Colts need their big guns to fire

Reigning premiers Colts face a do-or-die first semi-final against Hay Park on Saturday but not on their home deck, despite finishing higher than the Redbacks.

With the Bunbury Recreation Ground due for required maintenance, Colts elected to have the match shifted and with other alternatives exhausted, will “host” their final at Hay Park.

Regardless of where the match is held, the reigning premiers have plenty of big-game experience, with a delicate sprinkling of youth.

Both sides fought out a thriller back in round 11, with the Redbacks hanging on for a one-wicket win away from home.

Despite solid bowling efforts from Nicholas Wilson and Josh Topliss, the visitors benefited greatly from Michael Tassone (45 off 102 balls), which got his side off the canvas and home in the nick of time.

But given what is at stake, it will be hard to see the likes of Cruize Ciallella, Joe Barningham and Vikramjit Singh putting in sub-par performances.

Singh, a representative for the Netherlands at under-19 level, was brilliant against the Beavers last week, with his flight troubling the Beavers.

In order for the Redbacks to advance, support will be needed for Tassone, John Richardson and Jono Whitney.

Statistically, the trio routinely get among the runs and once they depart, the remaining batting card can struggle.

At Forrest Park, Marist host Leschenault in the second semi-final, with the winner getting a direct path into the grand final.

In many ways, this match is a “free hit” for both, as neither side can be eliminated but off the field, a positive result would have a major impact.

On the one hand, there is Leschenault, a club who has worked so hard to get to the top and stay there, while Marist have also endured a hiatus of silverware for the best part of a decade.

The Blues should go into Saturday as slight favourites due to their recent form, with odds-on BDCA “cricketer of the year” favourite Brayden Clarke looming as a danger man for the Green Caps.