Albany ready to defend junior country week title

Albany Junior Cricket Association will field another strong first XI team as they aim to secure a fourth A-section title in eight years and defend the crown they won last year, when Junior Country Week begins on Monday in Perth.

Albany reclaimed the A-section title last year, their fifth title in the history of the long-running tournament, and despite retaining only two players from their successful side, hopes of another triumph are again high.

Key all-rounder Aubin Spurr will captain the side with fellow star Harry Crane his deputy, both having been part of last year’s win as they look to secure Albany back-to-back titles for the first time.

Seb Stanton and Sam Want will play important roles with the bat, having experienced A-grade cricket locally this season, while James Plowman, Boston Cavanagh, Jacob Blight and Colby Ireland have also played senior cricket.

Spurr is confident his side has enough all-round talent to be contenders for the title.

“We only have two players from last year but it’s still a very strong team,” the 15-year-old said.

“We will be able to win if we all perform across the week.

“Hopefully myself and Harry can set the standard and the likes of Boston Cavanagh and James Plowman to do well and Sam Want and Chayse Pearson will open the batting.

“Bunbury and Busselton-Margaret River will be two of the stronger teams in the competition.”

Albany will begin their campaign with dual Twenty20 matches against Geraldton on Monday before switching to the 50-over format for the rest of the week.

On Tuesday they face Busselton-Margaret River and then Bunbury and Districts on Wednesday before games against Eastern Districts and Peel on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Albany will send two other sides to the carnival — one competing in the B-section and the other in the under-14 A-section division.

Albany JCA First XI

Aubin Spurr (C), Harry Crane (VC), Sam Want, Chayse Pearson, Jacob Blight, Seb Stanton, James Plowman, Boston Cavanagh, Travis Conn, Colby Ireland, Cameron Higgins, Darcy Wallinger.