BDCA 2022: Burekup and Capel host minor grade action despite weather resulting in mass abandonments

On the morning of Saturday’s fifth-grade clash between Burekup and Colts at Burekup Oval, you could have sworn the game would have been called off because of bad weather.

With heavy showers and the occasional clap of thunder lashing the townsite about 8.30am, it appeared as though the players would be joining their first-grade counterparts in having a rare Saturday off.

However, because of the quality surface, coupled by proactive Burekup officials, play began — although proceedings turned out better for the visitors.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Colts were in a world of pain early, slumping to 3-5 by the end of the second over.

However, all was not lost, as both William Stevenson (68 off 102 balls) and Paul Waghorn (36 off 69 balls) did a great job of steering their side out of further danger.

Shortly after the drinks break, Bees seamer Ben Mersch — who was in his third over from the Gardiner Street end — was finally rewarded for his efforts, knocking over Waghorn and Damien Newman with consecutive deliveries.

This energised the home side’s morale in the field, as they looked to close out the innings quickly, given the ominous grey sky overhead.

However, Stevenson, who was joined at the crease by teammate Shay McLaren following Newman’s departure, ensured the visitors hung in the contest, setting the Bees a tricky 169 for victory.

In reply, the Bees slumped to 3-3 and 6-20, before eventually being dismissed for 58 in the 21st over. McLaren was the pick of the bowlers, snaring a memorable 6-18 off six overs.

Marist’s third-grade clash at Capel was the only other BDCA match on Saturday in which a ball was bowled, although the match was eventually abandoned.

The Blues were 7-94 in the 39th over of their innings when the game was called off, with Strath Papandroulakis unbeaten on 29.