We made it! Yes, the Manly Breakers C.C. B3 side appeared as semi-finalists in the M.W.C.A. finals series for the first time this 2004-05 season.

In what was yet again another dramatic finish to the 2004-05 season in a script surely fit for Hollywood, the B3’s easily won their last match against Belrose Rugby League C.C. on 1st innings late on the second day’s play. However thanks to knowledge of the local Manly-Warringah Cricket Association (M.W.C.A.) rules by our Club founder Mark Hill, and subsequent discussions on and off the field between the two sides, the Breakers were able to continue the match and achieve an outright result.

Belrose are to be commended in playing that match in the spirit of the game.

This outright win put the Breakers level on competition points with Harbord Bowling Club C.C. which meant a better percentages in relation to runs scored & wickets taken over the entire season would apply. We were fairly confident we were in the finals not only by our reckoning but also by the M.W.C.A. web site who had our club noted with a better percentage than Harbord Bowling Club C.C.

Nevertheless more drama followed which saw Harbord lodge a protest against our Club (how dare they!) over continuing the match to achieve an outright result on the second day’s play.

And so, for the second consecutive season in an effort to play in the finals, the Breakers had the pleasure (!) of fronting up to the M.W.C.A. committee that following Tuesday over the Harbord protest. This also meant that should the protest be dismissed both Harbord and Manly Breakers scorebooks had to be checked and verified by the M.W.C.A. to ascertain who was to play in the finals considering both teams finished level on 55 competition points.

Long and lengthy discussions ensued which went deep into night however ended with the protest being dismissed and the percentages in our favour by less than 1%.

Although unsuccessful in winning their semi-final match, congratulations to the team lead by co-captains, Matt Fisher and Rob Lavery, and the team for their efforts during the season.

The C1’s, although unsuccessful in making the finals this year certainly gave a few teams a run for their money. The season saw some fine performances from their team. Chris Kettlewell who as an opener scored four fifties will certainly one to watch next season as a contender for Cricketer of the Year. Bruce Flint who joined our Club late 2003-04 season in explosive fashion scoring his maiden century for our Club added strength in the C1 batting this year.

To all the new and existing players in our ranks, I hope you all had an enjoyable season and look forward to seeing you back again for the 2005-06 season.