BDCA 2023: Marist enjoy success against Collie at Forrest Park, Harvey-Benger continue impressive win streak

An unbeaten 102 by Marist fifth-grade opener Dean Host helped the Blues secure a workmanlike three-wicket win over Burekup on Saturday at Hay Park. Set 157 for victory, the Blues successfully chased down the total inside 38 overs, with Host (102 off 131 balls) ensuring his side held their nerve in the closing stages. Earlier in the afternoon, the Bees had been on course to post a score in excess of 180, however were single-handedly unravelled by Adam Vitali (5-33 off eight overs) who ripped through their middle order. At the Eaton Sports Ground, the Bobtails defeated Capel by three wickets, after being set 114 for victory. Brad Howe was the pick of the Bobtails’ bowlers, snaring 3-6 off four overs. In third grade, some impressive bowling from recruit Brendan Ebert wasn’t enough to lift Collie against Marist at Forrest Park East, with the Blues victorious by four wickets in their pursuit of 71. Operating from the Forrest Park Railway end, Ebert (1-9 off five overs) was able to get plenty of movement during his spell, which was warmly endorsed by his teammates in the field, despite the eventual result. However the undisputed bowling performance of the game came courtesy of reputable Marist stalwart Jeff Wootton, who claimed a staggering 4-4 off nine overs — a spell which included eight maidens. Second grade powerhouse Harvey-Benger showed no sign of slowing down either, after thumping Donnybrook by 117 runs at the Harvey Recreation Ground. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts made 9-223 from their allocated 45 overs, with a superb 90 off 94 balls from opener Haydn Jones setting the tone from the outset.