Bowling: Aaryan Bajwa 5/4

And just like that, cricket is back.

Marist Light, with only a single training session to their names, arrived at Pearce excited to launch into Division 2 cricket in 2026/27. Harry Woodford stepped into the captaincy for our first match, and did a great job of leading by example all game.

Light batted first and made a promising start to the game, and the season. Our opening pair of Patrick and Aaryan started their Marist careers with a fantastic opening stand of 26 runs without loss, setting the tone for the innings. Harry and Noah were enterprising and full of running, Tom played stylish shots to the on side, and Harvey combined with Bertie to close out the innings at 119 runs. A difficult target in the long grass of Pearce Oval.

This week’s opening bowling combination of Bertie and Harvey also started their Marist cricket careers together at Pearce with a bright partnership opening spell. The Light bowling brigade kept the effort high and the lines tight with Tom, Harry and Noah all looking to keep the pressure on. Some wickets were earned, plenty more chances were created. And, of course, the bowling performance of the day must go to Aaryan, with 5/4 and a hat-trick chance that came ever so close.

Congratulations to all the boys on a great first performance, well done to our four debutants. It was clear that everyone had fun on a beautiful spring day - we cannot hope for more than that!