BDCA 2022: Marist, Leschenault and Donnybrook record impressive wins

A brilliant century from Haydn Slodecki capped off a memorable afternoon for Marist, who defeated an improved Dalyellup by 42 runs on Saturday at Dalyellup College.

Opening alongside club president Blaze Rosinski, Slodecki peppered 112 from 139 balls for the visitors — an innings which included 10 boundaries and two sixes.

At 2-191 in the 41st over, the Blues looked capable of scoring more than 300, given the sheer ease of how both Slodecki and Brayden Clarke (50 off 44 balls) were going about their business in the middle.

However Zane Verhaaf (6-32 off 10 overs), who went 1-30 during his first seven over spell, produced a brilliant second wind, snaring 5-2 in his final three overs.

Set 237 for victory, Dalyellup began positively under Keagan Lynch and Mitch Boyle, who held their own early against a quality Blues pace attack spearheaded by Alan Utterson and Jack Wilson.

The home side were 2-90 off 30 overs, with the chance of causing an upset victory still alive. However, by the time all-rounder Clarke (4-37) had his fun slowing their roll, these hopes were all but gone.

Donnybrook’s unbeaten start to the 2022-23 campaign continued after they thrashed a disappointing Hay Park by nine wickets on the road.

Chasing 162, the Dons cruised to victory with 23.1 overs to spare, as British youngster Robbie Dawson again showcased the full range of his talents.

At Roche Park, Dawson’s compatriot Jamie Harrison propelled Leschenault to a determined 38-run victory over Collie.

After setting 203 for victory, the Green Caps gradually got on top of the plucky competition newbies, dismissing them for 164 off 48.1 overs.

Earlier in the afternoon, it appeared to be one-way traffic, with Leschenault duo Harrison and Tyne Dodds putting on an impressive 72-run opening stand.

A crucial knock by import Oliver Currill (41 off 70 balls) helped the Green Caps add some valuable bite to their final tally — although they did lose 3-0 in the final five balls of their innings, which gave the Collie players some momentum heading into the innings break.

In reply, the home side were 2-77 in the 21st over, with skipper Blair Malatesta and Josh Elliott keeping them in the game.

However, once both men departed, things quickly spiralled, with Harrison (4-14 off 4.1 overs) cleaning up the middle order and tail with brutal efficiency.