Back at Bayview – A Windy Lesson in Spirit and Cricket

Spotty returned to Bayview Reserve for the second consecutive week in what was listed as an afternoon game, and with memories of last Friday’s gale still fresh, the team arrived ready to innovate. This time, an ambitious, many-minds, many-hands attempt to build a windbreak took shape. Remarkably, it worked—well, mostly—and set the tone for a day where teamwork shone just as brightly as the cricket.

Spotswood’s innings was full of positives. Joshua opened with steady intent, helping settle the innings early. Ruby, captaining with composure, struck her first boundary of the season, a brilliant moment celebrated loudly by teammates and parents alike. Eli played confidently, finding gaps and working the ball around. Max C showed excellent timing and decision-making, pushing the run rate forward. Luke was full of purpose, hitting three crisp boundaries and keeping the pressure on the bowlers. Finn delivered his best innings of the season a powerful, fluent knock featuring five boundaries and real confidence. Maddie showed great focus, sticking to her technique beautifully, while Ollie added important runs with calm, thoughtful batting.

Their combined efforts took Spotswood to 131, a total built on teamwork rather than one standout innings.

Defending the target, the Cubs stayed committed across all 20 overs. Ruby led from the front, keeping spirits high and sending down two tidy overs. Max C was superb with the ball, snaring three well-earned wickets in a disciplined spell. Eli found good rhythm and kept the batters guessing. Luke bowled with excellent control, consistently challenging the stumps. Josh maintained tight lines, making scoring difficult. Ollie pushed through the wind with determination, while Maddie continued to develop beautifully, delivering her most confident bowling of the year. Finn backed up his batting with energetic bowling, attacking the stumps and staying composed.

Most impressively, the team celebrated every wicket together—a true marker of a team growing in confidence and connection.

A fielding highlight came through Max, whose alertness earned him a sharp run-out and capped off a standout all-round performance.

Williamstown batted strongly to reach 174, but Spotswood can walk away proud. With clear improvement, stronger teamwork, a successful (mostly) windbreak, and a stack of memorable moments, the showed they are building something special.

Max Cartwright won the IGA Award - a well-deserved nod on a day where effort and attitude shone through and maybe assisted by his father's efforts to try and nullify the wind.