
Willow Talk #1 - week ending 19th October
STAGE 1 MATCH SUMMARY
Stage 1 Div 1
Marist Sky
Marist Sky 185 defeated YDCC Warriors 72
Bowling first on a glorious Spring morning at Pearce Oval, the Marist Stage 1 Sky team kept it tight to restrict Yering Warriors to a modest total.
The Marist fielding remained sharp throughout the innings, backed up by great encouragement for one another led by captain Henry Caboche.
Oli Kumarasinge proved himself safe as houses behind the wicket.
Our boys then backed up with a brilliant batting effort by all, with Hardy Norton-Knight providing some mid-innings fireworks to smash a walk-off, first ever six, and Kaveer Rohatgi achoring the run chase top scoring with a stylish 29.




Stage 1 Div 1
Marist Royal
Marist Royal S1 - 123 v Marist Sky - 137
Marist Royal captained by Ethan Parry this week, won the toss and elected to bowl.
It was a closely contested game, with both teams playing very well and only losing a few wickets each. Marist Sky won by 14 runs just at the end.
Congratulations to all the boys. They all played with a strong team spirit supporting each other throughout the game. It was also great to see Henry at the game supporting his teammates, despite being injured.
Highlights included:
- Lewis Fillbrook bowling one of Marist Sky batters out and taking a great catch - while also top scoring (18) for Marist Royal.
- Conor Casey also had a great game with the ball, taking two wickets.
- Solid performance by Ethan Parry with the bat, getting the second highest run score (16).
- Precision wicket keeping by Sam Bullock this week.




Stage 1 Div 1
Marist Sky
Marist Sky (258) defeated Norths, NCGCC U11 Mixed Blue (90)
In round 3, we versed Norths and won by 168 runs scoring 258 while they scored 90 runs.
In batting the top run scorers were Kaveer Rotaqi with 32 and Daniel Duffy scoring 28 runs.
In bowling Kaveer Rotaqi got 3/2 in 3 overs, Henry Caniche got 7/2 in three overs and Neil Kadeani got 7/2 in 2 overs.
Overall it was a great team effort and we improved on fielding and running between the wickets which played a key part in this win.




Stage 1 Div 1
Marist Royal
Marist S1 Div 1 Royal (171) defeated Norths NCGCC U11 (68)
On a crisp, dewy Saturday morning, Marist’s captain Conor Casey won the toss and wisely elected to bowl first, capitalising on the wet outfield. Norths were bundled out for a modest 68 runs, owing much to a disciplined Marist bowling attack. A special mention must go to Benjamin Van de Meeberg, whose figures of 3 wickets for just 3 runs off 3 overswere nothing short of superb. In the field, Lewis Fillbrook pulled off a stunning catch that drew gasps from spectators and lifted the team’s energy.
In reply, Marist’s batting line-up delivered with confidence and flair. The boys combined patience with aggression to post a total of 171 runs, sealing a comfortable win. Every batter chipped in with contributions, but standout batting honours go to Ethan, who smashed several huge boundaries that left the bowlers scrambling — he almost hit the stitches off the ball at times!
This result sets a strong early tone for Marist Royal in the Stage 1 competition. The bowlers showed real control under pressure, and the batters backed them up with intent. As we look ahead, keeping that balance between discipline and confidence will be key. Well done to all the boys — enjoy the win and bring that momentum into next weekend’s fixture!
Stage 1 Div 2
Marist Navy
Marist Navy (123) defeated by YDCC Orange (130)
Battling: Liam Davies: 22, and Freddie Nisbett 18
Bowling: Freddie Nisbett: 1/8 (3) and Liam Davies: 1/13 (2)
Notable player: Freddie Nisbett - for a wonderful all-round performance with the bat and ball.
Marist Navy played very well in their first match of the season. As a newly formed team, they worked out their strengths in the field and used this to their advantage. The support shown through the team was encouraging and reflected the energy and motivation they had to play well. The whole team displayed their talents, whether it was with the bat or the ball.
Playing a very strong opposition, especially in the field, Marist Navy fought hard to the end. It only came down to a few runs, but unfortunately, they succumbed to the loss in a very dramatic last over.
What an exciting season ahead we have to look forward to!




