The 2026/27 season is now back in full swing, which means Tah Talk is back for your weekly dose of everything Manly Cricket.
Men’s 1st Grade Captain Joel Foster gives us his run down of what is happening in the club both on and off the field, from Women to Men to Green Shield to Brewr Shield. Joel has it all.
This week, Joel reflects on an unforgettable summer, looks ahead to the next generation of Manly Warringah cricketers, and puts a big date in the diary for our women’s program.
A big thank you once again to Scott MacNeill and the team at Gibson MacNeill Lawyers for their partnership with this season. If you have any legal needs, no matter the size, visit them at www.gibsonmacneill.com.au
6 months already?
I can’t quite believe it has been a full six months since we wrapped up that amazing 2025/26 season.
It still feels like yesterday that we were celebrating our Men’s 1st and 2nd Grade premierships together. To win both in the same season for the first time in the club’s history was something special, and those memories will stay with everyone involved for a very long time.
There is so much work behind a year like that. Players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters all play their part, often without much recognition. Seeing everyone enjoy the rewards together was one of the best things about it.
But here we are, back for another crack.
That’s the beauty of cricket. You spend the winter thinking about getting back out there, then suddenly the season arrives and your weekends belong to the game again. The kit comes out, the group chats get busy and everyone remembers just how much they have missed it.
Last season gives us plenty to be proud of, and plenty of motivation. We know what it takes to get ourselves into those big games, but we also know how hard those opportunities are to earn.
I’m looking forward to sharing another summer with the whole Manly Warringah cricket community. It’s good to be back.
Magic Jack
His efforts have been well publicised, but I would like to formally the congratulate Jack Edwards for his mesmerising ODI debut earlier in the week.
To go from representing Manly as an 10 year to debuting for Australia in ODI cricket in South Africa is our of this world. It feels like a long journey, but Jack has moved forward day-by-day, keeping his eyes focused and his game in line.
Who knows, with a bit of form in red ball cricket, Jack could be in line to get a crack at the baggy green.
Jackl has been a great friend and sounding board for me over the last 12 months, and despite his success, I know how disappointed he was to miss out on our Grand Final last season. But he was there with us every step of the way, and celebrated as much as anyone.
It’s great to have Jack part of our club.
The next generation gets its chance
One thing I always enjoy at this time of year is seeing the junior representative squads announced.
Manly Warringah’s boys’ squads across the U11, U12, U13, U14, U15 and U17 age groups have now been named for 2026/27. Congratulations to everyone selected. Pulling on the Manly Warringah colours is something to be proud of, whether it’s your first representative season or you’ve been through it before.
For a young cricketer, these opportunities can make a huge difference. You face stronger opposition, learn to work with new teammates and start finding out more about your own game.
My advice would be simple: enjoy it, ask questions and make the most of training. Don’t get too caught up in one score or one spell. There will be good days and difficult ones, and both can teach you something.
For those who missed selection, keep going. A squad announcement doesn’t decide where your cricket journey finishes. Keep playing, keep improving and keep enjoying the game.
A big thank you also goes to the coaches, managers and parents who make junior cricket happen. Behind every team is a group of people giving up their time to help these kids get an opportunity.
Hopefully, some of the names we’re reading now will be appearing in Waratahs team lists in the years ahead.
A day to turn Manly Oval pink
If you’re looking for a day to get down to Manly Oval early this season, make it Sunday 11 October.
Our annual Pink Day is back, with a women’s T20 triple header supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Brewer Shield gets things started at 9am, followed by Women’s 1st Grade at 12.15pm and Women’s 2nd Grade at 3.30pm.
Having three of our women’s teams playing at our home ground on the same day is a great opportunity to get behind the program. Come down for a match, stay for a few hours or make a full day of it.
There will be a BBQ running and plenty happening around the ground, while the Pink Lounge at the Room at the Top starts at 1.30pm for those wanting to enjoy the afternoon with some extra hospitality. Click here to purchase tickets.
These days mean a lot to the club. We get to support our players, bring people together and contribute to a cause that touches so many families.
It would be great to see our men’s players, junior families, partners and supporters all getting involved. Wear some pink, bring a few mates and give the girls a big home crowd.
Go Manly!
