Denison inspires Green Caps to thrilling two-wicket win

A blistering 67 from Steven Denison propelled Leschenault to a two-wicket victory over BDCA title hopefuls Marist on Saturday at Leschenault Recreation Park. Although Denison’s deeds ultimately helped sow the seeds of victory, the Blues displayed tremendous courage and fought back after falling in a hole early. Because of a bye on January 8 and senior country week, Marist entered the clash having not played together since a week before Christmas. However Blues skipper Kyle Davis is never shy of backing his teammates in, and had no hesitation to send his side into bat upon winning the toss. Determined to make a statement early, a fired-up Brody D’Agostino claimed three early scalps — including Davis, Ben Clarke and Shawn Gillies — which left the visitors teetering on 3-36. Solid input from Brayden Clarke (39 off 62 balls), Cooper Clarke-Dehring (43 off 49 balls) and Sam Roots (43 off 75 balls) ensured the Blues set the home side 195 for victory. At the pavilion end of the ground during this time, spectators were unware of what was about to unfold. Despite facing quality seamers Jack Wilson and Bailey Wootton, the Green Caps got off to an absolute flyer, racing to 0-32 by the fourth over. Fellow Leschenault opener Tyne Dodds had a front-row seat to Denison’s remarkable knock, which included a boundary and three sixes inside the first 15 balls he faced. Spectators were on high alert during the aerial showcase, with one of Denison’s sixes falling 10m short from Green Caps president Angelo D’Agostino, who was watching on a grassy bank near the pavilion. Denison’s half century brought uniform praise from both sets of players and spectators, given the fact he achieved the feat in less than 40 deliveries. Having conceded 67 runs inside the opening seven overs, the Blues switched up their attack, with all-rounder Brayden Clarke replacing Wilson from the pavilion end, while Ben Shipley replaced Wootton. A few overs later, Shipley removed Dodds, while Clarke ended Denison’s fun after trapping him in front the very next ball. Although Wilson (0-33 off his first three overs) and Wootton (0-28 off his first three overs) were on the receiving end of some early treatment, they both returned later during the run chase and helped tighten things up. Wilson claimed three wickets during his additional 6.3 overs upon being reintroduced, while Wootton removed Justin Woods (13 off 42 balls) just when he appeared to be looking dangerous. The start might have set them back, and a few catches might not have landed, but the Blues were within striking distance of victory after Jason Shine departed in the 47th over. However, D’Agostino and fellow quick Jacob Templeton managed to hold their nerve in the clutch, with Templeton belting a four with three balls left to secure the memorable win.