BDCA shines in big victory

A heroic second-wicket partnership between John Richardson and Brayden Clarke inspired the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association to a gritty 46-run A-section victory over Peel Cricket Association in round one of the 2020 Alcohol Think Again Senior Country Week championships in Port Kennedy.

Unfazed by Kurt D’Agostino’s early dismissal, Richardson and Clarke put on a swashbuckling 148-run partnership, which left the home side bereft of ideas.

Whether it was spin at both ends, changing field placements after each delivery or even chatter in the slips, both men kept the runs ticking over, much to the delight of the vocal BDCA contingent in the stands.

But all good things come to an end.

Despite looking on course for a century, Clarke’s optimism while on 64 got the better of him, with Peel keeper Teague Wyllie putting a halt to his 111-ball knock.

Richardson proved a harder nut to crack for Peel, with his century drawing uniform applause — such was the manner in how he constructed it.

He was eventually removed by Daniel Abel for 109, but the momentum secured off his deeds appeared to have fuelled the BDCA into an unwavering surge of belief.

With a strong score imminent, the South West side threw caution to the wind, with Clint Hewson (42 off 25 balls) rubbing further salt into Peel’s wounds during the final 10 overs.

Defending 271, Tom Buchanan elected to open his bowling attack with Liam Renton and Leschenault teammate Brody D’Agostino.

The pair were extremely diligent during their respective spells and in due course, removed Peel openers Brad Holmes and Jamie Lee.

Belief slowly turned into angst for the home supporters as the run rate began to climb, and once Hewson and Josh Topliss began to turn the screws, their hopes looked gone.

However at 8-126 and overs whittling away, tail-ender Abel (49 off 42 balls) dug his heels in alongside Daniel Jones (70 not out) and threatened to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.

Keen to ensure his teammates got their campaign on the right note, a jaffa from Hewson knocked over Abel, which signalled the eventual end of their fleeting revival on 224.

The BDCA continued its unbeaten start to the campaign yesterday, after defeating Geraldton by five wickets.