O’Connell puts Green Caps in a spin

Marist’s Reece O'Connell spun his way back into Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association ranks in a match-winning display against Leschenault on Sunday — claiming 5-24.

The 2012-13 Willetton Cricket Club player of the year's left-arm orthodox bowling mystified the Green Caps’ batsmen, as Marist cruised to a comprehensive 52-run victory at Leschenault Turf.

In his first outing since the 2014-15 BDCA season, O'Connell removed Leschenault's Rod Shemeld, James Letchford, Jarrad Quinn, Kris Cumming and Michael Newman. Chasing a competitive 193-run target, Leschenault were in trouble at 1/23 when Matt Anderson had opener Jake Eardley-Wilmot caught at second slip with a slow, wide delivery.

Crafty opener Jarrad Quinn and wicket-keeper batsman Matt Buchanan set out to resurrect the Green Caps’ innings with a positive mindset after the early loss.

Buchanan exerted his intent and hooked Marist’s English import Chris Laker for a six over fine-leg. However, Laker had the last laugh when umpire Colin Hazelden rewarded the quick with Buchanan's wicket for 14 following an elongated LBW shout.

Marist’s Ben Shipley quickly dismissed Green Caps captain Tom Buchanan (four) and Kurt D’Agostino (three). Marist captain Adam Spinelli then brought O'Connell into the attack and it had immediate effect as he removed Shemeld with a tidy stumping.

The innings was all but over when O'Connell claimed opener Quinn for a hard-fought 71 to have the Green Caps at 8/133, before the spinner snared Leschenault's two remaining wickets.