Colts keep up the heat on top-two following win against Dalyellup Beach

Colts’ hopes of a top-two finish remained intact after they defeated Dalyellup Beach by 50 runs at the Bunbury Recreation Ground on Saturday. After being set 195 for victory, a brave Settlers outfit came unstuck early, as skipper Josh Topliss and Jack Buswell both claimed wickets to send the home side on their way. Before the match, Topliss said his side were keen to “settle the score” after tasting defeat at Donnybrook on January 8. After winning the toss and batting, Colts suffered an early chink in their armour, after opener Brian Hughes fell early off Zane Verhaaf’s bowling. Verhaaf, who was exceptional for the BDCA’s B-section side at country week, clearly brought his representative form back to the South West with him — as the Colts batters found it difficult to score off him at times. At 7-126, the home side needed a little boost, and they got one via Luke McPherson (31 not out) and Topliss, who ensured Colts batted out their 50 overs. In reply, the Settlers lost three early wickets and looked in a spot of bother — before some resistance from Mitchell Boyle helped get his side back on track. He might not have taken the most wickets on the day, but yet again, Cruize Ciallella’s impact on this game ultimately stymied the Settlers’ soaring run-rate. Brought on by Topliss in the 14th over, Ciallella snared 2-8 off his 10 overs, which included a phenomenal seven maidens.