Batting: Samrath Kharia 28(29), Harrison Wright 28*(33), Will Sanders 26*(16)

Bowling: Will Sanders 2-21(6), Nirodha Pathmaperuma 1-9(2), Alex Sedgewick 1-15(2).

Navy rolled up at Deakin, determined to finish the year on a high against a strong Radford side. Losing the toss and being sent in, they faced a tricky, uneven wicket. The innings began quietly, broken early by the loss of Flynn—a sharp reminder of the challenge ahead. But from that moment, nerves gave way to resolve.

Samrath strode in with purpose, fearless at the crease. His well-crafted 28 lifted Navy out of trouble, setting the tone, until an unlucky run-out ended his charge. Amid the movement, Alex became the calm hand at the center, guiding the innings with precision and retiring not out on 24, laying the platform for the later surge.

Momentum wavered but never vanished. Jackson soaked pressure and added valuable runs, while Ethan kept intensity alive with sharp running and crisp strokes. Brief cameos from Riley and Niro ensured Navy kept inching forward.

Then came the finish. Harrison and Will took control as overs ran out. Harrison anchored with composure, unbeaten on 28, while Will sparked the innings with a rapid 26. Together, they pushed Navy to a hard-earned 167, a total that promised a contest but left the question, would it be enough?

Navy took the field knowing that every run mattered. The innings began brilliantly, Harrison struck early, ripping through the stumps, and Alex followed with a sharp run-out. Pressure mounted, but Will claimed a crucial wicket, with Jackson snaring a great catch to maintain the momentum. Partnership bowling was on full display.

Riley and Flynn bowled exceptionally tight spells, conceding just 16 runs in six overs, including two consecutive maidens by Riley. Nirodha took a quick, crucial wicket, leaving Radford floundering at 4-49.

After the break, Alex returned with another breakthrough, Samrath catching brilliantly, and Jackson followed with a smart run-out. Yet Radford’s tail wagged, their 7th-wicket partnership adding over 70 runs despite valiant efforts from Ethan, George, and Samrath.

As the game reached its climax, the tension was unbearable. Our death bowlers rose to the challenge. Will struck with a pivotal wicket, bringing Navy back into contention. Eight runs were needed from the final over. Each ball crackled with anticipation. Radford needed just one run from the last delivery… but Flynn held his nerve and ripped through the stumps.

The crowd erupted. Navy had done it, not just achieved victory, but a testament to focus, courage, and unyielding teamwork. A year's worth of lessons distilled into one final, breathless over, patience in the face of pressure, trust in each other, and the strength of never giving up. As the cheers faded, it was clear. This was more than a win; it was the spirit of Navy, carried to the very end of the year. I look forward to see what we can achieve in the run to the finals.