BDCA: Close finish and dominant performance in first week of finals in women’s first grade plus upset in men’s

The first week of Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association women’s first grade finals got off to a hot start with a close finish and dominant performances advancing teams to the next round. Bunbury Eagles booked their grand final tickets after a commanding performance with bat and ball in Sunday’s qualifying final against Donnybrook, winning by nine wickets. Away from home, Bunbury won the toss and elected the bowl and took consistent wickets throughout the innings, bowling Donnybrook out for 76. Lily Finlay (4-12 from six) had the ball on a string, taking a hat-trick in her fifth over and dismissed all victims bowled. Lucy Mullens (25 not out off 35) and Beth Lockley (37no off 60) guided Eagles home with ease, chasing the total one wicket down in 16.3 overs. Harvey-Benger held their composure in a tense finish to secure a thrilling two-run win over Leschenault. In the home elimination final clash, Harvey-Benger compiled 8-123 from their 30 overs after being sent in to bat. Brooke Vantwist provided early runs with a brisk 36 from 29 balls including five boundaries, while Rebecca Fry anchored the innings with a patient 20 from 64. Leschenault skipper Jenelle Wilson led from the front, claiming 3-19 from six overs. In reply, Leschenault’s Bec Campbell stood tall with an unbeaten 40 from 43 balls including four boundaries. Wicketkeeper Shelly O’Byrne contributed with 31 from 68 deliveries while Ann Martin hung around with a patient 25 from 45 balls to keep the chase on track. Leschenault finished two-runs short at 5-121 with Harvey-Benger advancing to next weeks preliminary final against Donnybrook. Meanwhile in the men’s first grade competition Leschenault caused another upset, defeating Hay Park by 107 runs. The loss for the Redbacks will prove to be costly with the side now a slim chance to sneak into finals. Leschenault skipper Robert Turner (83 off 112) and Kiran Kullar (67 off 122) built a 146-run partnership together, steering the visitors to 5-222 from 50 overs. Hay Park proved no match for Leschenault’s attack, spearheaded by Jaxon Standing (3-18 from seven) and Kane Standing (3-19 from 5.3) bowling the Redbacks out for 115 in 34.3 overs. Colts’ match-up with Dalyellup was abandoned. Dalyellup batted first and set 8-176 with Jaxon Cornford not out on 75 for the visitors. Jaxon Magennis was again the key for Colts with the ball taking 4-24 from his 10 overs. Colts were 6-69 from 22.3 overs before the match was abandoned.