Round one cricket wrap: Waroona win thriller, Leschenault and Harvey-Benger lose tight contests

A thrilling win over the Warnbro Swans has kicked-started Waroona’s 2021-22 Wyllie Cup campaign. The visiting side started well as Jayden Derosa (77) and his fellow top order batters made their way to 3-149. Waroona lost 6-58 in the back half of the innings to finish 8-207 after 50 overs. Derosa struck early with the ball as he dismissed Ashley North for three to leave the Swans 1-5. Kiel Ashbolt (30) and Keren Ugle (62) swung the momentum back in the home side’s favour with a 95-run partnership. A late charge from Kane Standing (47) could not see Warnbro across the line as they finished 5-203. In the BDCA first grade, Leschenault fell just short of a thrilling comeback to record their first loss of the season against Donnybrook. The home side won the toss and elected to bat, and were in trouble early at 6-36. Jason Shine (38) was able to provide some light for Leschenault but they were bowled out for 70 from just 32 overs. Donnybrook were 2-19 before Shaun Towers (30) and Adam Bilston (23) helped steady the side with a 31-run stand. Bilston remained not out as his teammates fell around him but saw his side over the line at 8-71 after 25 overs. Harvey-Benger began their BDCA second grade season with a heartbreaking final-over loss to Eaton at the weekend. Nicholas Fitzgerald was the stand out with the bat for the side as he passed 50, hitting nine fours and a six on his way to 57 off 56. Fitzgerald’s 70-run run-a-ball partnership with Matt Chave (21) changed the momentum in the match as Harvey-Benger reached 7-178 off 45 overs. Eaton were 0-28 before Tyson Italiano bowled Jaxon Sims (12), Benjamin Simpson (0) and Jacob Robinson (2), leaving Eaton struggling at 3-39. A 41-run partnership between Kaine May (29) and Jamie Martin helped shift the momentum back towards Eaton. Martin finished on 64 not out as Eaton claimed the win eight wickets down with just three balls to spare.