Harvey-Benger Cricket Club continue dominance post-country week with wins for second and fourth grade teams

Harvey-Benger’s second and fourth grade sides continued their winning form on the weekend, with both teams coming away with convincing victories.

HBCC’s second grade side continued their winning form post the country week break with a convincing five-wicket win over Burekup away from home.

Losing the toss and finding themselves in the field, Harvey struggled to take early wickets on the synthetic wicket that offered very little for the bowlers.

They did eventually take a few wickets with Burekup finding themselves 4–116 at the middle drinks break. Post-drinks, Harvey found another gear and were able to penetrate more frequently.

Kye McCreery and Francois Roelofsz were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each. Burekup were eventually bowled out for 152.

In reply, Harvey had an even contribution from most batters.

Zak Italiano made a destructive 35 off 27 and he had able support through Kyle Hickman (22 not out) and Harley Italiano (32 off 19).

Harvey chased down the score inside 24 overs to earn another bonus point win to keep their nine-point buffer at the top of the ladder.

Harvey-Benger second grade welcomes Eaton to the Harvey Recreation Ground next Saturday.

Harvey-Benger Fourth Grade returned to action with a comprehensive 209-run victory over Dardanup at the Harvey Recreation Ground.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Harvey-Benger opener Johnny Crognale continued his exemplary run of form to top score for the home side with 84 off just 77 deliveries.

Crognale shared in a 106-run partnership with Darren Bozanich (47), and then a further 70-run partnership with the big hitting Nigel Hill (79) to set the game up for the hosts.

With a strong platform set, the returning Nicholas Fucile (27 off 18) was able to free the arms and see Harvey-Benger to an imposing total of 294 from their 40 overs.

It was a disastrous start for Dardanup in reply as opening batter Mick Daly was run out for a golden duck on a direct hit from Nick Fucile.

Wickets kept falling for the visitors, as the Harvey-Benger bowlers continually put the ball in good areas. Murray Italiano (2-25) and impressive youngster Jorryn Fucile (3-20) were the chief destroyers.

Harvey-Benger sit atop the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association Fourth Grade ladder with three rounds remaining before finals. The team is back in action at home against Eaton this coming Saturday.