Marist’s First XI commenced their Colts Division 1 campaign with a masterclass in cricket's twin virtues: thrift with the ball and crisp, untroubled authority with the bat.

Choosing to bat first upon winning the toss, Canberra Grammar School (CGS) were summarily dismantled for 98 by an immaculate Marist bowling unit that offered neither width nor comfort. There was a pleasing, old-fashioned discipline to the display; a relentless squeezing of the batsman’s territory that left the visitors thoroughly parched for runs. Manveer Singh led the inquisitorial line with a beautiful display of leg spin, returning the thoroughly deserved figures of 3/19 from his 8 overs. He was expertly partnered by Liam Nicholson, whose probing spell yielded a tidy 2/23 off 6 overs. Backed by a fielding display that remained *almost* entirely free of careless eccentricity, CGS simply found no let off from either end.

The chase was less of a pursuit and more of an elegant, brisk stroll. Marist knocked off the required runs with nonchalant ease, finishing on 1/100 after a mere 13 overs. The innings belonged to Harry (Brook) Witcher, who dominated the CGS attack with an imperious 58 not out from just 35 balls—an innings of robust intent that made the boundary insignificant and the fielders redundant. At the other end, Lachie Miller played the perfect, sober foil, compiling a thoroughly composed 22 not out to anchor the side home.

It was a victory achieved not by frantic hustle, but by the quiet application of superior craft, setting a most civilised tone; equalled only by the excellent luncheon provided by our Grammar friends.