Whalers look to stars like Wood

Country XI star Jeremy Wood will bolster an Albany side that is chasing nothing but a win in the second round of the Belt Up Country Cup on Sunday.

Wood is a vital inclusion given his all-round qualities as Albany face Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association at the Bunbury Recreational Ground.

The ACA must win this clash if they are any hope of reaching the final at the WACA after their narrow first-up loss to the WA Invitational XI in Pingelly last Sunday.

Experienced all-rounder Ryan Kinnear and youngster Aubin Spurr will join Wood as inclusions, and although the final team is not confirmed, Whalers skipper Mitch Green was confident of improvement.

“I think we can improve in all areas, first-up effort was good however I think everyone will be better for the run,” Green said.

“Hopefully we can bat in partnerships and put a good score on the board, and hoping the bowlers can back up their efforts from last week.

“Early wickets are key in one-day cricket. Big game this week. They have some quality cricketers who are all match winners and with the game being in Bunbury we expect them to be at full strength.

“We add some key players into the squad which will be handy, Jezza Wood is a class act with both bat and ball and will be a crucial for us.”

Green will be a key to his side advancing, along with all-rounders Nathan Crudeli and Coen Marwick.

Bunbury had a narrow win against Peel in the opening round, chasing down 165 to win with nine wickets down in the last over.

“It’s an exciting challenge for us. Obviously we need to win the last two, so we will be looking to play some attacking cricket,” Green said.

“Looking forward to see the young guys step up again this week, they will have taken some confidence from the last game.”