Stage 1 Div 2
Marist Navy
Marist Navy 114 defeated by ANU Gold 121
Batting: Freddie Nisbett 11(17)
Bowling: William Blunt 2/12 (3)
Before the game began, both teams came together in solidarity to honour Ben Austin. It was wholesome to see both teams forming a circle in his memory.
After wining the toss, Navy chose to bat first hoping this change in game tactic will help the final result. The batters took their time to find a groove against some very fast and accurate bowling. However, the boys held their ground and maintained a consistent run rate with some great running between the wickets.
The second innings saw some wonderful fielding from Navy. They showed some great skills by communicating with each other, backing up and run outs from direct hits at the stumps. They were able to keep the oppositions run rate to a minimum with accurate bowling. Navy started showing signs of being able to read the game and listen more to each other in the field. Once again, wonderful sportsmanship was displayed towards the other team.
Once again, it came down to a very close game with Navy unfortunately losing again by only a few runs. However, it is not diminishing their spirits in the slightest.



Stage 1 Friday
Marist Thunder
Marist Thunder (129) defeated CGS Navy (56)
A great team game by the Thunder against CGS Navy. A strong performance with the bat put on a big total of 129 with Jonathan top scoring on 25 with some big hitting and Rhys getting a personal best of 15. The team followed that with an excellent performance with the ball, restricting CGS to 56 off the bat. Jasper picked up two wickets, with Lachlan and Rhys also getting a wicket. Everyone bowled and fielded well, with Lawrence swinging it through the air and Sam and Ollie also proving very hard to play. The game was also played with great sportsmanship shown by our boys.



Stage 1 Friday
Marist Hurricanes
Hurricanes 73 - defeated by The Tuggeranong Kookas 108
It was a warm and promising Friday evening as the Hurricanes took to the field for their first match of the season. Bowling first, the team showed great energy and discipline. Kanoa Fatnowna led the attack with 2 wickets, supported by Kabeesh Bag and Luca Reith who claimed 1 wicket each. The fielding effort across the board was outstanding, with the boys working hard to cut off runs and maintain pressure.
Behind the stumps, Austin Faulks and Kabeesh Bag shared wicketkeeping duties with great skill and focus, helping to keep the opposition in check.
In the second innings, the Hurricanes had some strong performances with the bat. Opening pair Harry Woodford (3) and Austin Faulks (1) set the tone, paving the way for impressive contributions from Kabeesh Bag (10), Kanoa Fatnowna (18), and Noah Duffy (6). As the skies darkened and the light began to fade, the remaining batters showed real grit, finishing the innings with determination under challenging lighting conditions.
A big shout-out to Fletcher, who showed incredible commitment by coming straight to the game from school camp — great team spirit!
For many of the boys, this was their debut match – and what a start it was. The team walked away proud and excited for the season ahead.
A fantastic first outing and a valiant effort all around – well done, Hurricanes!
A special thanks to Ben who was first up for the season with scoring.
Courtney and Aaron provided the boys with a delicious dinner.
Coaches award: Luca Reith
Parents Award: Kanoa Fatnowna




