All on the line for Beavers

After an uncharacteristic collapse in Saturday’s second semi-final loss to Colts, Eaton can redeem themselves against Leschenault in a home Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association preliminary final on Saturday.

But this assignment is easier said than done, considering the Green Caps’ recent form.

Restricting the reigning premiers to 7-208 on their home deck, the Beavers looked in prime position to chase down the target and build on their hard work in the field.

The visitors had other ideas, leaving the home side stranded on 4-10 in the sixth over – with Josh Topliss snaring 2-3 off his first two overs.

Eventually dismissed for 128 in the 39th over, brief cameos from Clint Hewson (28 off 30 balls) and Clayton Caltsounis (24 off 57 balls) shed some relief but ultimately were unable to result in match-defining efforts.

At Australind, The Green Caps ended Hay Park’s season with a three-wicket win, although they were pushed by a spirited fightback from the visitors.

Rolling the Redbacks for 168, the home side were in disarray at 3-18 before calming knocks from experienced skipper Tom Buchanan (49 off 100 balls) and Steven Denison (84 not out from 68 balls) ensured a first semifinal victory with 7.4 overs to spare.

Both teams have plenty to play for – the Beavers, minor premiers who have endured a series of late-season speed bumps on their road towards a grand final berth – and Leschenault are a talented side who never shy away from a challenge.

Last time they both met back in round 16, Leschenault held Eaton to 173, with Brody D’Agostino (4-34 off 8.4 overs) and James Letchford (3-29 off 10 overs) decimating the Beavers.

But they were unable to chase down the tally, falling 27 runs short.

The game starts at noon.