Gillies’ ton seals the deal

A masterful 103 from Shawn Gillies spurred Marist to a massive 123-run win over Leschenault on Saturday at Forrest Park. It was a ruthless all-round display from the Blues, who showed no mercy against the Green Caps from the opening ball. The home side made the most of being sent in to bat by Leschenault skipper Matt Fink, with Gillies and Sam Roots (16 off 28 balls) both getting their eye in early. Despite a number of Green Caps bowlers in good form heading into the clash, they were no match for Gillies, who peppered them across the Forrest Park field. Such was the fearsome aerial assault from the Blues, even astute spinners Shehzad Gondal (0-57 off 10 overs) and Matthew Bowles (2-70 off 10 overs) found the going tough in the early stages of their spells. Bowles did, however, claim the breakthrough of Gillies in the 32nd over, after he lobbed a ball into the arms of Nico Le Roux. An excellent partner during Gillies’ knock was Haydn Slodecki, who was prepared to soak up balls and defend when needed. However, he also managed to turn the screws late, finishing with a tidy 84 off 97 balls — which ensured the Blues set the visitors a hefty 258 to chase down. The target was always going to be a big ask for the Green Caps, especially given the fact they were without superstar Tom Buchanan. Blues seamer Jack Wilson (4-21 off 6.1 overs) began strongly from the railway end, removing in-form Shaun Flanagan with his fifth ball. This success was followed by youngster Bailey Wootton (2-29 off nine overs), much to the delight of the Marist women’s team, who were on hand celebrating their ladies’ day function. A hard-fought 34 off 53 late in the innings by experienced campaigner Kurt D’Agostino ensured the Green Caps lingered a little longer in the contest, despite the result seemingly a foregone conclusion. D’Agostino’s fun eventually came to an end after he was stumped by Blues keeper Cooper Clarke-Dehring, following an enticing delivery from Brayden Clarke. Clarke (3-27 off 10 overs) and Wilson helped themselves to the remainder of the Green Caps tail end, as the Blues completed an ideal run-in to Saturday’s grand final replay against Eaton.