BDCA 2023: Dalyellup’s winning streak ends as Leschenault secures top-four scalp

Dalyellup’s unbeaten start to the 2023-24 Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association first grade season ended in dramatic fashion on Saturday against Leschenault at Dalyellup College. Chasing 169 and needing five runs to win at the end of the 48th over with two wickets in hand, the home side was run out twice in as many balls at sunset, which ensured a memorable two-run victory to the Green Caps. In warm conditions, both sides were competitive and displayed why they are likely to feature prominently in finals this season. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Leschenault was put under considerable pressure by the home side, falling to 3-56 and 5-81 during their opening dig. Handy cameos from Rowan Jamieson (38 off 67 balls) and Jacob Templeton (22 off 45 balls) helped the Green Caps reach 8-168 off 50 overs, which ensured the match was delicately poised heading into Dalyellup’s run chase. Despite quality bowling from the visitors, Dalyellup remained extremely patient, with Bradman May (51 off 93 balls) and Keagan Lynch (42 off 106 balls) helping the home side reach 1-93 by the 28th over. May’s fun eventually came to an end a short time later, after he nicked a delivery through to Green Caps keeper Daniel Brabham. This dismissal triggered a collapse, with Leschenault snaring 8-68 over the final 20 overs, to complete a remarkable transformation of fortune. Dalyellup’s loss dropped them to second on the table, following Colts’ bonus point win over Collie earlier in the day at the Bunbury Recreation Ground. Although moving to a 4-2 record, Saturday’s win was Leschenault’s first against a top-four side this season.