League leaders overcome rain delays to outlast gutsy Donnybrook

BDCA league leaders Marist wore down Donnybrook by six wickets in a rain-affected contest at Forrest Park on Saturday afternoon. With multiple rain delays causing havoc for players and officials, the Blues were eventually set 169 for victory, after Donnybrook closed on 7-168 off 31 overs. In reply, the Blues went about their business in style, with Ben Clarke (51 off 64 balls) notching up another classy half-century. With dark clouds circling, Blues skipper Kyle Davis won the toss and sent the visitors into bat, who got off to the worst possible start. After Bradman May successfully negotiated the opening delivery, classy opener Paul Reynolds was run out the following ball, much to the delight of the Blues players. Four overs later, May was also back in the pavilion, and Donnybrook were marooned on 2-14. Then the rain came, which resulted in the biggest delay of the contest. Once play resumed at 12.45pm, Donnybrook appeared a lot more settled, with Adam Bilston (53 off 46 balls) and Jeremy Della-Sale (48 off 80 balls) holding their own against seamer Sam Roots and all-rounder Brayden Clarke. Bilston, who looked in a groove, brought up his half century in style, as his third-wicket partnership with Della-Sale reached 76. Keen to wrest control back in his side’s favour, Davis threw the ball over to all-rounder Cory Fitt (4-38 off seven overs), who needed only five balls to make an impact for his side, by bowling Bilston. Moments later, heavier showers returned to Forrest Park, however play continued for around 5-10 minutes, before the covers once again came onto the ground. Thankfully for the players, this was the last rain delay, although it came at a horrible time for the visitors. Chasing 169, Marist openers Ben Clarke and Davis put on a 69-run opening stand, which laid the foundations for another quality batting performance. The Blues got home in the 28th over, with Brayden Clarke (26 off 10 balls) and Roots (4 off 10 balls) remaining unbeaten.