honest, most of the kids were feeling very uncomfortable about playing McIntyre (Shield),” Bell said.

Steve Bell in action for Wallan. Photo: Josie Hayden

“As we got closer to the season they were starting to feel more comfortable but the first two games, the feeling has been great.

“They’ve handled it impressively and last two games have given them a lot of confidence.

“Before the season started we were thinking we’d be lucky to win two games but with the finals expanding to a top six, especially after the last two weeks, we’re starting to believe.

“Maybe playing finals is something we can achieve.”

Wallan were swept by Sunbury Kangaroos in their two meetings last season, going down by five wickets and three wickets, with both matches decided in the final over.

“To get a comfortable win over them shows how much we’ve improved since last year,” Bell said.

“There’s a good feeling among the side, there’s a good mixture of youth and experience, us older blokes are loving playing with the younger kids.

“What I’m most happy about, the first game we were able to chase a score and then on Saturday we were able to defend a score.”

Kieran Atkin bowling for Wallan. Picture: Rob Leeson

Off-season recruit Keiran Atkin got Wallan off to a strong start at Boardman Reserve, scoring 76, before Rode strolled to the crease.

The 17-year-old plundered 56 runs in quick time to carry the Magpies to 4-209.

Rode then ripped through the Kangaroos’ middle order, snaring four consecutive wickets – including top-scorer Jordan Ballinger (35) – to trigger a 4-12 collapse.

He finished with 4-21, while Harkanwar Singh Sandhu captured 2-6, as Sunbury Kangaroos were dismissed for 110.

Bell was rapt with his teenage bowlers Rode and Campbell Fowler.

“Reuben Rode was great and Campbell Fowler – I know he only got one wicket – but of all the bowlers he impressed me the most,” he said.

“Reuben, after the first game he didn’t do a lot and he was a bit down in the dumps, but he’s bounced back extremely well.

“He’s an extremely talented cricketer and I don’t think he’ll be playing at Wallan for long.

“We set Cam a challenge at the start of the innings and he executed very well and deserved more than the one wicket he did get.”

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Wallan face another promotion-winner, Rupertswood, on Saturday at Greenhill Reserve.

The Magpies’ finals credentials then go on the line in a tough stretch over the new year period.

The club faces reigning premier Bacchus Marsh in the final game before Christmas before Gisborne (away), Sunbury United (home) and Romsey (away) after the break.

“We’ve got the top four teams all in a row during that Christmas period, so that will be a challenge for us, but with the start we’ve got we’ll go in with a lot of confidence,” Bell said.