Cricket: Albany make Country Week history

In a history-defining moment Albany became the first regional cricket association to have two teams win side by side in the top two sections of senior Country Week on Saturday.

Albany’s A-section and B-section teams were both declared winners as they beat WA Indigenous XI and Port Hedland respectively at Stan Twight Reserve.

The Albany 1 team dramatically transformed recent lack lustre Country Week performances to get through the competition undefeated and earn its first finals appearance since 2003. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, things looked shaky when opener David Exall fell for 26 to seamer Kieran Ugle.

But skipper Craig Tonkin was the hero as his knock of 147 steadied the ship and heavily contributed to his side’s eventual 222-run triumph.

Tonkin said the win was a combination of an entire week playing cricket to a precise game plan.

“The batsmen, with the exception of the first game, scored enough runs and the bowlers, especially our two openers, were unrelenting on opposition batsmen,” he said.

“Our fielding was also outstanding and all players made a significant contribution to the week and totally deserved to walk away with our 13th Boan Cup.”

Young speedster Julian Crudeli (4-39) saved one of his best performances for last and, along with Haydn Burling, took 12 wickets for the week.

Tonkin also sang the praises of English recruit Exall who made three half centuries during the competition.

Big hitter Nathan Dovey helped out at the crease in the final with an impressive 99, while middle order batsman Matt Clothier finished with an unbeaten 27.

WA Indigenous XI were left a harrowing task as they stared down the barrel of Albany’s 7-329 total, its highest score of the competition.

Meanwhile Albany 2 beat Port Hedland by 69 runs to claim their second final win in four years.

Team captain Graeme Weinert, who recorded an impressive final half century, said making the record books was an unbeatable feeling.

“It was a huge day to have both sides playing side by side and winning together,” he said.

He singled out leg spinner Gary McGlade as man of the tournament after taking 18 wickets including 5-40 in Saturday’s final.

Opening batsman Russell Hare was also mentioned, along with young all-rounder Daniel Macomish.

Albany’s D-section team were relegated after winning only one game for the week.

Greenrange Cricket Association won the D-section competition.

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