Wilson’s brilliance guides Colts home

Colts cemented second spot on the points table after easily accounting for the Eaton Beavers at the Bunbury Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Set 176 to win, the reigning champions were set up brilliantly by new recruit Vikramjit Singh, who laid the foundations for the critical victory.

Although they entered the match anchored to the bottom of the ladder, the Beavers were optimistic about their chances, with the inclusion of Steven Barron, Corey Fitt, James Hillery and Clayton Caltsounis shoring up their bowling attack.

The visitors made a positive start, with Fitt and Johnathon Miller putting on 31 for the first wicket.

However, when Colts skipper Cruize Ciallella turned to 14-year-old Nicholas Wilson and asked the youngster to make the ball talk, the Beavers were the ones who were left speechless.

Wilson (2-13, two maidens off seven overs) provided excellent raw pace in the searing heat, before the experienced heads of Joe Barningham and Ciallella mopped up the tail.

But it was not all doom and gloom for the Beavers, who had their loyalty to Hillery repaid as the master provided a scintillating innings of 64.

In reply, Singh and Brian Hughes rotated the strike with aplomb during the first couple of overs, before Hughes was caught by Vincent Poller.

This dismissal only appeared to galvanise the spirit of the hosts, with Singh and Paul Jones putting on 130 runs for the second wicket.

It was a tough day for the Beavers bowlers, with the heat appearing to intensify the longer the match went on.

Jacob Wintle (3-21 off 6.4 overs) was the pick of Eaton’s best, while Clint Hewson (1-24 off four overs) and Barron (0-30, three maidens off 10 overs) had quieter afternoons.

Colts reached 6-176 in the 39th over, before all players retreated for some well deserved shade.