Redbacks home in thriller over Marist

Hay Park recorded a thrilling one run home victory over Marist in Saturday’s Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association fixture under gloomy skies.

After the visitors appeared to be on course for victory, some quality bowling at the death from the Redbacks stemmed momentum and ensured they held their nerve during a tense final over.

The Blues won the toss and sent the hosts in, with the heavy cloud cover dominating discussion as Redbacks openers Jono Whitney and Punya Bahl took guard.

An untimely rain delay ensured the match was reduced to 42 overs per side, although this did not appear to faze Whitney who dispatched the Blues attack with ease at times.

After putting together 74 runs during their opening stand, Bahl was cleverly stumped by Blues keeper Adam Spinelli while trying to take an aerial route.

The visitors then attained further reward for their efforts through Reece O’Connell (5-23 off nine overs) and Brayden Clarke (0-35 off nine overs) who helped subside the Redbacks’ run rate.

Whitney’s heroics eventually came to an end on 89, when he was caught behind by Spinelli – however an innings comprised of 10 boundaries and two sixes helped the Redbacks construct a defendable target.

Chasing 180 for victory off 42 overs, the Blues began steadily, with Spinelli and Clarke putting on a 91 run opening stand.

Spinelli was then run out and a steady tumble of Blues wickets followed, although they appeared to still be in control with one over left.

Dylan Gordon then came to the rescue for the Redbacks, with his catch to dismiss Joshua Vague sealing victory.

In other matches, Colts cruised to an eight wicket victory over Leschenault, while Eaton recorded a strong victory over Dalyellup Beach.