On Thursday 5 June, Magna Academy kicked off their cricket season with an impressive home victory, hosting a spirited visiting side in an adapted windball fixture. With the original venue at Broadstone CC unavailable due to wet conditions, both teams showed flexibility and enthusiasm, making full use of the astroturf at Magna to ensure the game went ahead – a clear reflection of their shared passion for the sport.
Magna skipper Noah C led from the front after winning the toss, opting to field first in the 16-a-side encounter. Taking the new ball alongside Harleigh T, the opening duo delivered a disciplined and probing spell, setting the tone early. Both struck with key wickets in their opening overs, putting Magna firmly on the front foot and swinging momentum their way.
The middle overs were equally well controlled, with Matt C, Ometh S, and Milo B maintaining pressure. Milo capped off his spell with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort on his final delivery. The standout moment of the innings came from Kemiru V, whose fiery spell included three wickets in a single over – narrowly missing out on a hat-trick. Final bowling contributions from Josh I, Anslay V, and the returning Noah C, along with a pair of sharp catches from Matt C, helped bowl out the opposition for 107 in just 15.4 overs – a strong all-round effort from a team playing together for the first time.
In reply, Magna’s chase began with Jack O and Ometh S at the crease. Ometh was unfortunate to pick out a fielder early with a well-struck shot, but Jack steadied proceedings with number three Josh I. While Jack opted for a measured, anchoring role, Josh made his presence felt with an enormous six before being bowled out.
Captain Noah entered at number four and immediately looked composed, launching a pair of elegant sixes and several clean fours during a key partnership with Jack that lasted eight overs. With Magna just 12 runs from victory, Jack was eventually undone by what could only be described as the ball of the match – a delivery that started outside leg stump before swinging back in sharply to clip the top of middle.
There were no nerves, though. Number five Kemiru V picked up where Jack left off, batting confidently alongside his captain to see Magna home with six wickets in hand. In a fine display of the spirit of cricket, the opposition agreed to bowl the remaining 1.3 overs despite Magna having already reached their target, allowing batsmen Lewis A and Ethan K a valuable opportunity to spend time at the crease. Both played watchfully and closed out the innings unbeaten, capping off a positive day for the team.
While the victory itself was impressive, it was the manner of the performance that stood out. The team’s togetherness, positivity and determination, despite having never played a competitive fixture as a group, was something to truly celebrate.
Fingers crossed this is just the beginning of what promises to be a memorable cricket season for Magna – ideally with hard balls and pads next time around!
Batter of the day: Noah C
Bowler of the day: Harleigh T
Fielder of the day: Matt C
Mr Ginger, Mr Hammett & Mr Hall