BDCA 2023: Blues complete remarkable season in style against gallant Colts

Marist capped off an unforgettable second half of their BDCA season to claim the 2022-23 grand final by 22 runs over Colts on Sunday at the Bunbury Recreation Ground.

During the festive season break, the Blues were sitting 3-5 on the ladder and missing the finals was a real possibility. From then on, they would go on to win seven of their remaining eight games, which included three finals victories.

Day 1 - Marist 104 (K. Davis 21, C. Sawyer 20, C. Ciallella 4-17) v Colts 79 (B. Hughes 15, P. Jones 12, C. Fitt 4-12) - Marist led by 25 runs heading into Day 2.

Observant eyes were rewarded prior to the start of Day 1, when an updated Colts team list appeared online.

Despite representing Zimbabwe in South Africa three days earlier at the Over 50’s World Cup, Murray Goodwin was able to fly back in time to play.

Marist skipper Kyle Davis won the toss and elected to bat — and throughout the early exchanges, both he and fellow opener Cole Sawyer were subjected to quality pace bowling from Julius Sumerauer (1-11 off eight overs) and captain Josh Topliss (0-22 off eight overs).

Davis was prepared to play himself in, scoring one run off his first 33 balls. However once this period elapsed, he played a number of positive shots.

Topliss reverted to an all-spin attack in the 13th over, injecting both Cruize Ciallella (4-17 off 10 overs) and Tim Hutchison (2-22 off 10 overs) into the fray.

With the duo generating of movement, Marist were eventually dismissed for 104 in the 44th over, with Goodwin also chiming in late with 2-3 off eight deliveries.

In reply, Colts had an afternoon to forget, being rolled for 79.

Goodwin’s dismissal also caught the attention of match officials at stumps on Day 1.

While walking off the field of play, Goodwin’s bat made contact with Marist wicketkeeper Cam Marra, leading to Goodwin’s disqualification from day two of the match.

Day 2 - Marist 134 (Brayden Clarke 40, D. Lomax 14, T. Hutchison 4-21) v Colts 137 (C. Blackwood 49, R. Miguel 28, T. Italiano 3-19) - Marist won by 22 runs.

Colts were dealt a blow prior to Day 2, with Goodwin ruled out for the remainder of the match.

“The umpires notified both captains — Josh Topliss and Kyle Davis — prior to the start of play,” BDCA umpire coordinator Gary Crombie said on Monday.

“Due to the breaking of MCC law 42.5, and as a level four offence, the player (Goodwin) was not allowed on the field of play for the remainder of the match.”

Additionally, Crombie said the incident would likely be forwarded on to the BDCA tribunal in coming days.

With a handy lead in their bat pockets, the Blues batted comfortably for most of their second dig, with Brayden Clarke peppering a memorable medley of sixes.

Needing 160 for victory, the home side began positively under opener Caillin Blackwood, who batted his heart out from the opening delivery.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Marist’s bowling unit began to get on top, with Tyson Italiano and Cory Fitt (1-5 off his first four overs) causing them plenty of headaches.