In a surprising result, Marist cruised to a six-wicket win over fourth-placed Hay Mark in round 17.
Redbacks’ opening batsman Fraser Thompson got the ball rolling with 18, before fellow opener Michael Tassone notched up a respectable 34 (including four fours and one six).
Following the early dismissal of Steven Florance (8), middle order batsmen Jono Whitney (36, five fours) and Kris Miller (25, three fours) formed a strong partnership.
Blues’ bowler Ben Shipley went on the attack, collecting 6/10 from five overs.
After Shipley promptly dismissed lower order batsmen Dylan Gordon (5) and Grant Milbanke (2), the Redbacks were all out for a total of 144.
The partnership of Blues’ openers Brayden Clarke (40, six fours and one six) and Saddy Afridi (66, six fours and three sixes) troubled Hay Park’s bowling line-up.
Dropping only four wickets, Marist reached the Redbacks’ total in 23 overs.
Third-placed Leschenault kept its premiership hopes alive with a thrilling display against Colts at Bunbury Recreation Ground.
After Colts’ openers Jaysen Miguel (4) and Jayden Goodwin (2) were dismissed, top order batsman Murray Goodwin slogged 38 (including three fours).
Stars Riley Miguel (12), Blase Rosinski (14), Josh Topliss (11), and Ian Oglesby (12) also excelled under pressure.
Green Caps bowler Dwayne Franklin (3.5 from five) helped in dismissing Colts for a modest 115.
Leschenault was 2/35 after openers Kurt D’Agostino (11) and Matt Fink (7) were sent packing.
Wicketkeeper Matt Buchanan then worked his magic, making an impressive 46 (including six fours).
Strong efforts at the crease saw Leschenault reach Colts’ total with 16 overs remaining.
Eaton looks set to claim the 2018/19 Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association’s minor premiership title.
The Beavers took home four points with an eight-wicket win over bottom-placed Dalyellup Beach on Saturday.
The Beach Boys suffered a top order collapse, before Corey Fagan came to the rescue with 33 off 41 (including four fours and one six).
Joshua Merritt (19) and Keegan Williams (14) were two of Dalyellup’s three batsmen to reach double figures.
With support from Steven Barron (4/36 from 10), Eaton dismissed the home side for 108.
Beavers’ opener Cory Fitt stepped up to make 26 (including five fours).
Thanks to wicketkeeper Christopher Marrow (50) and Leigh O’Mara (19), Eaton reached Dalyellup’s total in 22 overs.
Teams will return to the field for round 18 on Saturday, February 23.
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