26 October 2025,
The Manly 13/1 started warming up by throwing our frisbee and playing fielding soccer. At 9:30, Zach and Cruz went out to the center wicket to toss the coin, and we won, electing to bat first.
The pressure from the Hawkesbury opening bowlers began from the first over, bowling tight lines and lengths. However, after a productive first five overs from the openers, our run-rate crept up to 4.5. Unfortunately, Cruz was the first wicket to fall, after a solid innings. By over 15, Manly’s consistent rotation of strike kept the score board ticking, with the scores being 1-61.
Top order batsmen, Ekam and Luke had a good 40 run partnership, but to Manly’s dismay Luke was dismissed for a much needed 40. Good luck and confidence were on Manly’s side, highlighted by the 25th over when Manly added another 15 runs to their total. Yet, as soon as Wes got out, the tide began to turn, and Hawkesbury gained the advantage. In the 34th over, Ekam was out lbw for an impressive score of 47. Manly was bowled out on the second last ball of the innings for a competitive total of 183.
During the innings break, Vince lifted the team morale by playing some banging tunes on his speaker, preparing them for battle, in the hope they would achieve their first victory in 2025.
Charlie and Zach began their spells in their usual styles. Building dot ball pressure and tension between them and the batsmen. Hawkesbury’s run-rate remained low only gaining 19 runs off the first 6 overs of the second innings. As pressure built to our side, the Hawkesbury batters played responsible but still hit the bad balls making the score 0-81 after the first 20 overs.
The team felt a bit down at the drinks break, but our spirits were lifted by a wicket on the first ball back and Zac getting another the next over. As Hamish got his first, it was 3-122 after 27. The Hawkesbury team played consistently until Ekam got a breakthrough wicket to tighten up the game. By the 38th over, they were 5-178, making it 6 runs to win. With Hamish and a clutch bowling over on the 39th, but they got their target with a four with only two balls to go.
The team would have certainly felt down today but there’s always next week!
U13/1 – Round 3 v Hawkesbury