Stage 1 Friday
Marist Scorchers
Marist Scorchers, 101, defeated by Queanbeyan Sky, 117.
Batting: Hayden Carolan 15, Otto Nevalainen 8.
Bowling: Pranav Nair 1/5 (3 overs), Otto Nevalainen 1/8 (3 overs).
The Marist Scorchers S1 kicked off their season on a warm but breezy spring evening at Hughes Oval, taking on Queanbeyan Sky S1 in what proved to be an exciting and encouraging first outing. For many of the Scorchers, this was not only their first match of the season, but their first ever game of cricket — and they rose to the occasion brilliantly.
From the opening overs, the Scorchers showed great energy in the field and strong teamwork throughout. There were plenty of milestone moments to celebrate — first wickets, first runs, first catches and even first boundaries — making it an entertaining night for players and supporters alike.
Among the highlights were Pranav Nair’s excellent bowling spell, claiming a wicket and conceding just five runs from his three overs, and Hayden Carolan’s sharp catch followed by a confident 15 runs from 15 deliveries with the bat. Each player contributed to a spirited team effort that saw Marist run Queanbeyan close in a well-fought contest.
Beyond the result, the evening was all about enthusiasm, learning, and fun — the perfect foundation for a great season ahead. A big thank you goes to our parent volunteers for their help with setup, scoring, and umpiring, and special appreciation to our fantastic student assistant coaches, Jared and Finn, for stepping in to lead the team this week. The Scorchers can be very proud of their start and look forward to plenty more exciting cricket to come.




Stage 1 Friday
Marist Thunder
Marist Thunder (129) defeated CGS Navy (56)
A great team game by the Thunder against CGS Navy.
A strong performance with the bat put on a big total of 129 with Jonathan top scoring on 25 with some big hitting and Rhys getting a personal best of 15.
The team followed that with an excellent performance with the ball, restricting CGS to 56 off the bat. Jasper picked up two wickets, with Lachlan and Rhys also getting a wicket.
Everyone bowled and fielded well, with Lawrence swinging it through the air and Sam and Ollie also proving very hard to play.
The game was also played with great sportsmanship shown by our boys.



Stage 1 Friday
Marist Sixers
Marist Sixers 72(18) defeated Queanbeyan Navy to 55(14)
Great game from all players on Friday night. They worked very well as a team and showed good sportsmanship.
Stage 1 Friday
Marist Strikers
Queanbeyan defeated Marist Strikers
This week saw the Strikers take on Queanbeyan. The week started with training in the wet. Junior coaches Nate and Jack focussed the team on fielding skills and running between the wickets; and it showed during the game!
Friday brought the threat of rain just prior to the first ball, but the weather managed to stay dry and the Strikers batted first. The team batted well, putting their training into practice and scoring quick singles off the leg byes and overthrows when they were there. This urgency was a solid improvement and shows the team cohesion is getting stronger.
In the field the Strikers had some very good bowling. This was supported by their backing up at the wickets which brought a special mention from the coaches. Three games into the season and the team is demonstrating their willingness to support each other and act on the feedback they are given.
A huge thanks to Andy for scoring, and Katie for preparing a formidable meal of slow cooked meatballs and salad. And the appearance.of a sushi platter from Owens family was well received too!
Lastly, congratulations to James Rae on being the Player of the Week for Strikers. All the boys are making it hard on the coaches to pick!
Stage 1 Friday
Marist Scorchers
0
Marist Scorchers, 64, defeated by Marist Heat, 150.
Batting: Hayden Carolan 10
Bowling: Johan Midhun (c) 1/32, Hayden Carolan 1/17, Pranav Karthik Nair 1/19, Reuben Paynter 1/9
Notable Mention: Hayden Carolan 50% strike rate and a great catch in slips.
Thankfully the rain held off for Friday night's third game of the season. As we came into the 2nd innings the clouds parted and it turned into a lovely warm evening of cricket. It always makes for a bit of fun when two Marist teams take each other on. Unfortunately, it was a hard night for the Scorchers, down 3 players, but the 6 players on the field put in their all against a strong Marist Heat team at Hughes Oval.
There were some great moments of play as the Scorchers continued to find their rhythm. It is lovely to see the team coming together each week across the year 4 and year 3 cohorts. The boys supported each other well in the field with some scrambling attempts at run outs. Hayden Carolan is proving to be a very handy all-rounder taking a screamer of a catch in slips, and perfecting his batting and bowling each week.
Thank you to the Marist Heat team and parents. There was some great banter and a chill Friday night playlist keeping us going on the sidelines, as well as the offering of a BBQ cookup at the end. Some great community spirit on display! As always, thanks go to our parent coach, Jarod, student assistant coaches, Jared and Finn, and all the parent volunteers for their help with set up, scoring and umpiring. Onwards and upwards boys!
Stage 1 Friday
Marist Thunder
Marist Thunder 122 (20) defeated CGS Blue 107(20)
Batting: Lachlan Turner 9, Connor Casey 19 (fill in), William Blunt 10 (fill in)
Bowling: Lachlan Turner 16/2, Connor Casey 9/2 (fill in), William Blunt 5/2 (fill in)
Sportsmanship - Oliver Orders for playing after returning from year 5 camp and still bowled and fielded with hundred percent commitment.
Catch: Rhys Moore taking a great catch as keeper.
Thanks to Connor Casey, William Blunt and Liam Davies for filling in so Thunder didn't have to forfeit with players missing due to year 5 camp.
It was a great start to the season for all players and a perfect evening at Pearce Oval. Looking forward to having the full squad together next week to keep the momentum going.


