GOOD NEWS BEARS
HIT ON HIGHTON IN PRIME START
MARSHALL has overcome a tough draw to defeat both of last summer’s grand finalists — Newcomb & District and Highton — in the opening two rounds.
The Bears backed up their 81-run victory over the reigning premier from last week to score a three-wicket win over Highton on Saturday.
The Heat won the toss and batted and were cruising at 1-66 before Bears skipper Kal Dubbeldam broke the second-wicket partnership en route to taking four defining scalps.
Luke Daffy (55) tried to rescue the Heat’s innings but Marshall managed to dismiss Highton for 144 in the 46th over.
It proved a comfortable run chase for the Bears, surpassing the total with three wickets in hand and more than five overs to spare.
“To bowl a team out in 50 overs on a good wicket was a great effort by us and we got to reap the rewards,” Dubbeldam said.
“We were actually a few bowlers short but we’ve got a lot of blokes who can bowl and a few guys stepped up and bowled really well and kept it pretty tight.”
Dubbeldam’s 4-22 off 10 overs was complemented by older brother Jake (0-18 off eight), paceman Brad Greenwood (3-38 off 7.3) and Mitch McCoach (2-28 off 10).
Stuart Blythe (26) and Jake Dubbeldam (48) then provided a stable platform for the run chase, with Stanley Grazotis (34 not out) guiding the Bears to victory.
Dubbeldam said his side believed 145 was an achievable target.
“We were very confident, we thought with a good wicket if we just batted our time we wouldn’t have any issues,” he said.
“We had a bit of a collapse in the middle order but Stan’s been awesome . . . and just got us over the line.
“It wasn’t as easy as it looked but it’s a great way to start the season.
“We’re stoked with the two wins first-up but it’s still early days and there’s a lot of hard work to go.”