Colts cop loss to tighten 1st Grade ladder as Collie fall just short of drought-breaking win
Leschenault have pulled off an upset against the top-of-the-table Colts side in the BDCA men’s first grade to come within touching distance of first place in the first round of 2024.
Leschenault won by 63 runs after scoring 193 all out in the first innings.
A solid 59-run opening stand laid the foundation for the side as Justin Woods scored 52 runs off 54 balls.
After breaking the opening pair, Colts were able to chip away at Leschenault’s middle order to have them reeling at 5-126.
But a flashy 34 from just 20 balls by number eight Robert Turner gave Leschenault a total to defend.
Nicholaas Le Roux was the architect of the collapse, picking up figures of 4-16 and leaving Colts bowled out for 130.
The loss leaves Colts on eight wins and two losses, just five points ahead of Leschenault (7-2) who have a game in hand.
Dalyellup got a big win in their match against Marist, winning by 96 runs at Forrest Park.
Cody Ryan and Jaxon Cornford combined in the middle order to give Dalyellup a defendable score of 187 all out.
Marist’s chase got off to a horror start losing both openers for ducks as Timothy Shales (3-22) and Riley Mammone (3-26) did the bulk of the damage.
The result means Dalyellup are right in the mix for a top-two spot in third with seven wins and two losses, equal on points with Leschenault and with a game in hand over Colts.
Collie came agonisingly close to their first win since round one as they lost by three runs to Eaton.
After losing partner Josh Grime for a duck, James Hillery (69 from 80 balls) played the best knock of Eaton’s innings and was helped by Vinniee Poller (50 from 97 balls).
The pair put on 122 runs for the second wicket but Brad Malatesta (4-23) put an end to both their times at the crease.
Collie restricted their opposition to 9-173 after 50 overs but looked destined to fall short as they were left struggling at 5-59.
Mark Williams managed to steady the chase at number five as he scored a breathtaking 77 runs to put his team back in good stead.
The loss leaves Collie at the foot of the table still searching for their second win of the season while the Bobtails sit second-last with two wins.
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