Malatesta’s century not enough for Collie

A sensational century from Collie’s Blair Malatesta was not enough to stop Hay Park from claiming a five-wicket win at Hay Park on Saturday.

Batting first, Collie posted a seemingly competitive 173 from 38.1 overs, with first drop batsman Malatesta starring, hitting 113 from 120 deliveries.

Unfortunately for the Coalminers, there was no other batsman who could stay with Malatesta long enough to build a solid partnership, as the Redbacks’ bowlers took wickets regularly.

Jono Whitney (2-20 off five overs) struck first by trapping Tom Plummer (2) lbw, before Chris Waddingham (2-29 off eight overs) had Connor Mumme (3) caught by Luke Dupreez. Bailey Moloney made just one run in a 29-run stand with Malatesta, before Nicholas DeGrys (2-21 off seven overs) claimed his wicket, before bowling Fraser Hislop (13) not long after.

Jack Charters (2-40 off eight overs) got the big wickets of Mark Williams (2) and Seth White (2) and then Charlie Home (2-46 off 7.1 overs) had Matt Tanner (10) caught by Shaun Bulman. Jason Borrett (19) tried his best to counter-attack, but was Home’s second victim.

Waddingham returned into the attack to dismiss Dale Elvins (0) before Whitney ended Malatesta’s innings.

Elvins (1-35 off three overs) gave Collie some hope early when he bowled Jono Miller for a golden duck, but a 60-run partnership between Michael Tassone (49) and Home (50) settled the innings.

Home made his half century off just 31 balls, but Ryan Loxton (1-31 off four overs) got his wicket thanks to a catch from Malatesta.

Whitney (18), Tom Scott (18) and Chris Waddingham (28 not out) smashed Collie’s bowlers around the park to get the Redbacks to 5-177 in the 24th over.