BDCA 2022/23: Sumerauer, Goodwin combine to help Colts to victory over 2021/22 grand final rivals

Reigning premiers Colts have returned to the cricket pitch with a vengeance after knocking off 2021/2022 grand final rivals Eaton.

The Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association’s 2022/23 Men’s First Grade competition returned on Saturday following the mid-season break for Christmas and the new year, with Colts and Eaton going head to head in a 2021/22 grand final rematch at Eaton Sports Ground.

Eaton were quick to put the pressure on the Colts’ batters from the outset, with Julius Sumerauer bowled out by Liam Renton for a duck.

However, the partnership of Brian Hughes and Riley Flynn got the Colts off on the right track, managing 56 runs until Flynn was caught out for 18 by Julian Crudeli.

Despite a few more wickets falling, the Colts were given a further boost with Timothy Hutchinson at the crease, managing six fours until he was eventually caught out for 50 by Renton.

Eaton soon amped up their attack with Crudeli taking three wickets in Caillin Blackwood (18 runs), Cruize Ciallella (four runs) and Josh Topliss (three runs) to leave Colts at 8/199 after 50 overs.

At the change, Eaton made small progress via the opening partnership of Josh Grime and Renton until Grime was caught out for six runs by Flynn, giving Sumerauer his first wicket of the day.

Colts’ relentless bowling approach continued as Renton (nine runs), Arron Quartermaine (20 runs) and Crudeli (34 runs) were all shown the exit.

Sumerauer and Murray Goodwin soon combined to send Eaton packing, managing four wickets each to send Eaton all out for 163.

Meanwhile, Leschenault continued to show dominance over the competition after rolling Collie all out for 28 in 18.2 overs, with half their runs coming from wide balls.

Max Ireland and Josh Elliott were the only batters to manage runs for the Collie side, managing 10 runs and four runs respectively before being caught out.

It took the Green Caps less than five overs to claim victory with Jamie Harrison hitting 28 not out and Tyne Dodds managing four not out.

Elsewhere, Donnybrook defeated Hay Park 4/178 to all out for 177, while Marist smashed Dalyellup 5/266 to all out for 157 with Haydn Slodecki coming agonisingly close to hitting a century, managing 93 before an LBW.