Bunbury start championships with tight victory

The Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association kicked off its CSBP Country Cricket Championships campaign in style on Sunday, defeating rivals Busselton-Margaret River by one wicket at Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara.

Marist spinner Corey Fitt set up the victory with the ball, taking 4-42 off 18 overs to dismiss the opposition for just 155.

Blues teammate Chris Laker was also handy with the ball, taking 3-21, while Liam Renton and Joe Barningham chipping in with a wicket each.

Bunbury kicked off their run chase poorly, losing seven wickets for 102 runs with their powerful top order failing to fire.

Fitt (one), Dan Lomax (four), Laker (16), Brendan Jones (one) and captain Clayton Caltsounis (19) all struggled with the bat.

But powerful opener James Hillery rescued the side, scoring a powerful 51 off just 61 deliveries to give the Bunbury side a chance.

A last wicket partnership of Eaton’s Jamie Martin and Renton got the BDCA home with a wicket to spare, but the side was dismissed for 173 in chase of bonus points.

In the second grade, Bunbury picked up a 117-run win over Eastern Districts.

Wicketkeeper Kevin Banwell top scored with 89 and took three catches as the BDCA dismissed their opposition for just 116 in reply to their 9/293.

In the third grade, the BDCA was unable to chase down Lakes Cricket Associations’ 161, despite the opposition giving up 70 sundries.

Norman Bedford tried his best with 25 runs and three wickets for just 31 from 10 overs.