PRESTON VALLEY versus DONNYBROOK
DONNYBROOK Cricket Club pulled off a gutsy performance to hand Preston Valley its first defeat of the season, in yet another low-scoring derby at Egan Park on Saturday afternoon.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Donnybrook lost its first three wickets with only 16 runs on the board. This included a spectacular one-handed diving catch by keeper Andrew Clifford.
Brett Scott played a lone hand as anchor at the top of order, as runs were hard to come by off the tight bowling of Nathan and Dean Smith.
After Scott departed for a well-earned 38, Nathan Smith ripped through the middle order to have Donnybrook struggling at nine for 104.
Preston then managed to switch off for a 10-over period, in which captain Richard Licciardello and tail-ender Chris Morgan took full advantage, putting on 44 for the 10th wicket, as Donnybrook was eventually bowled out for 148 in the 45th over.
Nathan Smith (10-2-27-4) headed the Preston bowling attack, and was well supported by Dean Smith (4-2-9-2) and Danny Hartnup (6-1-23-2).
In reply, Preston made a strong start on the backs of Scott Tynan and Dean Smith, who put on 45-runs for the first wicket. Despite being dropped twice early on, Tynan wasn’t deterred and teamed up with Wayne Clifford to see the score race past 100 for the loss of only three wickets.
Tynan brought up his first half-century for the season with a well-timed cover-drive.
Shortly after, Clifford fell for 33 and was followed by Tynan (55), with the score on 5/121.
It was then up to Nathan Smith to steer the side home; however tight bowling from Neil Robertson and Chris Morgan did not allow the tail to wag and Preston’s unbeaten run came to an end. It fell six runs shy of the target, bowled out for 142 in the 41st over.
The best bowlers for Donnybrook were Chris Morgan (8-0-31-4), Brett Scott (7.2-3-12-2) and Dave Hutchison (10-0-28-2).
BRIDGETOWN versus GREENBUSHES
IN the other match this week, Bridgetown brushed aside Greenbushes-Balingup by 127 runs in their match at Bridgetown on Saturday afternoon.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Greenbushes lost its first wicket to a run-out, and then keeper Ben Nicholson completed an impressive one-handed catch by down the leg-side.
Jason Tunstall (14) provided some hope to the visitors with a series of boundaries; youngster Jacob Van Bavel again top-scored with 20; however when Troy Van Dimen and Tosh Thamo both lost their wickets for 13 runs, Greenbushes slumped to be all out 4 balls later for 90 runs in the 37th over.
Kim Gardiner (7.1-2-16-3) spearheaded the Bridgetown bowling attack, and was well supported by Gary Ryan (6-1-13-2).
In reply, opener Scott Elam showed his intentions early by smashing nine runs off the first over of the innings, before being caught in the slips after a top-edge. Hugh Mitchell (25) made another start, before Tassos brothers Darren and Matt helped themselves to the bowling with a spate of boundaries and one six each.
Standing in as skipper, Darren Tassos brought up his fourth half-century this season, and went on to top-score for his side with 83 before being caught by Chadd Richardson off Kai Hicks.
Rob Hornum eventually got his man, having Matt Tassos caught behind for 46, and finished his spell with a double-wicket maiden after Jamie Thompson completed a juggling catch in the slips.
Ryan Curry (10no) and Gary Ryan (3no) rounded out the last few overs and finished unbeaten in Bridgetown’s 7 for 217 after their 45 overs.
Rob Hornum (7-2-30-3) was the only bowler for Greenbushes to take more than one wicket.
ROUND WRAP UP
WITH only two rounds remaining, Preston Valley is certain to finish on top of the ladder, and will be looking to finish strongly against Boyup Brook away and Balingup-Greenbushes away, to complete another successful home and away season.
Bridgetown has a strong chance of finishing in second place with a good percentage. It should finish the season against Donnybrook next week in what will be a cracker of a match, before sitting out the bye in the final round.
Donnybrook look to peak at the right time and will be aiming to beat both Bridgetown and Boyup Brook at home to ensure a opportunity to play in back-to-back finals.
Boyup Brook was set back another match after Donnybrook’s win on the weekend. It will need to beat Preston Valley at home and Donnybrook away in round 15, to have any opportunity of claiming third spot.
For all match reports, scorecards and statistics, visit the DBCA website at www.dc-ca.com.au.
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