2 November 2025, The Ridge
batting: Ekam 54, Wes 35, Cruz 25, Blake 25
bowling: Huw 3/24
Sutherland won the toss and elected to bowl.
After an early start and a long drive, the Manly boys arrived in Sutherland to a fine morning, but the memories and the threats of late storms was on the minds of both teams. Last year’s fixture was decided by less than a run to due lightning in the second innings.
The opening pair of Luke and Cruz got off to a solid start, navigating the first 8 overs for 34 runs. Luke went for 17 to a viscous bouncer at the end of the first power play as he started to lift the tempo. (1/34 after 8) Cruz continued with Ekam until just before drinks when he was caught on 25. (2/47) after 14.
Wes followed Cruz and together with Ekam, extended the score to 127. Wes went for 35 in the 33 rd over just before Ekam brought up his 3 rd 50 for the season. (3/127). Zac and Ekam knew it was time to accelerate through the final overs resulting in the loss of Zac, run out for 6, immediately followed by Ekam, caught on 54. (5/139). With 2 new batters at the crease, 5 wickets in the shed and 6 over to go, Blake and Alex scored quickly, 25 and 21 respectively before Alex was caught in the 38 th over (6/169). Ollie finished off with Blake for an unbeaten 3 while Blake was caught on the final ball. Manly 7/190 off 40 overs.
Charlie and Zac took the new ball and toiled hard for the opening 6 overs, restricting Sutherland to 19. Hamish and Jesen came on first change and it was Jensen who made the first break with Wes taking the catch. (1/45) Ollie and Huw got to work in the middle overs, Huw having immediate impact aided by Cruz behind the stumps. Huw struck twice more in his third over, bowling the Sutherland No 4 before combining with Cruz again to remove the No 5. (4/79). At the midway point, Sutherland were 4/85needing a further 105 off the final 20 overs
but their opening batter was well set. Charlie, Zac, Hamish and Jensen returned for second spells, but Sutherland put on a 65 run partnership. Ollie finally got the break with Hamish catching to leave the hosts 5/144 with 47 runs required off 48 balls.
Despite Manly’s best efforts, Sutherland were too good on the day, with the opening
batter bring up a remarkable 110 * and being the difference between the 2 sides.