THREE Year 7 grand finals in three years; could Donnybrook make it three wins in row? With rain threatening, a repeat of the nail-biting 2015 grand final at Balingup was looking likely, however the day dawned overcast but dry and a great morning of cricket followed. Finishing second on the ladder, Donnybrook defeated Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School by a mere three runs in the preliminary final. Their opponents, Colts, overcame the top team, Dalyellup, in similar fashion, so a close match was expected.
Colts won the toss and elected to bat first. An early wicket taken by Bryn Bursill (1 for 19) in the third over left Colts 1 for 10 and Donnybrook feeling confident. However, no more wickets were taken in the first innings even though Donnybrook's bowling was kept tight by Thomas Simmonds (0 for 13), Izaak Bedford (0 for 13) and Roman Torrisi (0 for 23). The Donnybrook fielders were quick on their feet, but Colts batting prowess meant they had a total of 1 for 77 off 14 overs.
Donnybrook were sent in to bat, but also lost an early wicket. They were 1 for 2 in the second over. Steady batting by opener Michael Osbourne (ret. 29) and number 3, Sam Russell (10) took the score to 52 before the next wicket fell in the 10th over. A third Donnybrook player lost their wicket just before the end of the first innings and the innings finished with Donnybrook 3 for 77.
Donnybrook went out to field knowing the way to win would be to take wickets quickly before Colts made a total too hard to reach. The wickets fell steadily in the next few overs. Roman Torrisi and Bryn Bursill assisted Luke Hutchinson with two run outs. Izaak Bedford took the bales off for a third run out, assisted by Bursill. Hutchinson (2 for 14) and Michael Osbourne (1 for 10) each bowled one of the Colts out and Bursill then caught one off Hutchinson's bowling. Sam Russell caught one off the bowling of Phillip Wringe (1 for 9) to take the final wicket and the second innings finished with Colts all out for 119 with 5 overs to spare. Dedication for fielding resulted in Donnybrook’s Cameron Wright having to leave the field with a knock to the head.
With a target of 120 runs Donnybrook's second spell of batting went well with the loss of only one wicket. The target crept closer with Hutchinson (ret. 29) and Bursill (ret. 17) adding to the score. By the 21st over the run target was reached with Reuben Powell getting them over the line with a shot he and Phillip Wringe managed to run two on. Donnybrook became the victors.
Coach Stuart Simmonds, was proud of the effort the cricketers put in on the day.