Green Caps’ middle order put in a spin

Colts have continued their push for the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association First Grade premiership, chasing down Leschenault’s modest total of 136 with six wickets in hand on Saturday.

The Green Caps won the toss and elected to bat at the Recreation Ground in what was viewed as a good move on a nice deck.

And Leschenault got off to a good start despite the loss of Kurt D’Agostino for just seven runs, with Jarrad Quinn (72) and wicketkeeper Matt Bucchanan (32) combining for a solid 96-run partnership.

But Colts all-rounder Cruize Ciallella was not prepared to let his opposition get away, bowling his left-arm tweakers with great success.

Ciallella dismissed both Quinn and Buchanan as Leschenault lost nine wickets for just 33 runs in a massive collapse, being bowled out for 136 off 46.4 overs.

The skipper finished with figures of 4-29 from his 10 overs, while opening bowler Jake Boyle was the other multiple wickettaker, with 2-23 off 10 overs.

Colts run chase did not start smoothly, with Jayden Goodwin being dismissed for 13 runs.

Nick Barr was then stumped by Buchanan off the bowling of Matt Dodds, leaving Colts teetering at 2/42.

But opener James Anderson (35) and Murray Goodwin (28) steadied the ship, before Ciallella (22 not out) and Joe Barningham (26 not out) got Colts passed the total in the 37th over.

Barningham took the attack to the opposition, blasting two sixes in his short fire innings, leaving little doubt to who is the best team in the BDCA at the moment.

No Leschenault bowler took multiple wickets, with James Letchford (1-12 off eight overs) and Kris Cumming (1-22 off five overs) the best for the Green Caps.

Colts will now prepare to take on Hay Park this weekend, while Leschenault will be hunting a victory against Dalyellup Beach.