United Marist run deep

The two best teams so far this Bunbury and District Cricket Association season will clash tomorrow when Marist host Eaton at Forrest Park.

Eaton, the reigning premiers, sit one game clear of the Blues and have bragging rights over their opposition, claiming a comfortable six-wicket win in round five.

Aaron Quartermaine took four wickets that day and former Marist opener Matt Foreman starred for the Beavers with 52 runs to guide Eaton past the Blues modest total of 147 in the 38th over.

The Blues will be without English import Max Bryant for the rest of the year after the opening batsman decided to return home, while in-form seamer Alan Utterson is expected to miss this Saturday’s clash.

Marist captain Reece O’Connell will return to the side after his Country XI duties. “We are excited to get back into it and get the points,” he said.

O’Connell said there was plenty of depth at Marist to cover any losses this weekend.

“It is probably good for us to give Uttsy a break as he has had a hefty workload,” he said.

“And we have plenty of batsmen to replace Maxy.”

O’Connell said the middle order had been batting well and their bowlers had been performing.

“I think we are showing good signs,” he said.

“Brayden Clarke is getting into good knick and so is Spina (Adam Spinelli) and that is why we are having success.”

O’Connell said Eaton fast bowlers Clayton Caltsounis and Clint Hewson needed to be respected.

“James Hillery is also a big wicket as he is a quality batsman and can do some damage,” he said.

“Steve Barron is also a wily bowler and is clever, so you have to respect him and value your wicket.”

O’Connell said every player had bought into the culture of the club and that had turned the team’s form around.

“Everyone is on the same page in the direction that we want to go,” he said.

“We are young team and we are just finding our way when it comes to playing cricket.

“The team is really strong and united.

“We are building a way of playing cricket where everyone values their wicket and everyone puts in when they are bowling.

“Early season guys weren’t confident and did not know the role they had to play.

“Now people rock up on Saturday knowing their role.

“Also when guys get along they want to win for each other, which is important.”

In the other games this weekend, Collie play Colts at Roche Park and Leschenault host Hay Park.