Batting: Riley Walters 50*(45), Alastair Wise 31(13), Jackson Neal 28*(13)

Bowling: Flynn Hurley 3-6 (2), Samrath Kharia 2-2 (2), Harrison Wright 1-1(0.3)

Under brooding, cloud-heavy skies, Navy travelled to Nicholls determined to close out the regular season in style against Norths. After winning the toss and electing to bat, openers Nirodha and Will began confidently, timing the ball sweetly but too often finding the fielders. The breakthrough eventually came when Will fell, bringing Marcus to the crease with intent to lift the scoring rate. However, he couldn’t capitalise, skying the ball, and shortly after Nirodha departed following a sharp catch.

At three down, responsibility fell to Riley and George, and they answered superbly. The pair rotated the strike with maturity and punished anything loose, building a commanding 55-run partnership in seven overs. By the drinks break, Navy were cruising at 3–92 with wickets in hand and momentum on their side. George’s stumps were rattled soon after play resumed, but Riley remained composed.Supported by Ethan, who found gaps cleverly and ran hard between the wickets, Riley shifted through the gears. He brought up a classy maiden half-century off 45 balls, raising his bat to deserved applause.

Late in the innings, Harrison and Samrath looked to accelerate but fell cheaply, briefly giving Norths hope.Enter Alastair. In a breathtaking counterattack, he blasted 31 from 13 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a towering six. His cameo reignited the innings at the perfect time. After he departed and Ethan retired, Navy needed one final surge, and Jackson and Flynn delivered. In the final two overs, they added 33 runs, with Jackson leading through fearless strokeplay and relentless running. The highlight? An astonishing eight runs from the final ball. When the dust settled, Navy had piled on 8–221, a dominant total built on resilience and ruthless finishing.

With runs on the board, there was no complacency. Marcus set the tone with a disciplined opening spell, supported by tight overs from Nirodha and Alex, including a maiden from Alex, though the breakthrough proved elusive.George finally struck, aided by a sharp catch from Harrison. Despite resistance, Alastair returned to claim his first wicket of the season, sparking momentum. Jackson followed with a superb wicket-maiden, leaving Norths 3–72 at drinks.

After the break, it was total domination. Samrath and Flynn combined for 5–8 in three overs — Flynn 3–6 and Samrath 2–2 — with rattled stumps and a sharp caught-and-bowled. Harrison sealed the win with an edge well taken by Jackson behind the stumps.

This win meant more because it was our final game. It showed how far we’ve come — growing in confidence, building stronger partnerships, and backing each other in every moment. Everyone played their part, and that unity defines our season. A proud and fitting way to finish.

WILLOW TALK

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