BDCA 2023: Tough afternoon in the field for Harvey-Benger in second grade against fired-up Marist

Harvey-Benger’s second grade side suffered a 34-run loss at the hands of last year’s premiers Marist on Saturday at the Harvey Recreation Ground,

Losing the toss resulted in the home side fielding first and Marist got off to a flyer — rocketing to 0-50 after six overs.

Gradually, the control was wrested back by Harvey-Benger, courtesy of some tight bowling from David Cooper (1-17 off six overs) and Matt Cooke (2-13 off five overs, one maiden).

After being in a seemingly perilous position, Harvey-Benger ensured the runs began to dry up for the Blues, who reached a respectable 1-88 at drinks.

Marist were eventually bowled out for 162 with Kye McCreery picking up the final wicket.

Chasing 163, Hamish Minton and Anton Fimmano got the home side off to a good start with Minton striking some wonderful boundaries.

The fall of Minton caught at short cover brought Mahdi Saleem to the wicket. He came and fell quickly after being struck on the pads by Jack Wilson to leave Harvey-Benger reeling at 2-26.

Matt Chave then attempted to wrest some control back. He fell for 18 after nicking a poor ball through to Marist keeper Harley Ellis — and when Roelofsz was dismissed straight after for a duck, Harvey were in all sorts of trouble at 4-64.

Once again, Kyle Hickman attempted a resurrection job but he fell for 11. Captain Fimmano attempted to hold the chase together however when he was dismissed for 43, Harvey was bowled out soon after for 128.

At Leschenault Recreation Reserve, Burekup’s unbeaten start to the season continued, following an impressive 57-run victory over Leschenault.

Defending 138, the Bees stung the Green Caps from the outset, courtesy of Daniel Fry (4-13 off nine overs, two maidens) and Austin Goss (4-17 off 10 overs, four maidens).

In fourth grade, Harvey-Benger secured a remarkable four-wicket win over Marist at Forrest Park North, thanks to Scott Fowler’s unbeaten 122 off 109 balls.