What should have been a sunny showcase of skill and spirit was instead hampered by unseasonal weather — cold, wet, and far more suited to football than cricket. To make matters more challenging, we were pitted against a formidable St Peter’s Catholic College side boasting a strong lineup of representative players.
The tone of the day was set early when we received the wrong amenities keys from the local council, delaying our preparations and adding a touch of farce to proceedings. Still, spirits were high when we won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to post a total that would prove difficult to chase in the damp conditions. Unfortunately, our top order struggled to find rhythm against disciplined bowling, and we slumped to 3/9 after just five overs. Another quick dismissal left us reeling at 4/22 before a determined middle-order recovery brought the innings back to life.
Braith Ditton (18) provided some much-needed resistance, while Hayden Young (32 not out) and Kye Holt (22 not out) combined for a composed partnership that steadied the ship. Thanks to their efforts, we battled through the conditions to finish our allotted twenty overs at 5/98, a total that at least gave us something to defend.
The chase began under persistent drizzle, and we struck early when Hayden Young claimed the first wicket with St Peter’s on the same score we had been — 1/8. Hopes were high, but from there the St Peter’s batting pair displayed fine stroke play and composure, rarely troubled by our bowlers. Despite our best efforts in the field, they guided their team to a convincing nine-wicket victory.
While the result wasn’t what we’d hoped for, the experience was invaluable. This year’s side was a young and developing group, and they will undoubtedly be stronger and wiser for the challenge. With another year of growth and training under their belts, we look forward to seeing them return with renewed determination in 2026, ready to reclaim our “Summer of Cricket” with the same passion and spirit that defines our College sport.
