Resolution turns Blues’ year around

A couple of months ago there was serious talk of a New Year’s resolution in the Marist camp.

The Blues were determined to climb back up the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association ladder.

At the time, the decorated club was propping up the ladder of the first grade with three wins and four losses to start the season.

Captain Adam Spinelli and his determined Blues made good on their resolution when they began their climb on January 7.

Now comes the final home and away set of fixtures and the Blues are poised to retain their spot in the top four as the finals approach.

With Colts and Eaton well ahead of the pack, the big game this weekend will be the between the Blues and reigning premiers Hay Park.

It is level pegging between the two sides this season.

Marist won the first encounter by 31 runs in November and the Redbacks replied with an 83-run walloping just six weeks later.

With wooden spooners Dalyellup Beach out of the running, the door is still open for two of three other clubs to join Colts and Eaton in next week’s semi-finals.

Marist lead those contenders on 33 points with Leschenault just three behind and Hay Park two further back on 28.

All eyes will be on the Blues and the Redbacks at Hay Park this Saturday, because the winner will seal one of the vacant spots.

Leschenault have a tough task in spite of their shock nine-wicket win over Eaton at the weekend.

The Green Caps will take on Colts, who will be out for a win after suffering their second loss of the season.

Should the Blues continue on their way, the Redbacks will need to hold their form and will rely on the batting of Kris Miller and Jono Whitney who have kept their side’s season alive with pivotal knocks.

The tip is for Colts to defeat Leschenault, making it imperative for the Redbacks to defeat the Blues if they hope to contest the finals.

However, a second boilover by the Green Caps will launch Tom Buchanan’s troops into the contention.