School Sport Victoria - State Finals

SENIOR BOYS CRICKET

The Senior Boys Cricket Team continued their progression through the SSV tournament after qualifying for the semi-final back in Term 1. After some excellent performances throughout these games, the group were keen to get back together and rekindle some of that good form from earlier in the year.

Semi-final – CMCB vs Catholic College Sale

CMCB were pitted against Catholic College Sale in their semi-final match at Elgar Park in Box Hill, a fast outfield that was likely to produce high scoring. CMCB won the toss and batted first. Openers Xavier Grant and Oscar Cail got the team off to a blistering start with multiple boundaries in the opening overs. Xav was particularly devastating in racing to his fifty within the power play, as he found the boundary with ease. Oscar quickly got in on the act as well and reached his own half-century shortly afterwards. The carnage continued for the pair, as they constantly put the bowlers under pressure before Xav eventually fell for a sparkling 89 off 44 balls, with the score on 141 in the 12th over. This outstanding opening partnership provided a fantastic platform for the team.

Max Thompson was next to crease and continued to stay busy, whilst Oscar continued to keep the foot down, before being dismissed for a well-made 67 off 40 balls in the 16th over. Wickets fell regularly towards the back end of the innings as CMCB chased quick runs, with the score finishing on an impressive 5/207 off 20 overs.

The chase was always going to be a difficult one for Sale, particularly when Max took the first wicket of the Sale innings, as Angus O’Brien hung onto a high ball in the 2nd over. A sharp chance was then taken by Max in the next over off the bowling of Hugh Behrens to really emphasise the great start with the ball. Then CMCB applied the clamps and took regular wickets to bowl Sale out for 104, and progress through to the final with a comprehensive win. Multiple bowlers were used throughout the innings, with Max Thompson, Seb Rossi and Darby Whatley each collecting two wickets.

Final – CMCB vs Rowville Secondary College

CMCB won the toss in the final against a highly touted Rowville team and batted first. The start wasn’t as promising as the semi-final, with Oscar (3) and Xavier (14) falling early and putting the top order under pressure. Max was able to provide some resistance with the bat in scoring 27 along with Hugh (12), as Rowville put the clamps on. At 3/55 in the 8th over, the game was in balance, but a calm Harvey White (34) and Finn Millar (15) produced excellent knocks to keep the scoring board ticking over. Regular wickets fell throughout the second half of the innings as CMCB finished all out for 121 on the last ball of the innings - a score which was felt to be below par.

A great start with the ball from Hugh and Max got the CMCB into the contest, which proved to be the catalyst for setting the match up for a close finish. Two absolutely spectacular catches from the skipper Hugh, got the energy up early, and the confidence was high. Although Rowville were slightly behind the required rate at the midpoint of the innings at 2/47, the game was evenly poised. 

Two handy wickets from Oscar with his crafty off-spin were pivotal in stemming the flow of the Rowville innings. With three overs to go, 25 runs were required, and some cool heads were needed. Max was given the ball for the final over with Rowville requiring 12 to win the game. A wicket on the final ball of the innings, which sent the stumps flying, was a perfect way to end the day, with CMCB the winners by 5 runs.

A State Title is no mean feat, and the players should be extremely proud of their efforts and commitment throughout the tournament.

The team was also awarded the School Sport Victoria Spirit of Sport Award!. The Spirit of Sport bannerette is presented to the school that best exemplifies positive values, as chosen by the event Convenor and Umpires.

The criteria for the award include:

• Spirit of Sport: Demonstrating a positive attitude, love of sport, celebration of others, and inclusivity.
• Respect: Showing respect for opponents, teammates, officials, coaches, and spectators.
• Integrity: Practising fair play, honesty, and accepting mistakes.
• Leadership: Motivating others, setting a good example, and supporting teammates.

Congratulations to all team members! Winning the Spirit of Sport Award is a remarkable achievement that the entire school community can be proud of. Thank you for representing our community in such a respectful and positive way.

A big thank you also to Maree Pearce for organising, supporting and driving the bus and to Julieanne Hewitt for scoring throughout the tournament. You both make it very easy for the players to go out and perform.

Congratulations once again, boys on a sensational 2025 Campaign

Mr Winter-Irving (Coach)

Mr Mitch Winter-Irving (Coach), Finn Millar, Miller Armstrong, Angus O’Brien, Sebastian Rossi, Lachlan Wilson, Harvey White, Darby Whatley, Gus Hay, Xavier Grant, Hugh Behrens, Max Thompson, Oscar Cail