BDCA 2023: UK imports Daniel Brabham and Rob Turner shine on debut as Leschenault win emotional contest

Leschenault Cricket Club’s UK import Rob Turner touched down in WA at midnight on Thursday night, ahead of his side’s BDCA first grade opener against Eaton on Saturday at Eaton Sports Ground. Less than 48 hours later, Turner was able to bask in celebration, hitting the winning runs with four balls to spare in his side’s gripping two-wicket win over the Bobtails. From the outset, this match wasn’t a standard home-and-away season contest. Pre-game, both sides paid their respects to Bobtails legend Jake Rudd, who tragically died seven days earlier following a fatal reaction to a bee sting. In an emotional yet touching tribute, both sides committed to play in a spirit befitting ‘Ruddy’ and they didn’t let the master-blaster down. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the home side began brilliantly, with James Hillery (43 off 39 balls) and Josh Grime (45 off 63 balls) both timing the ball extremely well during their 73-run opening stand. Despite a younger side at his disposal, Bobtails skipper Liam Renton backed his rising stars against an experienced Green Caps bowling attack, encouraging them to be brave at the crease at all times. Set 194 for victory, the hosts claimed the vital early scalp of Christo Le Roux, following a peach of a delivery from youthful Bobtails seamer Henry King. Aware momentum needed to be wrested back for their side, proven Green Caps duo Matt Fink and Tyne Dodds combined to steady the ship for the visitors, with their delicate placement of shots just the tonic. Dodds’ fun eventually came to an end in the 10th over after he telegraphed a shot into the arms of Riley Stenhouse, which brought UK import Daniel Brabham, playing his first game, to the crease. Knowing reputable strike bowler Jacob Wintle wasn’t available for selection, Renton instead threw the ball to Bailee Kent, Matt Foreman and Sheldon Johnson, in a bid to turn the screws. But Brabham (70 off 82 balls) was rock solid throughout his knock, which provided his teammates the perfect platform to pinch a thrilling victory at sunset.