Blues’ attack bowls over the Beavers

Marist claimed top spot on the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association ladder thanks to a six-wicket win over reigning champions Eaton at Forrest Park on Saturday.

Blues captain Reece O’Connell sent the Beavers into bat after winning the toss and fast bowler Jack Wilson (1-34 off seven overs) rewarded his captain with the early wicket of Matt Davies (6).

Harry Creasey then ran out Troy Lewis (1) giving Marist the perfect start, with Eaton 2-19.

A 41-run partnership between Don Seaman (36) and James Hillery (19) got Eaton back on track, but Ben Shipley (2-35 off nine overs) removed them both in quick succession to put Marist back in front. Creasey (2-16 off 10 overs) and O’Connell (4-17 off eight overs) then destroyed the middle and lower order of the Beavers, with Marist taking the final six wickets for 36 runs.

Beavers captain Clint Hewson was the first to fall, with Creasey trapping him lbw for just one, before Liam O’Mara was caught behind off O’Connell for five.

Creasey cleaned up Justin Prentice’s stumps, dismissing him for just one run, before O’Connell removed both Jacob Van Bavel (0) and Jarred Edwards (1).

Clayton Caltsounis put on a quick cameo of 24 runs, including two consecutive sixes off O’Connell, before he was caught behind by Adam Spinelli to have Eaton all out for just 102 runs.

Caltsounis (1-13 off five overs) continued his momentum with the ball, removing Sam Roots for a duck, before Steve Barron (1-28 off five overs) removed the in-form Corey Fitt for just eight runs.

Kyle Davis (19) and O’Connell settled the innings, before Seaman got his first wicket, removing the former thanks to a good catch from Barron.

Brayden Clarke (25 off 17 balls) smashed the bowlers all around the ground, but Seaman again struck, leaving Marist 4-75.

O’Connell (37 not out) and Spinelli (12 not out) finished the job comfortably, with the Blues passing the total in the 22nd over.