SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - STATE FINAL

Year 7 Boys Cricket - State Champions!

On Friday 21 November, the Year 7 Boys Cricket team travelled to McDonnell Park in Northcote to compete in the State Championship. After arriving at 8.15am, the boys shook off the early morning fatigue and prepared for their 9.15am semi-final clash against Dromana College.

Semi-Final: CMCB vs Dromana College

Conditions were cool and breezy with rain looming, and the lush outfield promised slow scoring. CMCB won the toss and chose to bat, but the start was nervy, losing a wicket in the third over. Jed Mannix and Cale Polson steadied the innings with smart running and occasional boundaries, taking the score to 2/35 before ominous clouds rolled in. At the end of the eighth over, the score was 2/50, and then the rain arrived, forcing a 45-minute delay and reducing the match to 15 overs per side.

On resumption, Jensen Sawyer and Cale Polson lifted the tempo, pushing the total to 107 in challenging conditions. Jensen top-scored with 39, while Cale added 34. With little rest, the pair opened the bowling superbly, reducing Dromana to 2/19 after 4 overs. Jed Mannix and Thomas Marasco continued the squeeze before Solly Baker, Isaac Manley, and Max Carmichael delivered brilliant death overs to seal a 42-run victory. Best figures: Thomas Marasco 2/16 (3 overs) and Solly Baker 2/5 (2 overs).

Grand Final: CMCB vs Rowville Secondary College

In the afternoon, the boys faced Rowville Secondary College for the State Championship. CMCB won the toss again, and captain Cale Polson declared: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” (As they had batted first every game to date).

Openers Jed Mannix and Thomas Marasco laid a steady foundation before Jed fell with the score at 1/20 after 4 overs. Thomas contributed a well-made 22, but the game turned when Cale Polson and Jensen Sawyer combined for a stunning 105-run partnership. Their running was sharp, and when they shifted gears, the boundaries flowed, 11 in total, including four sixes. Cale’s innings was a masterclass: 70 off 41 balls, supported by Jensen’s 37 off 29. Late fireworks from Hamish Baker (15 off 10), including his first career six, pushed CMCB to a commanding 159 runs.

Defending the total, CMCB’s bowlers were ruthless. Jensen Sawyer struck in the first over and claimed wickets in each of his first three overs. Jed Mannix joined the party with two wickets, while Solly Baker and Miller Fletcher chipped in before Isaac Ely finished the job. Rowville were bowled out for 83, handing CMCB a 76-run victory and the State Championship title. Best figures: Jensen Sawyer 3/13 (3 overs) and Miller Fletcher 2/6 (1 over).

The entire team were praised for their skill, teamwork, and energy, their cricket was of the highest standard and their conduct exemplary. Thanks to the parents for their support, and to Ms Speed and Max Adams for umpiring and scoring. The boys should be immensely proud. State Champions 2025!

Mr Xavier Dunham (Coach)

TEAM: Archie McCullough, Solly Baker, Thomas Marasco, Isaac Manley, Patrick Ingram, Jed Mannix, Jensen Sawyer, Mr Xavier Dunham (Coach), Max Carmichael, Isaac Ely, Cale Polson, Hamish Baker, Amos Edwards, Miller Fletcher