ADCA 2023-24: Senior experience the key for reigning premiers Mt Barker in bid for third straight title

Mt Barker have retained their complete grand final winning side from last season, a significant boost for the Bulls in their quest for a premiership hat-trick in the Albany and District Cricket Association. The Bulls were dominant nine wicket winners over archrivals Royals in last season’s decider which came after a drought-breaking A-grade title triumph in 2021-22 over the same opponent. Country XI stalwart Jeremy Wood remains at the helm of the Bulls, who boast country cricket star Nathan Crudeli and key veterans Alex Fergie and Neil Ferreira. Crudeli was brilliant for the Bulls last season taking 18 wickets and scoring 509 runs across all formats while also representing WA Country at the national championships. Returning top order batsman Nathan Crosby is a key addition for the Bulls while Jack Pope from Penkridge Cricket Club will also play for the reigning premiers. Pope has a connection to the area and although he will not be classified as an overseas player give he is a dual citizen of Australia and the UK, the young all-rounder will be a handy inclusion. Wood said he believed senior experience and improvement from within would be keys for the Bulls to once again chase flag glory. “We will be pretty similar, we haven’t lost anyone and picked up a couple,” he said. “Each year we’ve lost one or two players so it’s been nice to keep the side together. “There is a desire to keep pushing and improving. “As club our B-grade were pretty average last year and forfeited a couple of games so we need to tidy that up. “We are an ageing side and that’s the hardest thing for us. Wood said the club has had a terrific preseason, making use of Albany’s new indoor sports venue. “This has been one of our best preseasons that we’ve had,” Wood said. “Shout-out to the people that go the indoor centre going. “It’s an unbelievable facility and what we needed.” The Bulls will be the hunted and Wood expected the challengers to come think and fast in 2023-24. “I think the addition of a few overseas players will strengthen the competition up and make it more even,” he said. “That is what we want, to be playing good cricket and at a good standard. “It’s always been tight with Royals and no doubt they’ll get better. “There is a bit of upside in the competition if the kids keep growing and developing at all clubs.” The Bulls start their title defence on Saturday, tackling Railways at Turf South. MT BARKER Captain: Jeremy Wood Last season: Premiers Most runs: Nathan Crudeli (509) Most wickets: Nathan Crudeli (18) Inclusions: Nathan Crosby (returning), Jack Pope (Penkridge), Liam Gardner Omissions: Nil