Buchanan stars for the Green Caps

An imposing innings from skipper Tom Buchanan propelled Leschenault Cricket Club to a dominant 55-run victory against Eaton on Saturday.

Buchanan blasted his way to an unbeaten 91 from only 78 deliveries, in a match-winning knock which included 11 fours and one mighty six.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Green Caps were in early trouble when opener Scott Langford was dismissed by Beavers quick Steven Barron for a first ball duck.

Jake Eardley-Wilmot (30) and wicket-keeper Matt Buchanan (35) then combined for a 67-run second-wicket partnership, before Eaton’s Justin Liebeck removed Eardley-Wilmot for 30.

With the score at 3/72 and Leschenault desperately needing to avoid a characteristic middle-order collapse, captain Buchanan strode to the crease and solidified the Green Caps’ innings.

Buchanan took to the Eaton bowlers with an the emphatic knock which lifted Leschenault’s total to 6/218 at the compulsory close.

It is the second time Buchanan has been stranded in the 90s against Eaton this season, after also making 92 not out against the Beavers in Round 5.

In reply, Leschenault had Eaton reeling at 5/97 with Buchanan claiming the prized-wickets of James Hillery (17) and Matt Foreman (26).

Green Caps’ youngster James Letchford and veteran Michael Newman helped remove the remaining Eaton batsmen.