Batting: Samrath Kharia 49*(40), Alastair Wise 40*(40), Flynn Hurley 34 (27)
Bowling: William Sanders 3–41 (5), Harrison Wright 2–12 (3), Alex Sedgwick 1–19 (4)

Under clear skies with a finals-like edge in the air, Marist Navy took the field ready to test ourselves against a top-quality side, Marist Blue. The warm-up was sharp, energy building; this was our chance to make a statement.

Batting first, Flynn set the tempo immediately. His 34 off 27 was aggressive and controlled, finding gaps and forcing the field back early. When he fell, there was no panic. Samrath stepped in and built the innings well, finishing unbeaten on 49 off 40. He rotated strike smartly, punished loose balls, and ensured we never lost momentum. At the other end, Alastair was calm and composed, anchoring the middle overs with a steady 40* off 40, with the shot of the year coming off his first ball (down the pitch on drive). Together, they built the foundation of our total, amassing a huge 76-run partnership. We were settled, sitting at 3/95 at drinks.

Around them, everyone played their role. Harrison and Jackson added intent at the crease, with George lifting the energy late with positive running and sharp placement. Ethan kept the pressure on the fielders, while Nirodha supported the innings and maintained composure when it mattered early. It was a collective batting display, full of discipline, patience, and unity, one that carried us to a strong, defendable score.

With the ball, Navy struck early. Harrison Wright removed the top order, immediately putting the opposition on the back foot, with an absolute diving screamer by Will at cover. Alex backed it up with 1–19, keeping the run rate in check and swinging the ball superbly. In the field, everyone was electric in the ring and the early pressure was starting to mount.

As the innings progressed, the opposition held firm despite the efforts of Riley, Flynn, George, and Sammy. At drinks Blue were 2/85. With the game on the line, our efforts needed to improve; however, the opposition continued scoring runs at will. Only needing 50 runs to win and with eight wickets in the shed, we needed a burst. This started with Will, firing in his off-spin and taking the top of off stump. This was the little bit of momentum we needed. After that, our fielding sharpened and our lines got tighter. We made an excellent fightback, taking 3–3 in the dying stages, with some terrific one-handed snaffles by Harrison Nirodha.

In the end, Marist Blue were victorious but the fight we showed says plenty about who we are and what we’re building as a team. If we bring that same intensity, sharpen it for every over, and commit to the basics under pressure, we’re more than capable of making finals. The road there may be gruelling but it’s still there in front of us. We control our effort, our energy, and our belief. Stick together, trust the process, and let’s see where it takes us.