BDCA: Colts storm into their fifth consecutive grand final after all-round preliminary final performance

Colts have stormed into their fifth consecutive grand final after an all-round team performance against Marist in Saturday’s Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association first-grade semifinal. It will be a hat-trick of grand final match-up’s between Dalyellup and Colts this weekend, with the ledger sitting at one apiece after Dalyellup’s win last season, and Colts’ the season prior. Colts have won two and lost two of their four grand finals in a row, and skipper Tim Hutchison is happy with how the season has panned out so far. “We’re really proud of that achievement as a club, especially this year when we’ve gone through a bit of a transition and blooding some young talent,” he said after the win. Opening batters Bradman May and Kyle Potter, and bowlers Blair Oakley and Jacob Wintle, will prove to be the keys for Dalyellup, with Colts knowing what they have to do in the two-day match-up. “They rely heavily with the guys at the top of the order, with bat and ball, so we’ll try to have good starts and get ourselves in a good position,” Hutchison said. After Marist won the toss and elected to bat, Colts were able to put the pressure on the opening batters early, with only 12 runs coming from the first 10 overs. Drew Thomas was caught at first slip to a good diving catch by Hutchison off Sam Lockley for only 5 off 37 balls. Tyne Dodds was given a half-volley outside off stump to get off the mark with a four from his first delivery, giving Marist some much-needed momentum. Dodds was also caught at slip by Hutchison, this time off Jaxon Magennis’ bowling for 16 off 30. Haydn Slodecki then strolled to the crease and started a much-needed partnership with opener Samuel Roots. Roots finished with 42 off 94, with the side on 3-96 after 35 overs bowled. Colts continued to keep the foot down, holding the run rate and taking consistent wickets, restricting Marist to 9-140 from their 50 overs. Slodecki was dismissed for 42 off 94, while Cruize Ciallella led the way for Colts with 3-35, Hutchison took 2-22, and Lockley, Magennis and Clayton Caltsounis all chipped in with one. Colts got off to a great start in the chase, being 1-60 from 14 overs after Christian Pitcher hit a quick 24. Sam Allen was caught and bowled by Dodds for a duck, then opener Hutchison was sent back to the shed lbw for 39 off Sheldon Johnson, with Marist now gaining some momentum and giving themselves a chance. Young in-form star Morgan Baxter (31 not out off 52) and club legend Murray Goodwin (39 not out off 31) then combined at the crease and proved too good for Marist, cruising to the seven-wicket win with 17.5 overs to spare. Colts will have to compete for the flag against in-form Dalyellup, who have won five of their last six completed fixtures.