by Samuel Laffy
Trafalgar vs Western Park (9/315)
The idea of the "international player" has been one of the more fascinating developments in the WDCA over the course of the past decade, and one that will continue to attract interest every pre-season.

Clubs committing to a highly talented individual – often at a somewhat hefty financial cost – and hoping for immediate (and just maybe, long-term) success. Many such players have come and gone.
Many years ago, I published a feature article in the Gazette on this very topic. At that stage, Jindivick had recently signed Jack Williams and Nitesh Patel, Hallora had added Ben Stebbings, Laurence Scott, Matt Beasant, and Charlie Hill, Drouin convinced Ishan Ratnayake to put pen to paper, Yarragon first introduced Gamini Kumara to the competition and Buln Buln had the likes of Callum Stewart, Nick Powell, and Brad Wadlan as representatives.
Some are still around, including Callum Stewart, who still lives in the local area and is actively engaged in the community and Kumara – who is perhaps the most talented all-rounder to step foot into the WDCA and has re-appeared for Drouin in 2024/25 and has unwavering respect from all who play him.
The vast majority of those signed – some reluctantly, but many acknowledging that their stay would always be short-lived – are no more.
Western Park signed Sanjaya Gangodawila not long before that article was published. He's not yet left. And on Saturday, one of the more beloved Warriors broke the record for most A grade/division one centuries for the club on the back of a typically scintillating knock.
Whilst not as boundary-laden and breathtaking as some of his previous blitzkriegs, it was nonetheless the perfect encapsulation of his presence at Western Park.
Unfussed, serene, hard-working (even though he despises running a quick three more than most), and always in control.
It's difficult to put into words what he brings to the Warriors. But those who have played with him don't need any more explanation. Being at a club long-term does that.
Fittingly, he reached the milestone with a teammate who's been there with him since the start, Jason Croft. 'Boggy Jr.' hasn't contributed much this summer with the bat, but he knew upon reaching the crease that something special was brewing.
As such, he smartly worked the ball around the field on his way to 52* to ensure Gangodawila had every chance to take advantage of the barren outfield at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve. And he did just that.
Despite the unerring efforts of Jackson Noonan – who deserves praises to be sung in return for his workhorse efforts over the years for the Ships and would otherwise have been worthy of similar indulgent exposition of his feats – snared 5/62 from 24 overs in his 200th appearance for Trafalgar.
Yet, 'Ganga' reached three figures to the raucous applause of all in attendance, etched himself into the WPCC history books and made 112 from 129 balls that propelled the Warriors to 9/315.
There're likely more centuries to come for Sanjaya given his propensity for run-scoring. It's unlikely many will be more celebrated than this one.
Longwarry (208) vs Hallora
The race for the division one top four is the closest it's been in years, and Longwarry put their best foot forward against an in-form Halloran XI on Saturday to give the Crows every chance of repeating their semi final appearance last summer.
In a thoroughly disciplined display, Longwarry built their eventual total of 208 on the back of a rollicking 35-ball 45 from Matthew Aslett (who showed last week's century was just a glimpse into his potential with bat in hand), and a gritty 77 from Jason Hameeteman (who defied his aggressive reputation with a measured innings).
Johanne De Zilva chimed in with 31 to boost the total and the trio ensured that despite some truly testing spells from Grant Duncan (who snared the scarcely believable figures of 3/15 from 20 overs) and Ethan Guest (3/44 off 14) that the Crows would post a challenging total for their highly-fancied opponents.
Next weekend's action will be some of the more highly anticipated for the Longwarry faithful, as victory will see them favourites for a finals berth as the home-and-away season draws to a close.
Ellinbank (1/16) vs Drouin (147)
Drouin's fall from being flag favourites early in the season to struggling to hold onto a top four berth has been one of the more fascinating narratives to follow in the latter part of the home-and-away season.
And now the Hawks could very well find themselves sitting outside of finals action with just one game remaining as Ellinbank require just 132 more runs in their round 13 clash.
A 70-run fourth wicket stand between James Wilcock (61) and Gamini Kumara (39) saw Drouin enter the second half of their innings with high hopes of posting a challenging target, but Thomas Keily's late-innings exploits seized the momentum for the Eagles.
Finding the edge of Wilcock's bat and trapping Kumara in front soon after, the seamer snared 7/28 to rampage through the Drouin lower order, triggering a collapse of 7/16 that saw the Hawks bundled out for just 147.
In reply, Kumara removed Matt Brewer for just five – fencing at a back-of-a-length-ball – as Ellinbank finished at 1/16.
There is little doubt that the Eagles hold the advantage entering into next weekend, with victory set to see them jump into the top four and ensure that Drouin have a nervous round 14 encounter.
Iona (3/30) vs Catani (150)
As has oft been the case in recent weeks, Iona produced a sterling display in their division one clash, but the odds are still against the Swamp Tigers recording their first win of the summer, with the Cats snaring three wickets late in the piece to put their opponents on the back foot.
Iona still requires just 121 more runs to win however, after an astonishing fightback with ball in hand saw Catani slip from a position of strength to one of stern defence.
Ned Harrison (who struck a superb 64 from 127 at the top of the order) found able support from Raheem Kasser (who doggedly defended on his way to 25 from 145 balls) and together they helped the Cats at one stage sitting at 1/96.
However, Joshua Bethune (who snared 5/32 from 18 scintillating overs) tore through the middle and lower order of Catani, triggering a collapse of 9/54 that saw the Cats dismissed for 150 in the 63rd over.
Bethune (18 off 17 balls) then set about quickly erasing the required runs but had his stumps disturbed by Riley McDonald (1/6 off 4) as Fletcher Pallot and William Davis soon followed; the Swamp Tigers 3/30 at stumps.