BDCA 2023: Colts planning for grand final without master blaster due to international tournament

Colts are highly likely to go into this weekend’s mouthwatering BDCA first-grade grand final against Marist at the Bunbury Recreation Ground without former Zimbabwe Test batter Murray Goodwin.

Goodwin is in South Africa representing Zimbabwe at the Over 50s Cricket World Cup and has already scored multiple centuries in the tournament.

“Murray at this stage is doubtful to play,” Colts captain Josh Topliss said.

“It is unfortunate because he has played a big part in the year. He will be spewing to miss it as well, but we have full faith in having the cattle to do it without him.”

Such is the nature of a two-day final, taking 20 wickets will almost guarantee a grand final victory.

Luckily for Topliss, one man who will definitely be there alongside him at the weekend is electric seamer Julius Sumerauer, who has been a revelation at the Bunbury Recreation Ground this season.

“It has been awesome having him in the side this year,” Topliss said.

“One thing we have probably lacked over the last couple of years is a real strike bowler.

“Some of us older guys do not quite have the same pace anymore to kind of frighten teams. So it has been awesome having Jules in the side — to act as a bit of an intimidator and we can use him in short, sharp spells.”

While Colts enter the decider fresh from a weekend off, Marist have taken a longer path, courtesy of victories in the first semifinal over Eaton and preliminary final over Leschenault.

Blues skipper Kyle Davis is tremendously proud of his players and will take comfort into the grand final knowing clever all-rounder Brayden Clarke will be available for selection.

While there will be no reinventing of the wheel at Forrest Park this week, Davis and the coaching staff will outline the significance of the two-day grand final format.

“It is something we will touch on at training during the week,” he said.

“The two-day format that we will play is completely different to the regular season.

“If we can capitalise on day one, and get an advantage either by leading or being really close, that would be great heading into the second day.”

Both Topliss and Davis praised all players within their clubs, with Colts or the Blues featuring in five of the six senior men’s and women’s BDCA grand finals this year.

“It is great to see the club doing well across all grades — and all grades have had their challenges throughout the season,” Davis said.

“To have four of our six teams play in grand finals is a fantastic effort.”

Play starts at 10am on Saturday.