BDCA 2022/23: Leschenault keep undefeated streak alive in top-of-the-table clash with Donnybrook

Leschenault have become the team to beat in the Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association first grade competition after holding off Donnybrook in an exciting top of the table clash.

Both teams put their respective undefeated streaks on the line in their round six clash at Egan Park on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Donnybrook started strongly with the pairing of Bradman May and Robbie Dawson making several big hits from some tough balls from Leschenault’s bowlers.

It was not until the 20th over that the first wickets fell, with May caught out for 49 by Steve Denison followed by Mitchell Kemp stumped by Nico Le Roux for two runs within the same over.

Following the first drinks break, Leschenault returned to the field with a mission to shut down Donnybrook with Shehzad Gondal taking three successive wickets in Adam Bilston (31), Shaun Towers (5) and Tim Doulton (14).

Dawson was eventually stumped by Le Roux for 77, bringing Gondal his final wicket for the day.

Not long after Dawson’s exit, the wickets continued to fall with Izaak Bedford and Norman Bedford both out caught, with Donnybrook all out for 199 with just one ball to spare.

At the change, it seemed as though Donnybrook was determined to remain the only undefeated team with Brandon O’Rourke quickly dispatching Jamie Harrison for a duck.

However, the pairing of Denison and Tyne Dodds gave the Green Caps a good platform until Denision was caught by May for 34.

With Leschenault’s opening batsmen out, Thomas Buchanan found himself stepping up with a flurry of big hits to give the Green Caps’ chase a big boost.

Buchanan’s efforts (72 no) played an instrumental part in Leschenault getting one up on Donnybrook, managing to help the Green Caps surpass the Dons at 6-200 during the 46th over.

Elsewhere, Hay Park pulled off their first win of the season upsetting Marist 6-203 to 9-202, Colts convincingly defeated Collie 1-157 to 8-156, and Eaton defeated Dalyellup 7-237 to 171.