Slow opening for batsmen this season

Batsmen have found the going tough across the opening two weekends of the 2019-20 Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association season, with not one player having hit a half century.

A near-miss of 49 not out from Leschanault’s Tom Buchanan, a classy 41 from former WA Country opener Justin Woods (Leschenault) and 40 not out by new Marist signing Corey Fagan are the best batting returns to date.

With bowlers relishing the conditions, the onus will be on all batsmen to tweak their games and spend more time at the crease this weekend.

An out-of-sorts Eaton Beavers will entertain Leschenault at the Eaton Sports Ground on Saturday, with lanky Green Caps opener Matt Fink in prime position to have another big afternoon.

Fink, who showed plenty of character at the crease against the Redbacks, put on a solid opening 62-run stand with Kurt D’Agostino, which put the Green Caps in a fantastic position and he will be keen to back up this display.

The Beavers followed up their shaky batting effort against Marist last week with a determined bowling response.

Defending 81, the Beavers managed to push the home side every step of the way, who finished on 6-85.

Skipper Clint Hewson (4-19 off seven hours) was solid with the ball and could pose several problems for the visitors, while the return of James Hillery will be an added boost for the Beavers.

At the Bunbury Recreation Ground, Colts host Hay Park, with the reigning premiers entering the match with a quality bowling line up.

Vickramjit Singh, Cruize Ciallella, Paul Jones, Joe Barningham, Riley Miguel and Josh Topliss should test the Redbacks’ batting list, who fell away against the Green Caps last week after making a positive start.

Ahead of the clash, Colts club president Jaysen Miguel feels the club is in a good place right now.

“Even our girls won last week after a lean start last season with their first ever victory,” he said.

“We are travelling pretty well.”