BDCA 2023: Marist’s cohesive bowling unit again snuffs out Eaton in major 2022-23 finals match

Marist all-rounder Cory Fitt trudged off the Eaton Sports Ground late on Saturday morning, after being bowled by Eaton seamer Jacob Wintle.

Fitt, who was dismissed for four off nine balls, was visibly and audibly frustrated given the close nature of the game, as Marist aimed to extend their season in the win-at-all-costs first semifinal against the Bobtails.

However like several other quality players in the BDCA with exceptional ability, the classy all-rounder typically only needs one or two balls to turn things around.

A few hours later, only two deliveries into his spell, Fitt returned the favour and helped dismiss Wintle, which sealed Marist’s impressive 66-run win over a disappointing Bobtails outfit.

Aware they needed early wickets against the Blues irrespective of the situation, Bobtails skipper Liam Renton brought experienced seamer Clint Hewson back into the first grade side, on the back of several quality knocks in second grade.

With the four-pronged pace attack of Renton, Wintle, Hewson and Julian Crudeli, the Blues — who pipped Donnybrook on percentage for fourth spot — were expected to find the going tough against the hosts.

However skipper Kyle Davis (37 off 98 balls) set the tone for his side, who batted out their allocated 50 overs. Despite crashing to 7-77 at one stage, late resilience from ‘keeper Cam Marra (27 off 31 not out) ensured they set the Bobtails 135 for victory.

In reply, the home side fell to 1-7 inside four overs, after Hewson miscued his shot to Fitt at mid-off for a golden duck.

Sadly for the Bobtails, this dismissal was a sign of things to come for the remainder of the afternoon, with only James Hillery and Riley Stenhouse notching up double figures in the heavy defeat.

Marist will now travel to Leschenault Recreation Park on Saturday, March 11, and face minor premiers Leschenault, who dropped their second semifinal against Colts.