16 November 2025
The Manly u13/1 team travelled to Fairfield determined to secure there second win to keep their finals hope alive. As Zac and Hamish went out to do the toss, the boys were eager to implement our aggressive strategy.
Winning the toss, we elected to bat. It was a fast, hard outfield and we knew we needed to score big to give ourselves a chance.
Enter Luke and Cruz. Setting the tone from the first over, the openers showed the intent our coaches have been asking for all season. Playing some amazing shots, we rocketed to 0-117 at drinks, with Luke and Cruz both achieving their 50s in style.
After the break, we knew we had to launch off the back of our best start to the season. Looking to put pressure on the field, Luke got run out making a brutal 65 (58). Elevated up the order to provide some quick runs, Charlie hit with power and aggression to put on a rapid 40 (28). Meanwhile Cruz continued making runs, finally falling for 57 (77). From here everyone knew we had to keep the momentum going, Wes, Alex, Blake and Ollie all added crucial run-a-ball innings for the team to reach 255.
While our biggest innings of the season, Fairfield are a great side and we knew we had to bowl and field well to win the game. Another tweak to our team strategy saw leg-spinner Huw take the new ball with Charlie. Huw took an early wicket and bowled very economically, but Fairfield put on a strong partnership to keep their run rate on track.
Charlie came back into the attack and took 2 wickets, to lift Manly’s spirits. A Hamish wicket and two run-outs in an over put Manly in a solid position to finish off but it was still very close. Fairfield kept finding a way to get boundaries and never gave up. With wickets to Ollie and Ekam, we entered the final over of the game, Fairlfield needing 9 off the last over to win and Manly needing 2 wickets. Zac threw the ball to Ekam, who taking a wicket limited Fairlfield to 2 runs from 3 balls. Fairlfield then found the boundary and a leg bye, needing 3 to win off the final ball! Ekam bowled his top-spinner and tempted the batsmen to hit him … and he did, rocketed a ball to our tallest player in Zac who took a great catch above his head to win the game!
An incredible finish to a great game, played in the best spirits by both teams. On to the top of the ladder Blacktown next week, where we must win to keep our finals hopes alive.