Five-wicket haul has Colts in a spin

Marist caused the upset of the season at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, handing the top-of-the-table Colts a 76-run defeat.

The Blues batted first and put up a handy total of 8/178 from their 50 overs, despite a tough start.

Openers Reece O’Connell (three runs) and Corey Fitt (14) were dismissed cheaply, while Lee Sorfleet was trapped in front by Josh Topliss for a duck to leave the Blues reeling at 3/26.

But English import Tyler McGladdery starred with the bat, compiling a neat innings of 63, combining with fellow countryman Chris Laker (28 runs) for an 89-run partnership which steadied the innings.

Colts dragged back the game, dismissing both Englishmen within 14 runs, but Marist stalwart Matt Anderson (25 runs) combined with the rest of the middle order to drag the visitors to a competitive total.

The run-chase started poorly for Colts, with opener Tim Stewart being dismissed for a duck thanks to fiery opening bowler Ben Shipley.

Young star Jayden Goodwin was then dismissed by Laker, before Murray Goodwin did his best to steady the innings with a solid knock of 25.

Marist all-rounder O’Connell had other ideas though, doing the damage with the ball.

The left-arm spinner tore through Colts middle and lower order, taking 5-19 off 8.2 overs to end Colts innings on 102.

The victory all-but secured Marist’s spot inside the top four, while Colts will remain on top of the ladder by a comfortable margin after Eaton lost at the weekend.