Whale of a task ahead

Albany and Districts Cricket Association face a difficult task to defend their A-section title at senior country week in Perth, naming an undermanned squad ahead of the opening game against Geraldton on Sunday. Albany won a 15th Boan Cup last year, beating Upper Great Southern in the decider at the WACA but their chance of securing back-to-back titles will be extremely tough given the number of first-choice players missing from the first XI. There have been major changes to the Albany Whalers, with four members of last year’s triumphant team remaining. Captain Nathan Dovey, Ben Grey, Ryan Kinnear and Hayden Davies were part of 2019’s winning teamwhile last year’s Barry Shepherd medallist Coen Marwick and brothers Nathan and Brendan Crudeli will only play a small part in Albany’s campaign. Marwick finished with 21 wickets and was a major part of the Whalers’ 2019 success but will only play on Sunday at this stage along with the Crudelis. Despite a host of changes, including the late withdrawals of Michael Ferreira and Aubin Spurr, Dovey is confident his team can still challenge for a place in next Friday’s final. “On paper the team isn’t as strong or experienced as last year but I have a lot of faith in the players we have available,” Dovey said. “Country week this year will provide greater opportunity to younger players to step up into more prominent roles within the team. “I believe this side is capable of winning A-section for sure. “Two years ago we made the final with a very young side, and with the new fixture system you probably need to win two games out of the first three to make the semifinals. “Once you make the semis, anything is possible.” The A-grade section is split into two divisions, with the Whalers facing Peel on Monday, then Bunbury and Districts on Wednesday. Dovey predicted players like Jack Dawson, Aidan Dallimore and Noah Middleton would be given extra responsibility with bat and ball. Albany will also send a B-section and a D-section team to the carnival. Matt Heberle will captain the second XI, while the third Albany side will be chasing back-to-back titles as well, having won the F-section decider last year. Albany Whalers A-Section Team Nathan Dovey (C) - Aidan Dallimore Ben Grey - Hayden Davies Leroy van den Dool - Jesse Spaanderman Ryan Kinnear - Noah Middleton Jack Dawson - Ben Attrill Coen Marwick - Brendan Crudeli Nathan Crudeli