BDCA 2022: Marist-Eaton clash the pick of games across busy BDCA weekend

Over the past few seasons, both Marist and Eaton have developed one of the closest rivalries across the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association.

Given the fact both teams have so many quality players, routinely matches have gone down to the wire, with the eventual victor always having to dig deep to get over the line.

The latest chapter of this absorbing match up will be written on Saturday afternoon at Forrest Park, when the Blues host the Bobtails.

Although missing a few players — including sharpshooters Julian Crudeli and Liam Renton — last week during their home opener against Donnybrook, the Bobtails were rolled for 76 in their pursuit of 130.

Eaton stalwart Clayton Caltsounis made no excuses for the loss and believed Saturday’s game would be an ideal chance for the Bobtails to get back into the swing of things.

“I would not say it was about worrying after the game,” he said.

“It was more about getting the group together and making sure everyone was settled.

“We said to them that you are not going to win a grand final after round one, nor are you going to necessarily finish bottom for the season.

“The group stayed pretty level about it all.

“Both sides (Eaton and Marist) match up pretty well against each other — so if they line up how they have in the past and we get a couple more troops back, it should be a good game.”

Blues skipper Kyle Davis is equally excited about the clash, as the Blues aim to make it two wins in the space of six days, after crushing Collie by nine wickets on Sunday at Roche Park.

“We have built a really good rivalry with Eaton over the last three or four years,” Davis said.

“They are always close games, whether we are at home or at Eaton. We use them (the contests) as a measuring stick to see how we are tracking team and individual wise.

“They are quality opposition, with lots of good players. So hopefully this weekend, we measure up to them and get the right result.”

At Egan Park, Donnybook square off against Colts, although they are likely to be on high alert should Cruize Ciallella line up for the visitors.

Ciallella, a quality all-rounder, has the potential to cash in heavily on the Egan Park pitch, which has been extremely kind to spin bowlers over the past 12 months.

In other matches, Leschenault entertain Hay Park on Saturday at Leschenault Recreation Park, while Dalyellup host Collie on Sunday morning at Dalyellup College.