Harvey-Benger’s second grade suffers stinging defeats as fourth grade defeats Marist

Harvey-Benger Cricket Club’s second grade were soundly defeated at home at the hands of Colts on Saturday.

Home team captain Matt Chave won the toss and elected to bat, with new opening combination Francois Roelofsz and Haydn Jones attempting to get the side on the board, before Roelofsz was trapped leg before wicket by Sam Lockley.

Scott Fowler joined Jones at the crease before he skied a pull shot off Aiden McLaren to be dismissed for 12.

Jones departed shortly after caught down the leg side for seven. Joseph Cambrea came and went quickly for one, with Chave then joining young batter Brady Oxford to put on 54 runs before both were dismissed. The side went on to lose six for 12, bowled out for 99.

Colts had a rocky start with the team 2-14 after 10 overs, before they regained momentum with opener Declan Boston and Paul Jones. Both were then dismissed within two overs.

Flynn Fazey and Bailey Alexander quickly snuffled out the home side’s victory chances and Colts went on to win by six wickets.

The Harvey-Benger fourth grade side had a better weekend, producing a strong all-around performance to defeat Marist by 37 runs at Forrest Park on Saturday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Harvey-Benger openers Rowan Morrison and Tyler Bozanich started well before Bozanich was caught trying to pull on a slow wicket.

The visitors’ middle order all chipped in with partnerships to see the score along to 8-129 before Shane Ytting exploded, launching several big hits.

The newcomer to the club this season reached his first Harvey-Benger half century before being run out for 52.

With Marist chasing 169 all-out, veteran David Cooper carried on fine form from the previous week, taking 4-22.

Marist dug in through the middle overs, but exceptional fielding saw Harvey-Benger make the most of half chances and take wickets.

The home side’s innings was ended by a second run out for the day, with Marist all-out for 132 in the 34th over.

After starting their season on a high, Harvey-Benger’s second grade women’s team suffered a disappointing washout on Sunday at home against Leschenault.

Captain Megan Minton won the toss and elected to bowl in great conditions, with Leschenault finding the going tough.

Wickets were taken at regular intervals by Trinity Brown (2-7), Brooke Vantwist (3-12), Megan Minton (1-8), Sammie Bozanich (1-11) and Danae Stalteri (1-8).

Harvey-Benger started their run on Leschenault’s 69 total with openers Fluer Parker and Taneeka de Ridder and looked to chase the total down quickly but the rain beat them, washing the game out and leaving the points shared between the two sides.

The club’s sides will be heading to Dalyellup at the weekend, with the second grade men’s team to celebrate Haydn Jones’ 300th game and the fourth grade men hoping to exact revenge for last year’s preliminary final loss.

Harvey will also host a Country Cup fixture on Sunday with the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association taking on the WA Invitational XI.