Batting: Preston Singer (28), Kalindu Karunaratne (22)

Bowling: Harry Whalen (1 for 16)

Notable player: Wickie Lucas Clark for taking a great catch and combining with Lachlan Miller for a runout.

Match report:

Marist Royal began their rematch with Radford Buzzards in the final game of the season with high hopes. The boys started well on their home ground, after they won the toss and elected to bat. But they lost momentum as the game progressed, allowing Radford to chase down their total and take the win.

Marist Royal took to the crease with confidence early on. Preston (28) and Kalindu (22) were the highest scorers, just as they were the previous Saturday. Together with Lachlan (12), they went about building runs for the team at a measured, steady pace against a keen opposition. Radford broke through with a catch just before the break and followed up with a series of quick wickets after. The run rate slowed as the boys tried to stabilise the innings in the face of good bowling and fielding. Marist finished with a modest tally of 100.

Our innings in the field also began stronger than it finished. Marist claimed 2 Radford wickets by the 10th over with consistent, economical bowling. Fill-in wickie Lucas well and truly earned his keep, taking a great catch off Harry’s bowling and combining with Lachlan to achieve a run out. But the boys struggled to make further inroads, despite their efforts in the rising heat. Radford gradually upped up their run rate and reached their target with overs to spare.

While it wasn’t the result the boys wanted, they took it on the chin and deserve credit for doing so with the same good sportsmanship they’ve shown all season. The game saw Archie join the list of injured alongside Dom and Griffin, but he showed real spirit (and a high pain threshold) to make it through the batting innings. Thanks to Lucas, Liam and Jack for stepping up as subs, to Paul and Dave for umpiring, and MayLin for scoring on the day.

Manager MayLin deserves a trophy of her own for managing the ever-changing rosters and many call outs for subs throughout the season. Coach Cade has our sincere thanks for training, leading, cajoling, mentoring and caring for the boys each week. They’ve learned more than just cricket and have some great post-season reading to keep them going till next summer, thanks to Cade’s very generous book gifts to the boys.