BDCA Country Cup 2023: BDCA forced to work for victory against depleted Peel Cricket Association outfit

Prior to the start of Sunday’s opening Belt Up Country Cup clash between Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association and Peel at a muggy Hay Park, a voice from the Peel camp hypothesised his side’s chances. “We have about six players out today — but you never know, cricket and momentum are funny games.” Three hours later, Peel tailenders Angus Beattie (41 not out off 42 balls) and Jordan Hodgetts (24 off 56 balls) were frustrating the Blue Swans no end by lingering and adding valuable runs to their total. At 8-121, Peel looked all but gone, however Beattie and Hodgetts’ desire to squeeze out runs ensured the visitors set the BDCA 186 for victory. In reply, the Blue Swans reached 8-189 in the 44th over, winning by two wickets. Keen to get down to business early, new Colts Cricket Club recruit Adam France opened the bowling against his former association. With the low cloud cover ensuring humidity levels between 69 and 71 per cent, all Bunbury seamers went about their work in a no-nonsense manner and enjoyed uniform success — although spinner Cruize Ciallella (3-26 off 10 overs) ended with the best figures. Solid late cameos from young gun Tyne Dodds (31 off 49 balls) and France (40 off 46 balls) helped guide the Blue Swans home, however they were forced to dig deep at times throughout the clash. At Clayton Road Oval in Narrogin, five BDCA-registered players — Bryn Bursill, Keagan Lynch, Riley Stenhouse, Daniel Brabham and Jack Buswell — represented the WA Invitational XI, which defeated Albany by four wickets, after being set 153. Bursill, who has begun strongly for Colts this season at club level, tormented the Whalers, finishing with 3-18 off seven overs, while Brabham gobbled up three catches behind the stumps.