Collie smash Marist

Controversy surrounded Collie’s 103-run thumping of Marist at Forrest Park on Saturday.

Tom Plummer (64 runs) and captain Greg Tomasini (43) sent the Blues’ bowlers to all parts of the ground as Collie set a massive 9/245 off their 50 overs.

Blues speedster Jack Wilson (3-47 off nine overs) got Marist off to a good start by bowling Brayden Kent (10), before Plummer and Blair Malatesta (18) put on 65 runs.

Reece O’Connell (1-36 off 10 overs) eventually stopped Plummer’s onslaught, before Brayden Clarke (1-21 off six overs) dismissed Malatesta to have Collie at 3/105.

This brought Austin Kent and Tomasini to the crease, who put on a quick 72-run partnership.

Wilson eventually sent both batsmen back to the pavilion, before a cameo performance from Jaxon Pitts (26 not out) helped Collie finish off the innings.

Young fast bowler Ayden Parkin (2-49 off 8.5 overs) got Collie off to a good start with the ball, having English opener Max Bryant caught behind for just six runs.

Sam Roots (10) was then adjudged lbw off the bowling of Jason Borrett (1-19 off seven overs).

Then O’Connell was run out for a diamond duck, when the ball was thrown in from the boundary to Tomasini who whipped the bails off.

This sent the Blues’ fans and players into turmoil, with claims that the fielder’s legs were over the boundary when he flicked the ball in, which would have meant the ball had gone for four.

After a quick talk from umpires Phillip Hare and Stuart Miller, O’Connell was sent from the field in controversial fashion, leaving Marist reeling at 3/26.

From here consistent wickets fell, with Kyle Davis (10), Brayden Clarke (9), Adam Spinelli (4), Corey Fitt (26) and Wilson (2) all finding it tough. A small cameo from Alan Utterson (19) helped the Blues pass 100, before a 33-run final-wicket stand from Ben Shipley (32 runs off 23 balls) and Josh Seale, saw them to 142.

But it was never going to be enough, with Brayden Kent (2-11 off seven overs) and Mark Williams (2-30 off 4.5 overs) bowling well.