It took nearly two hours after the scheduled start time for the first ball of Saturday’s match between Colts and Hay Park to be bowled but once the game started, the action was quick to follow.
Heavy morning rainfall raised fears round 13 of the 2016/17 Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association season would be called off. In the end the match between Eaton and Marist and the clash between Dalyellup Beach and Leschenault were abandoned.
With the rain stopping just before midday and holding off for the next hour or so, the decision to press on was made between representatives from both Colts and Hay Park.
The Redbacks were sent into bat and Kris Miller wasted no time getting going, using the strong breeze pushing across Hay Park to punish a number of drives to the boundary rope.
Brendan Jones was scratchy up the other end, making just four runs from 21 balls before he knicked one to Colts wicketkeeper Jordan Stynes.
Mark Steven caught a ball in a painful area early in his innings and eventually departed for eight while Miller was frustrated to be caught on 49. Jono Whitney added 32 runs while Chris McMillan chimed in with 14 not out late to see the Redbacks post 6/122 from a reduced 30 overs.
As has become the norm, Colts got their chase off to a great start with openers James Anderson (25) and Jayden Goodwin (24) striking the ball solidly early.
Anderson’s dismissal bought the in-form Murray Goodwin to the crease and he added 42 to his impressive season tally.
Cruize Ciallella (4) and Joe Barningham (2) both hit return catches to Hay Park bowler Shaun Towers.
Ten runs to Connor Ipsen helped Colts reach the target with five balls and three wickets to spare.
The result sees Colts retain their place at the top of the ladder with Eaton still sitting in second. Hay Park and Marist round out the top four respectively while Leschenault and Dalyellup Beach have some work to do if they want to play finals this season.
Whether games went ahead in the other grades was also a toss of the coin with a number called off. In the second grade competition, Dalyellup Beach got the better of Eaton with a five wicket win.
Eaton were bowled out for 125 with Peter Birtles doing the damage. In 10 overs, Birtles tore the Beavers apart, claiming 5/25.
Dalyellup reached the target with five wickets down. Opener Tim Cooper finished 44 not out while number three Murray Tennent-Brown was caught on 50.
In the third grade competition, Leschenault were bowled out for 90 which Hay Park were able to chase down for the fall of six wickets.
Andrew Elstermann
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
