Batting: Charlie Johnston 32, Finley Charles 21, Ned Snashall 16, Eddie Tunningley 16

Bowling: Sam Bullock 2/12, Jack Tunningley 1/17, Ned Snashall 1/22

The flags were raised to indicate that Royal were in residence for their Grand Final clash against WCMCC. Lord Oliver of Karabar and Sir Jack Tunningley III, looked resplendent in their Captain’s regalia of red sequined bowties as they arrived for the toss. WCMCC drew first blood with the toss win and proclaimed they would bowl first. There was a gentlemanly handshake before the teams retreated to prepare for battle.

In the front line were the Duke of Success, Prince Harry and the Sultan of Swing Samuel who took their guard and prepared their willow for the onslaught. Harry and Sam showed great intent, playing majestic cricket shots and running hard at every opportunity to get us off to a great start. Sir Jack soon arrived at the crease to play a steady hand against some high quality artillery from WCMCC. He soon had reinforcement in the form of the Baron of Bash, Finley, who’s swashbuckling innings saw the opposition retreat to the boundary and for cover. Lord Oliver built on the momentum and combined with Prince Edward in a noble display of shot making, firing off two boundaries each to go along with their excellent running. Ned, the Knight of the round ball was fleet of foot and barely stopped, making the opposition work hard to stem the flow of runs as the innings was nearing its crescendo. Last into the battle was King Charles. As he strode to the crease he had an aura about him that everyone could feel. He proved to be a Buckinghandfull, launching three towering sixes over the fence to the delight of his peers and loyal subjects (including Headmaster Hutchison). He finished on a dominant 32, and at the end of the first half of the contest, Royal emerged with a competitive total of 145.

WCMCC’s warriors entered. Prince Harry and Knight Ned bowled well to combat their attacking style before Ned knocked over their castle on the last ball of his spell. Finley and Jack continued in a similar vein with Jack also sneaking one past the crown jewels of the batter to rattle the castle once again. King Charles and Prince Edward restricted the flow of runs and a momentum shift could be felt. Enter Sultan Sam, who had the Red King ball on a silk string as he threaded the needle to send the bails to Wales with his very first ball. The field work from the men was outstanding all game, and their safe hands and cool heads suffocated the opposition’s scoring. Meanwhile, both Ollie and Harry were impeccable behind the stumps. More tight bowling from Sam and Ollie kept the pressure on Weston Creek. With WCMCC needing some big hitting at the end, the men tightened the screws. Sam added another castle to his collection effectively sealing the result. Marist the victor by 14 runs!

I hereby crown Marist Royal as Stage 1 Division 1 Champions!

Willow Talk #16 - Week Ending 9 March

Stage 1 Friday - Ungraded

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Marist Thunder

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Marist Thunder, 136, defeated by Eastlake Magpies, 153.