Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-section side down Bunbury and Districts on day one of country week

Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-section side have started strongly at senior country week in Perth that begun today. Albany took on last year’s runner-ups Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association in round one at Sutherlands Park and finished two-wicket victors. Half centuries from Nathan and Brendan Crudeli guided Albany across the line on the opening day. Bunbury and Districts batted first and were bowled out for 135 off 44.5 overs. Declan Boston and Cory Fitt put together a 24-run opening partnership before Ben Grey bowled Fitt to be the first man dismissed. That triggered a batting collapse for Bunbury as they lost their first five wickets for just 25 runs including Fitt. Blair Malatesta tried his best to help his side post a match winning total but he lacked support. Malatesta finished unbeaten on 45 while Boston posted 18 and Cruize Ciallella made 15. Patrick Butler led the Albany bowling unit with 4-55 off 15 overs while Nathan Crudeli (2-18), Jeremy Wood (2-21) and Ben Grey (2-31) also took multiple wickets. In reply Albany fell into their own trouble at 3-24 after Regan Poett was caught for 12 but Brendan Crudeli and Jeremy Wood shared in a 54-run stand to take their side towards victory. Wood was removed for 23 bringing Nathan Crudeli to the crease to join his brother. The Crudeli brothers put on 46 before Brendan Crudeli was caught for a well compiled 50. Nathan Crudeli posted his half century and secured the win for Albany. Albany finished on 8-188 after 60 overs with Nathan Crudeli making 66 from as many balls. Sam Roots claimed 5-22 for Bunbury and Districts. Meanwhile Albany and Districts Cricket Association B-section team won by 18 runs over West Pilbara Cricket Association. However Albany and Districts C-section side lost by two wickets to Eastern Districts Cricket Association.