New look Albany return undefeated from T20 Cup

Albany Cricket Association remained undefeated in Twenty20 matches this season, progressing to yesterday’s Toyota Country Cup mini-final against Bunbury on the back of two convincing victories over fellow cup hopefuls West Pilbara Cricket Association and Geraldton Cricket Association.

The new-look ACA line-up again clicked with the bat in the shorter form, setting two daunting targets for their opposition, which proved too much in stifling Sunday heat at Breckler Park in Perth.

Useful contributions down the order set up Albany’s total of 6-124 against West Pilbara with new captain Zane Marwick top scoring with 22 while a brisk 31-run partnership between Neil Ferreira and son Michael Ferreira lifted Albany to the par total.

However, it would prove too much for West Pilbara, who crumbled to be bowled out for only 80 with seamers Nathan Crudeli (3-4) and Coen Marwick (2-12) both striking early.

Veteran bastsman Craig Tonkin combined with new opening partner Jeremy Wood to set up Albany’s second win over Geraldton by 55 runs.

Tonkin, who was not required to bat in the qualifying round against Upper Great Southern, clubbed 41 from 26 balls while Wood struck the ball cleanly and looked in ominous touch on his way to 36 from 28 balls including five boundaries.

The pair added 81 in the first nine overs to lay the platform of Albany’s daunting target of 6-184 from their 20 overs.

Captain Zane Marwick top scored with 47 from 30 balls while Crudeli (33 from 25) and Coen Marwick (18 from 5) finished off the innings.

Geraldton were never in the run chase after top order batsmen, ex-Albany resident Rob Gibson and captain Clint Yeates, were dismissed for ducks in the first three overs. They reached 5-129 in the run chase, with Brady Collins top scoring with 46.

Crudeli was again terrific with the ball; his four overs costing just four runs and twowickets while spinner Zane Marwick chipped in with 2-35.