Albany set to defend championship title at Country Week A-Section finals

Eliza KavanaghAlbany Advertiser
Camera IconAlbany celebrate a Joe Stanley wicket on Thursday. Credit: Josh Kempton/South Western Times

Albany’s best cricketers will face an unbeaten Geraldton side in Friday’s senior country week final at the WACA Ground.

The defending A-section champions started the five-day competition on the back foot after Bunbury and Districts caused a major upset at Abbett Park on Sunday.

The Blue Swans — whose three-peat was thwarted by Albany in 2024 — started the tournament in style, defending their total of 8-187 by bowling the Whalers out for 156. Albany’s O’Shea Durack was a shining light in a losing cause with 39no.

Albany recovered in round two on Monday defeating their Upper Great Southern at Sutherlands Park, making 6-203 before bowling out Uppers for 133 as Perth temperatures hit 44C.

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It was Lincoln Joy’s turn to shine with a fast-paced 52 from 50 balls while Freddie Sharp was the Whalers’ standout bowler with 4-15 from 4.2 overs.

Camera IconAlbany's Lincoln Joy hits over the top on Monday. Credit: Josh Kempton/South Western Times

Resuming after a rest day on Tuesday, Wednesday’s games returned to a 50-over format after the first two fixtures were played as 40-over games under WA Cricket’s extreme heat policy.

Albany dismissed South Midlands for 62 at Breckler Park and chased down the total, losing 3-63.

Joe Stanley put in a top all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 31 and taking 3-14 from 10 overs.

In Thursday’s semifinals, Albany accounted for Eastern Goldfields at Charles Veryard Reserve by six runs to secure third position.

Durack and Joe Stanley shone with the ball -- taking 4-14 from 5.3 overs and 3-25 from 10 overs respectively — while Coen Marwick made a quick fire 32.

Camera IconAlbany's Harry Grigson reacts after spilling a tough chance on Thursday. Credit: Josh Kempton/South Western Times

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