BDCA T20 2023: Cory Fitt the destroyer as Blues record well-deserved T20 grand final triumph

More than 24 hours after a heavy eight-wicket loss to Leschenault in their first grade clash at Forrest Park, Marist reminded everyone once again what they are capable of. The Blues recorded a convincing 77-run win over Eaton on Sunday at the Eaton Sports Ground to claim the 2023 T20 competition. On a busy day of finals action, there was plenty of individual brilliance. Semifinals - Eaton 4-85 d Donnybrook 84 at Eaton Sports Ground, Marist 7-129 d Hay Park 6-118 at Forrest Park. Eaton cruised into the T20 grand final after brushing aside Donnybrook at home. In a remarkable game for statistical trends, the Bobtails secured four wickets with the opening ball of an over, along with two on the final delivery of an over. In reply, the hosts began patiently inside the opening five overs, before Jake Rudd blasted 23 runs off Noah Greenmount, which well and truly set the Bobtails on the road to victory. It was a cruel outcome for Greenmount, who along with Izaak Bedford (2-15 off four overs) showed plenty of promise at times with the ball. A splendid knock from Cooper Clarke-Dehring inspired Marist during their semifinal win over Hay Park, who flirted with stealing the game away at times during their pursuit of 130 against the Blues. Ultimately, they fell 11 runs short, with two key run-outs — including big-hitting Nic Rep — proving costly. Final - Marist 5-163 d Eaton 77 at Eaton Sports Ground. Winning the toss and backing themselves in, Marist got off to a brilliant start, with Clarke-Dehring (37 off 21 balls) timing the ball brilliantly out in the middle. The hosts momentarily took control after snaring 2-8 in the space of six balls — however once Shawn Gillies joined Clarke-Dehring in the middle, the Blues began to pick up the run-rate and played at a tempo which made life difficult for the Bobtails at times in the field. Prior to defending 164, the Blues formed a tight huddle on the fringe of the pavilion, where focus and concentration appeared non-negotiables among the playing group. Early in their run chase, it appeared as though the Bobtails would have enough petrol in the tank, as both Clint Hewson and Jake Rudd played a high-octane brand of cricket. However a breath-taking catch by Max Bilcich in the deep to remove Hewson began the Bobtails’ spiral, with Marist spinner Cory Fitt (5-6 off 2.5 overs) going on to slice through the home side’s batting card with ease.