Stage 1 Friday
Marist Strikers
Marist Strikers (6/75) defeated by CGS Navy (4/113)
Batting: Doug Pirie 12* (incl 1 boundary & strike rate of 70+), Jack Naylor and James Rae both 3*
Bowling: Owen Slater 2/18 (4), Jack Naylor 1/5 (3) including 1 maiden, James Pike 1/18 (3)
Notable Player: Man of the match went to James P for his all round great performance including calling and running between the wickets.
Game Summary
The Strikers arrived with great enthusiasm to kick off their season at the well manicured CGS junior field. Student coaches Jack & Nate rallied the lads with fun warm up activities and an encouraging pep talk including explanation of field positions & game plan with support from parent coach Geoff. CGS won the toss and elected to bat giving us the welcome chance to bond in the field.
Being alert, chasing hard and even some backing up between teammates were admired from the sidelines. Special mention to Alfie Schneider for bravely opening the bowling and his excellent commitment to running and diving in the field. Owen struck first in the 3rd over supported with a super catch at cover by James Gooley and then again in the 9th thanks to Doug's classy stumping when 1st WK (he made it look like the opposition had fallen briefly asleep...) James P and Jack N both rattled the stumps for their wickets (what a glorious sound and sight!)
Welcome drinks and snacks at innings break refreshed the Strikers to face our batting innings with determination and a spirit of fun against our more experienced opposition. Runs were hard to come by with CGS' tight bowling and fielding, combined with many Strikers still to learn about the protocols of calling, running between the wickets and batting partnerships - they did a great job! Doug entertained us with some big hits and a well deserved boundary (probably worth more as we reckon the field markers were set long!)
Hard to believe it was the 1st cricket game for majority of the team - they displayed admirable sportsmanship, unity and spirit which makes for a promising and enjoyable season ahead, together with such a lovely group of supportive parents willing to help contribute each week. Many thanks to Manager Katie for all her time and effort to organise and set us up so well from the start!
To finish, some inspiration from the Great Don Bradman himself, "Champions keep playing until they get it right" which complements the mission of the Strikers to have fun learning together in an encouraging, positive team environment to grow as people and cricketers.




Stage 1 Friday
Marist Sixers
Marist Sixers 67 / 127 Queanbeyan sky
This is a note to say how proud we are of the boys.
The team spirit was outstanding—every single boy participated well and genuinely encouraged each other throughout the game. It was brilliant to see our current Year 4s playing alongside the Year 3 boys (our future Marist students). They are all clearly loving the chance to represent Marist and forge new friendships!
Jarad boweling skills was exceptional and Cruz taking a wicket was a great to watch.
A thank you to Shane for his over-supply of pizzas and drinks. The kids had an absolute blast and finished the day positive.







