Hay Park and Donnybrook to meet in second round after contrasting first up wins in the BDCA

One started the season with a dominant win thanks to a swashbuckling ton, while the other very nearly slipped up on a banana peel double-figure target. Now Donnybrook and Hay Park’s contrasting styles will be put to the test as the two finals hopefuls chase a 2-0 start. Chasing Leschenault’s meagre 70 on Saturday, the Dons were only spared blushes by new high-profile recruit Adam Bilston and opening batsman Shaun Towers. Towers weathered an early storm as former skipper Paul Reynolds and his replacement Bradman May combined for zero inside the top three. Another six Donnybrook batters combined for just nine runs. More cricket; For Hay Park, it was an early statement victory, as they powered past Dalyellup — but awaiting them is a far more experienced bowling attack, keen to clamp down through the middle overs. Nic Rep struck at a little under 100 for his century against the Settlers, but a spin attack of Bilston, Towers and Izaak Bedford are unlikely to allow that freedom. Young wicket-keeper Jonah Lincoln also brought up a maiden first-grade 50 in last week’s victory as the Redbacks turn to youth. The two sides met twice last year, with Hay Park winning the first, inspired by a Reon Tither four-wicket haul and the second thanks to a Jono Whitney 98 in a 129-run opening stand with Kris Miller.