Whalers in red-hot form for A-section semifinals after a superb century from opener Dan Rees

Albany and Districts Cricket Association first XI will face Upper Great Southern in today’s semifinal, the winner progressing to tomorrow’s final at the WACA. The Whalers finished their qualifying games undefeated after an emphatic 225-run win over South Midlands in their round three of senior country week yesterday at Charles Veryard Reserve. The Whalers posted a big total batting first set up by a brilliant century from Dan Rees. Rees smashed a century and Harry Crane produced an impressive 89 as Albany posted 7-315. The Albany opener hit 13 fours in his knock of 134 from 145 balls and was the fourth wicket to fall with his side in sight of reaching 300. The pair combined for a 183-run partnership after their side fell to 2-57 following the loss of Seb Stanton who was caught for five. Openers Regan Poett and Rees shared in a 32-run stand before Poett was dismissed for 16, bringing Stanton to the crease as he and Rees added a further 25 to their side’s tally. Captain Jeremy Wood came in late in the innings and blasted 35 from 13 balls including two fours and three sixes. In reply South Midland were bowled out for just 90 as Nathan Crudeli and Ryan Kinnear each snared three wickets. Crudeli took outstanding figures of 3-0 from his four overs and when Ben Grey snared his first wicket South Midland were in all sorts of trouble at 4-1. Kinnear (3-20) and Patrick Butler (2-14) guided their side to a third straight win in A-section. On Monday the Whalers crushed Geraldton by 114 runs to book a semifinal berth. Chasing 223 for victory, Geraldton were bowled out for 108 as Crudeli snared 3-25 from 13 overs. Albany’s B-Section will not play in today’s semifinal after they were penalised 18 runs by the umpires for slow over rate against Great Southern at Charles Veryard Reserve yesterday. The Albany second XI bowled Great Southern out for 148 after making 152 themselves batting first, but due to slow over rate the win was handed to Great Southern. Albany posted 152 batting first and a Great Southern victory appeared unlikely before captain Clint Gilbert led a fightback. Heading into the last over, Great Southern need five runs to win with one wicket left, however Albany captain Matt Heberle dismissed Ethan Caldwell on the first ball of the 60th over to secure what appeared to be an epic win and send his side into the finals. However the penalty from the umpires meant Great Southern progressed instead to the semifinals today. Albany slipped 5-42 batting first however a lower order cameo from Kieran Howie who made 72 from 82 balls, helped his side surpass 150. Albany face Eastern Goldfields in today’s crossover game. Albany’s C-section side will face Wyalkatchem in today’s crossover match. The third side lost their third straight game after being bowled out for 71 against Peel at Gwynne Park yesterday. Captain Graeme Weinert top scored with 21 but lacked support from his teammates. In reply Peel chased down the target for the loss of only two wickets and finished on 8-141 from 50 overs. Craige Anning claimed 3-31 while Jake Poad took 3-51. On Monday they were unable to defend their total of 147 against Geraldton, as their opponents finished on 7-212 from 50 overs. Jarrad Norton and James Morris both claimed two wickets.