CRICKET: The Leschenault Green Caps were forced to swallow a bitter pill after they lost their second consecutive LGM Industries Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association Twenty20 grand final on Sunday.
After suffering a loss to the Eaton Beavers in last year’s finale, the Green Caps could not redeem themselves as a poor batting display saw them fall prey to the Marist Blues.
Leschenault won the toss and decided to send Marist in to bat first.
After a shaky start with David Mazza going down for just one run, A-grade players Corey Fitt, Shane Cristaldi and Sam Roots helped their side into a solid position.
A middle order collapse had the Blues in an awkward stance in the later stage of the innings, but a short stand between Josh Bradbury (15) and Matt Anderson (10), allowed the Blues to finish their overs at 9/138.
With an achievable total set for them, Leschenault would have felt confident coming out of the change-over break.
But an early assault from the Marist bowlers saw the Green Caps on the back foot quickly.
The loss of openers Rodney Shemeld (3) and Jason Shine (0) had the Green Caps two wickets down with only three runs posted.
Seven runs later Dwayne Franklin was dismissed, leaving his side in a hole with the score of 3/10.
Brad Gaylard was the first to break into double figures for Leschenault posting 12 runs before he too was sent back to the pavilion, but a string of consistent wickets from strong bowling saw the Green Caps without a chance.
Anderson finished his spell with the figures of 4/14 for Marist as his side waltzed its way to a grand final victory.
The sides now return to action in the 50 over competition with both on the outside of the top four.
