Marist fall by five wickets to top of the pack Eaton

Eaton continued along their merry way at the top of the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association standings after comfortably defeating Marist by five wickets on Saturday at the Eaton Sports Ground.

The Beavers, who have won six of their opening seven matches in 2018-19, took control against the Blues after absorbing early pressure.

Winning the toss and batting first, Blues skipper Reece O’Connell and his men fought their way to 178, after a fine half century by Kyle Davis.

Despite being supported by solid starts by the Blues middle order, the visitors were not allowed to get away from the stranglehold spinner Corey Fitt had on them, with the Beavers ace snaring personal best figures of 4-49.

In reply, the hosts lost Fitt early in their innings — but with Ricky Marsh (37), Chris Marrow (30) and James Hillery (48*) all contributing, they cruised to victory with 15 overs to spare.

Leschenault consolidated their spot in the top four after a gritty 44-run victory over Hay Park on the road.

Green Caps skipper Tom Buchanan won the toss and elected to bat, but the start was anything but auspicious with Nathan Douch, Kurt D’Agostino and class act Buchanan falling to lively left-armer Grant Milbanke.

However, consistent Jarrod Quinn posted seven boundaries and Steven Dennison smashed five sixes in a storming fourth wicket rescue act, which resulted in the visitors posting an imposing target of 239 off 45 overs.

In response, the Redbacks started brightly, with an 84-run opening stand.

The Green Caps bowling brigade had other ideas, gradually getting on top and stalling the home side at 8-194 by the close of play.

In the remaining game of the round, Colts defeated Dalyellup Beach by 43 runs, with the reigning premiers inspired by a superb spell of bowling from Tyler King, who nabbed 2-5 off four overs.