Batting: Josh Katz 24*, Lachie Lawrence 13, Max Feeney 11*

Bowling: Edward Tunningley 2/5, Hamish Carling 2/13

Fielding: Ollie Gilmartin 1 runout

It was a cool start to the season as the newly assembled Marist Steele rolled out for their first game, taking on Wests at Curtin.

Sent in to bat, the boys made a solid start against some quality bowling. Eddie got things moving at the top of the order with a quickfire 9 off just 8 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals as the opposition kept the pressure on. Lachie dug in for a patient 13 from 32 deliveries, while Josh top-scored with some brilliant stroke-making, finishing unbeaten on 24 off 33 balls. Max also showed plenty of determination, finishing 11 not out from 28 balls, while a handy 9 from Ben helped the team reach 94 from their 20 overs.

While they had posted a competitive total, the boys knew they would need to perform well with the ball if they were to walk away with the win.

Eddie led the way with an excellent spell of 2/5 from three overs, including a maiden. Captain Hamish also claimed two scalps, finishing with super figures of 2/13 from his three overs. Jack was particularly economical, conceding just six runs from his three overs, while the rest of the attack worked hard to keep the pressure on.

In the end, Wests just couldn’t break the shackles, with Steele restricting them to 79 to secure a 15-run victory. A terrific effort from the boys to defend their total!

It was a promising start to the season for this new-look side, and there’s plenty to look forward to in the games ahead.

Well done, boys!