Topliss’ perseverance leaves Green Caps in world of hurt

Colts advanced to the BDCA preliminary final after brushing off Leschenault by 91 runs in Saturday’s first semifinal at the Bunbury Recreation Ground.

While Leschenault’s pursuit of 163 ultimately resulted in a disappointing batting effort, the main takeaway from the match was how Colts skipper Josh Topliss persevered when things got tough.

After being trapped in front by Brody D’Agostino during the back end of his side’s opening dig, Topliss was subjected to further pain with the ball in his first over, as Steve Denison peppered him around the ground for 12 runs.

Topliss conceded a further five runs to the big hitting Denison in his second over, before the strike was rotated, giving him a spell from the early torment.

However, the experienced stalwart kept toiling away — and his patience was rewarded with the opening ball of the fifth over, as Denison (26 off 15 balls) skied a shot into the arms of youngster Jake Michell.

Prior to the dismissal, Denison had presented a few opportunities to the Colts fielders, however he looked capable of setting his side up for the remainder of the run chase.

Unfortunately for the visitors, it did the opposite, with the Green Caps losing 2-7 off the following nine balls.

The two wickets were especially significant, with Topliss and fellow seamer Jack Buswell removing dangerous pair Tyne Dodds (4 off 13 balls) and Tom Buchanan (2 off 5 balls) respectively.

Colts proceeded to decimate the Green Caps for 71 off 21.2 overs, with Topliss (5-33 off 10 overs, two maidens), Buswell (3-24 off 4.2 overs, one maiden) and Cruize Ciallella (2-14 off six overs, one maiden) running amok.

Sadly for Leschenault, not one player registered double figures following Denison’s departure, which marked a sad end to their promising campaign.