In reply, Ben Nicholson (24) and Tosh Thamo (18) were the only batsmen to make starts, as the side were bowled out for 95 after 41 overs.

On the third slightly overcast day, the C-division side fielded first against Central Wheatbelt at Kalamunda.

Early breakthroughs by Mike Wallace (2/23) and Brett Scott (2/23) were backed up by tight bowling from Dave Hutchison (2/16), before Wayne Huckson (4/23) destroyed the tail, bowling out the opposition for only 88. Despite the small target, early wickets fell adding pressure before Darren Tassos (29) and Dave Hutchison (26) teamed up to steady the innings; Wayne Huckson (59) smashed his way and the team past the target to ensure the win.

The D-division side were again outplayed by a strong Port Hedland side. After being sent into bat first, Tosh Thamo (36) and Ben Nicholson (26) were again the standout batsmen in the side’s total of 113.

The target was reached by the opposition in the 19th over, with Tim Davies (2/46) doing some damage to the top order, Hugh Mitchell (2/57) snaring a couple of wickets in the middle order and Ben Nicholson (2/34) finishing with a couple towards the end of the allotted overs.

On the fourth day the C-division side lost its first and only match from a very winnable position. The winning Central Great Southern went on to lose the final.

Tristan Mead (2/35) and Brett Scott (4/62) were the pick of the bowlers in 16 over stints, as the opposition was bowled out for 156 in the 50th over.

In reply, Darren Tassos (50) stood tall as the side seemingly cruised towards the target at 3/99. But the last seven wickets fell for only nine runs and the side was bowled out for 108 in a disappointing finish.

The D-division side was powerless in defending a modest total of 85 after being sent into bat by Peel.

Tailenders Kai Hicks (18) and Tim Moore (20) were two of three batsmen to make double figures. The side was bowled out in the 46th over.

In reply, Peel reached the target in the in the 16th over and went on to make 164 before sending the side back in to bat again.

Resistance from Robbie Cross (19no) and Hugh Mitchell (15) avoided an overall outright loss.

Tim Moore (4/24) was the pick of the bowlers for Donnybrook-Blackwood.

The C-division side recorded a strong win over South Midlands on the fifth and final day.

Another good start by openers Phil Welsh (19) and Darren Tassos (23) had the score going in the right direction. Scott Tynan (53) and Wayne Huckson (45) putt in solid performances in the middle order to set up a target of 197.

Huckson then again starred with the ball, finishing with figures of four for 24 as the opposition wasbowled out for 104 in the 36th over.

Unfortunately, the D-division side was unable to post its maiden win on the last day against Fortescue, and in the process, lost their fifth straight coin toss.

On the up side, Hugh Mitchell returned the best bowling figures of any Donnybrook player (six for 39), as the opposition was bowled out for 240.

In reply, Bridgetown boys Matt Tassos (31) and Hugh Mitchell (24) were the only batsmen to fire in the side’s total of 98.

At the end of the week the association returned home with four wins from the 10 matches played, with the C-division side missing out on a finals berth by a few points.

The young D-division side is commended for its efforts against strong competition; but it will, unfortunately, be sent back to E-division next year.

All players are congratulated for their efforts over the long week, in particular the spirit in which the DBCA embodies.

The association would also like to acknowledge Dave Hutchison for his hard work in the absence of a team manager this year.

All scoresheets and statistics from the week will be available shortly on the association website www.dc-ca.com.au.