BDCA 2023: Marist duo Haydn Slodecki and Shawn Gillies deliver masterful batting performances away from home

Marist master-blaster Shawn Gillies is regarded as a man of many talents — and he displayed this once again on Saturday against in-form Leschenault at Leschenault Recreation Park. Together with Haydn Slodecki (64 off 92 balls), Gillies, WA Country’s first XI coach, ensured the Blues comfortably chased down 219 with less than three overs to spare. After quickly getting his eye in, Gillies went to work, blasting 62 off 35 balls, a knock which included seven boundaries and two sixes. Following his final delivery, the Blues champion left his crease and fist-pumped Green Caps skipper Tyne Dodds, before leaving the ground and retiring out. Blues club president Brayden Clarke, also a teammate, said Gillies left the game in order to fulfil a non-negotiable family commitment. Earlier in the afternoon, Marist won the toss and elected to bowl in blustery conditions. Opening with the pace tag-team of Michael Chappell and Scott Fisher, the Green Caps began positively, with Justin Woods and Nico Le Roux prepared to take the game on. Le Roux in particular, looked brilliant early, with his attacking strokeplay ticking the scoreboard over nicely for the hosts. Gradually, the Blues began to make some inroads, although Woods (70 off 105 balls) was proving to be a persistent thorn in their side until the later stages of their innings. Set 219 for victory, Marist barely skipped a beat during the early stages, with Slodecki and Corey Fagan putting on an impressive 83-run opening stand. These foundations were enhanced further by Gillies — and despite a late flurry of wickets — the Blues ultimately remained in control throughout their three-wicket triumph.