Buchanans take to Hay Park’s attack

Leschenault have taken fourth spot on the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association ladder with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Hay Park on Saturday.

Green Caps’ captain Tom Buchanan (88 not out) and wicketkeeper Matt Buchanan (36 not out) took to the Redbacks’ bowlers, chasing down the modest total of 135 in the 23rd over at Leschenault.

The Redbacks won the toss and elected to bat first, but things started horribly, when recalled opener Steve Florance was bowled by James Letchford on the third ball of the innings for a duck.

Regular wickets fell for the rest of the innings, with Ryan Leybourne (11 runs), captain Jono Whitney (0), Michael Tassone (eight), Ashley Sbizzirri (two) and Chris McMillan (five) all failing to fire.

Experienced opener Dave Taylor saved the innings, scoring a patient 73 off 129 balls, as the Redbacks reached 9/135 at the end of their 50 overs.

Kris Cumming continued his good form with the ball for Leschenault, taking 3-10 off five overs, while Letchford (2-24 off 10 overs) and Jarrad Quinn (2-29 off 10 overs) were also impressive.

Quinn could not continue his solid game with the bat, being dismissed for eight by Reon Tither, but that would be the last time the Redbacks celebrated on the day.

The Buchanans belted the Redbacks’ bowling to all parts of the oval, with no bowler able to strike a rhythm and bowl with economy.

Leg spinner Shaun Towers went for 25 runs off two overs, while James Ewing (0-22 off two overs), Whitney (0-17 off three overs), Chris Waddingham (0-27 off five overs) and Tither (1-22 off four overs) were all handled with ease by the Leschenault top order.

The victory had Hay Park drop from third to fifth on the ladder, with the reigning premiers now fighting to make finals.