Batting: Alastair Wise 44 (37), Samrath Kharia 28*(39), Flynn Hurley 22 (40).

Bowling: Nirodha Pathmaperuma 2-13 (3), Riley Walters 1-5 (2), Will Sanders 1-23 (5)

Winning the toss under cloudy skies, Marist Navy elected to bat first. Every run mattered as we wrestled for a spot in the finals, the team moved with quiet determination, ready to show the grit that defines Navy cricket. To begin, Flynn and Alastair forged a commanding 72-run opening partnership. Alastair attacked with intent, driving, cutting, and punishing loose deliveries, each boundary a statement of purpose. Flynn was watchful and clever, rotating strike and finding gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking, tying the innings together with steady patience. When Flynn fell for 22, the side felt the sting, but Alastair carried the innings with poise, finishing on 44. Unfortunatley, Alex departed cheaply, yet Riley and Jackson added useful runs, steadying the middle overs. Samrath anchored the latter half with quiet composure, finishing unbeaten on 28. William added a quickfire 8 at the end, while Harrison and Ethan tried to finish strongly but were dismissed before making a mark. Navy posted a competitive 7/148, though the total felt modest, and the bowlers knew they would need something special to shift momentum.

Special it came. Nirodha struck first, forcing an error from the top order. Flynn leapt at midwicket to take an incredible, one-handed screamer, snatching the ball inches from the turf and sending a jolt through the team and spectators alike. Shortly after, Harrison’s sharp throw led to a runout, keeping the pressure relentless. That pressure built further as Alex took a sharp catch following Nirodha’s next wicket, breaking another partnership and showing the impact of tight, intelligent bowling combined with electric fielding.

In the middle overs, the opposition steadied themselves, getting on top despite our efforts. George and Flynn tried to build pressure with dot balls, while Harrison and Riley mixed pace and subtle variations, attempting to create opportunities. Samrath returned late to tighten the screws on the tail, but the batters managed to keep the scoreboard moving. Navy tried, but the game hung in a delicate balance, with moments of brilliance keeping hope alive.

Every player contributed in the field, covering ground, cutting off boundaries, and supporting the bowlers to turn pressure into results. Despite the fight, the scoreboard ultimately went against Navy, leaving finals hopes slim. Yet the intensity, teamwork and discipline shown by every batter, bowler, and fielder proved the heart of this side. With one game left, the lessons learned, the effort shown, and the experience gained remain invaluable. Navy will take the field next week with the same energy, commitment, and joy, knowing that every delivery, catch, and run counts. So lets throw ourselves at it and show them what we've built throughout the year.