Albany and Districts Cricket Association first XI reach Thursday’s semifinals at senior country week

Albany and Districts Cricket Association first XI secured a place in Thursday's semifinals at senior country week in Perth, winning on day two at Iluka Sports Complex. After a first-up win on Sunday over Bunbury and Districts, Albany breezed past Geraldton today to win a second straight game. Albany’s first XI made 7-222 from their 60 overs, setting Geraldton a big total to chase down. Nathan Crudeli snared two wickets in the first four overs to leave Geraldton reeling at 2-4. Wickets to Ben Grey, Jeremy Wood and Harry Crane crushed Geraldton’s hopes as they fell to 7-33. Clint Yeates made a fighting 31 and Tom Forsyth posted 23 but their side fell well short bowled out 108. Crudeli was superb with the ball taking 3-25 off 13 overs while Wood (2-10), Patrick Butler (2-23) and Crane (2-8) also helped the Whalers remain unbeaten. Batting first the Whalers made a steady start thanks to openers Dan Rees and Regan Poett. Rees was run out for 34 and Poett made a patient 45 from 119 balls before he was the third wicket to fall for the Whalers. Harry Crane chipped in with 32 before he departed at 4-135 but captain Jeremy Wood and star all-rounder Crudeli ensured their side surpassed 200. Wood hit two sixes in his 47 and Crudeli made 35 from 34 balls as the Whalers set Geraldton 223 to win. With two wins from as many games, the Whalers will now finish in the top two of their division and play off in the semifinals on Thursday for a spot in Friday’s decider. Albany and Districts B-section were unable to chase down Esperance’s small total on day two at Iluka, leaving them one win and one loss to start their campaign. After a strong win to start their campaign on Sunday, Albany’s second team ripped through the Esperance line-up and needed just 79 to win today. Albany were 3-19 after the loss of Matt Burton (6), Nick Barrow (0) and Dan Robson (8) cheaply. Aran Tilbury (24) and Clayton Wood (19) did their best to rescue the innings but Albany were all out for 73, falling six runs short. Captain Matt Heberle was superb with the ball to help remove Esperance for under 100, as he claimed 4-19 from 8.3 overs, which included the key wickets of Reece Griffiths (23) and Chris Chellew (13). Jack McPhee snared 2-20 from 11 overs and Jack Stephens also picked up 2-16 to give Albany the chance of a second straight win. Albany’s third team are competing in C-section and lost their second straight game today against Geraldton. A half century from Robert Stan-Bishop led the way for Albany as they were bowled out for 147. Jarrad Norton took two quick wickets as Geraldton slumped to 3-4 however half centuries from Kurt Crudeli and Alex Soloman guided Geraldton to victory. Geraldton finished 7-212 in reply with James Morris taking 2-45 for Albany.