Colts survive Collie scare

Colts are a step closer to securing a finals berth thanks to a four-wicket win over Collie at Roche Park on Saturday.

The Coalminers set Colts a modest chase of just 128, but they took advantage of a young top order to push their opposition until late in the game.

Collie struggled to 9-128 from their 50 overs, with Bailey Moloney (38) and Seth White (33) the best of their batsmen. Josh Topliss (3-36 off 10 overs) was a welcome return for Colts First Grade side, removing Brayden Kent for a duck.

Jake Boyle (1-19 off 10 overs) then dismissed the dangerous Blair Malatesta for 22, before Joe Barningham (3-18 off 10 overs) got his first wicket when he had Austin Kent (1) trapped lbw.

Barningham then held a return catch to remove Mark Williams (8) and Greg Tomasini (7) then watched his stumps fly as Connor Ipsen (1-17 off 10 overs) got into the game.

A solid 53-run stand between Moloney and White helped Collie past 100, but they lost four wickets for just 12 runs.

Colts were without stalwart Murray Goodwin and Collie took advantage early, with Jason Borrett (2-21 off seven overs) taking the wickets of both openers, Ipsen (2) and Jayden Goodwin (6).

Ayden Parkin (1-15 off five overs) removed Lee Sorfleet for just one run and Colts were struggling at 3-16. Mitch Fraser (9) and James Anderson (34) settled the innings with a 32-run stand before Fraser was dismissed by Williams (2-34 off 10 overs).

Collie then seemingly regained control with two quick wickets, as Anderson became Williams’ second victim and Colts captain Cruize Ciallella (1) was trapped lbw by Brayden Kent (1-42 off nine overs).

An unbeaten 58-run partnership between Jordan Stynes (42 not out) and Barningham (21 not out) powered Colts past the total.