CRICKET: A disastrous collapse in the tail order was enough to undo a strong top order performance from Leschenault on Saturday as they went down to Marist.
The first five batsmen in the Green Caps’ order posted a total of 129 runs while the following six only mustered the staggering total of only eight runs, leading to an achievable goal for the Marist Blues.
Batting first after losing the toss, Leschenault’s Matt Buchanan and Ben Parker tallied a partnership of 70 runs before the first wicket fell.
Brody D’Agostino then chipped in for 12, while Tom Buchanan (20) and Jarrad Quinn (31) also notched double figure totals.
However the wickets fell like flies after the dismissal of Tom Buchanan.
Kurt D’Agostino was the next to go after posting just one run, while Logan Hay was sent packing for the same total.
Brad Gaylard’s feathers were ruffled when we was sent to the pavilion for a golden duck while Jason Shine managed only four runs.
Michael Newman was the last to go with only a single run, leaving Leschenault with 149 runs to defend.
Reece O’Connell was Marist’s best wicket-claimer, finishing with the figures of 4/36.
The Blues’ chase of the total began on the back foot, losing Adam Spinelli to a Brody D’Agostino delivery before gaining a run.
Fellow opener Corey Fitt was then dismissed for one run leaving Marist in a 2/9 hole.
Fortunately O’Connell (31) and Paul Reynolds (59) were able to pull their side back into contention.
Despite low totals from the tail order batsmen, 20 extras from the Leschenault bowlers allowed Marist to chase down the total with two wickets in hand.
Next week Leschenault will face the fifth placed Colts while Marist will square off against Hay Park.
Collie was able to gain a lone spot on top of the BDCA ladder after defeating Hay Park on Saturday.
The season’s worst display of batting from the Hay Park Redbacks was enough for the Coalminers to find a sole place on top with ease.
Only two batsmen scored in double figures for the Redbacks with Mark Steven and Jack Delaney both notching 10 runs.
The remaining eight batsmen scored in single figures as the Redbacks fell 129 runs short of their total with a score of just 55 runs.
Blair Malatesta’s half century had Collie in a strong position from the start.
Next week Collie will play Dalyellup Beach.
A championship-calibre performance over Eaton will have Dalyellup Beach in the minds of every competitor.
After dismantling the Eaton batting order, Dalyellup cruised to victory without losing a wicket in their run chase.
Peter Grygorcewicz tore the Eaton batting line-up apart claiming six wickets as the Beavers set Dalyellup 112 runs to win.
That was not an issue for Tim Cooper (59) and Corey Fagan (51) who both hit half centuries on their way to victory.
Dalyellup carved out 115 runs to claim the win.