Coming off a nail biting Round 2 win against Parramatta away, it was time to ready up and redeploy to the famous Castle on the Hill- The Collaroy Plateau. Local Legends recall Manly has never lost a game nor had its walls breached at the Collaroy.
An overcast day threatening rain and teasing sun bursts meet both captains at the toss. It was no secret both sides wanted to bat first and Manly wanted to double down with back to back wins. Fairfield called correctly and sent the Manly Unit into the field. AJ on debut and Virat on loan to the Ones were the only squad changes.
Hamish and Justin marshalled the boys into the field lines with Hamish and Charlie taking the new ball to the Fairfield openers and Atti first change.
3 wickets were shared by the quicks leaving the flanks exposed for the spinners…
Hamish Pike 4 overs, 1 for 6
Charlie Walker 4 overs, 1 for 11
Atticus McFadden 4 overs, 1 for 9
The spin twins Hugo and Thomas supported by Max did the damage in the middle overs, repeated maidens, dot ball pressure and well support catches in the field with Alex bagging 2 catches of Hugo and 1 off Thomas. Fairfield’s middle order and tail were broken, the trio combining for 4 wickets for 7 runs in 14 overs.
Hugo Swinney 5 overs, 3 for 1 (4 maidens)
Tommy Graham 6 overs, 1 for 1 (5 maidens)
Max Duffy 3 overs, 0 for 5 (2 maidens)
AJ, Toby and Wes stepped up and closed out the last 3 wickets by the 34 th over, answering the coaches’ target of 60 with 53 runs to chase.
AJ Pearce 3 overs 1 for 5
Toby Cavill 4 overs 1 for 6
Wes Harpur 1.1 overs 1 for 1
After a quick lunch, Manly required 54 off 40 overs to win.
A steady start by Sam and Jack saw off the Fairfield openers putting on 21 in the first 8 overs, setting up the middle order to get the final runs with the shine well and truly off the ball. Alex and Hugo combined well with many quick singles and lots of backfoot shots putting on a partnership off 24 runs. 8 runs were left for victory and back to back Manly wins. More quick singles with Thomas arrival had the 50up and 4 runs required. Hugo hit 2 doubles to the back field just shy of the rope and Manly had the target score of 54 in the 17 th over.
Sam Parkinson 8 runs <21 run partnership> Jack Wylie 7 runs
Alex Claxton 19 runs <24 run partnership> Hugo Swinney 5 runs*
Hugo Swinney 5 runs* <9 run partnership> Thomas Graham 4 runs*
Another strong effort with Ball and Bat, Manly growing in confidence and earning a well-earned Xmas break.
After 3 rounds Manly, Illawarra and Hornsby on top of the ladder sharing 15 points.
Written by: Hamish Pike
