BDCA 2023: Hay Park punished again, as no-nonsense Marist shows no mercy prior to festive season break

Hay Park had another Saturday to forget with the bat, falling to a comprehensive seven-wicket loss against Marist at Forrest Park. Already four games adrift of the top-four, Saturday’s defeat was fifth time in nine first grade matches this season that the Redbacks posted a score of 100 or less. Despite some positive early signs from openers Nic Rep and Steven Florance, the visitors were unable to build on this early partnership and control the contest. Five Hay Park batters finished in single figures, despite facing more than 12 balls. While Marist’s bowlers performed well, too many Redbacks players appeared content on poking and defending the ball, rather than taking the game on as the overs went by. This played into the hands of Corey Fitt (3-3 off 4.5 overs, three maidens) who had the ball on a string from his opening delivery. Had it not been for positive-thinking Jonathan Calver (29 off 42 balls) swinging for the fences late in their dig, the Redbacks wouldn’t have reached 91 all-out. In reply, Marist comfortably reached 3-93 in the 24th over, which was an ideal way to kickstart their club Christmas festivities.