BDCA 2023: Marist thrash Hay Park on milestone day at Forrest Park

The manner in which respected Marist all-rounder Brayden Clarke wrapped up Saturday’s rout of Hay Park said it all.

Seconds after coolly catching a spooned shot from Shaun Bulman, Clarke gently rolled the ball along the pitch to his right with little fanfare before joining his teammates nearby.

There was no reason to rub further salt into Hay Park’s wounds following the 147-run win, given the visitors’ self-destruction at Forrest Park throughout the afternoon.

Set 207 for victory, the visitors crashed from 0-20 to 4-28, losing 4-8 in the space of seven overs — and from there, their pain in the middle only got worse.

Forrest Park was abuzz with anticipation prior to this first grade clash, given the Blues were celebrating the club’s 40th anniversary reunion throughout the day.

The Redbacks had their moments with the ball at times, however the Blues’ willingness to push for late runs again served them well, which gave them a handy target to defend.

Of course, having Clarke back in the side from work commitments was an added bonus for the home side.

In addition to his handy 46 off 73 balls, being gifted 31 extras from the Redbacks bowlers was also a nice present.

Hay Park supporters did have something to cheer about prior to the innings break, when Jaice Benzie claimed a season-high haul of 3-9 from his impressive two-over burst.

Following a positive start to their run chase, the Redbacks fell in a hole, with Blues enforcers Michael Chappell and Tyson Italiano bowling tight and causing no shortage of headaches.

Once Michael Tassone departed, only skipper Steven Florance was able to hang tough, as the Redbacks were railroaded for a paltry 59 in the 28th over.