Crudeli spurs BDCA on to drought-busting title win over Peel

The Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association cruised to a 205-run win over Peel in Friday’s A-Section final of the 2022 senior Country Week championships. Played at the WACA, WA’s home of cricket, the “Blue Swans” snapped their 11-year title draught in brutal fashion. Despite the mercury nudging 41 degrees throughout the day, the BDCA players played with a steely resolve throughout — in particular Julian Crudeli (116 off 132 balls) and Blair Malatesta (75 off 102 balls) who arguably produced two of the best batting performances seen across regional WA this summer, given the conditions and a title at stake. Set 328 for victory, Peel collapsed to 9-49, before a lone-handed cameo from a determined Daniel Abel (63 off 39 balls) ensured his side reached 122. Although the BDCA’s triumph on the big stage was special — the twists and turns which led them to the A-Section final are likely to be etched in folklore forever. After tasting defeat against bitter rivals Albany and Districts on Monday, Anthony Stubberfield’s side knew they needed a win against Eastern Goldfields on Wednesday, and hope a few other results elsewhere went in their favour. Sure enough, Upper Great Southern — soundly beaten by the BDCA in the opening game of the carnival — threw an almighty spanner into the works. The Whalers, flying high after their win over the BDCA, needed 216 for victory and were expected to run the target down. Incredibly, they were rolled for 93. With the Blue Swans taking care of Eastern Goldfields, a win against Geraldton in Thursday’s semi-final at the Murdoch University Sportsground awaited. The BDCA faced plenty of nervy moments during their clash, with Gerard “Ringo” McKenna (3-33 off 11 overs) claiming the prized scalps of Crudeli, Tom Buchanan and Ben Clarke. Geraldton was chasing 157 for victory but the BDCA bowlers produced a blistering performance in the scorching heat to dismiss their Mid West rivals for 100. A few hundred metres away, the Whalers faced their second galling defeat in as many days, after Peel knocked them off by 29 runs, which set up an intriguing, yet surprising, A-Section final. Friday’s decider might not have provided any relief from the heat, but it did provide a majestic fifth-wicket partnership (131 runs) between two quality batters. Both Crudeli and Malatesta went about their business calmly, although they were not afraid to throw in a bit of style. Crudeli brought up his half century on the back of several lovely strokes, while Malatesta took his time to reach the feat. One thing was evident however — both men were more concerned about doing their bit for the team, With every run adding to an impressive score, Cruize Ciallella eventually got in on the action and applied a proverbial blowtorch to Peel’s belly in the final 10 overs, smashing 16 runs in the space of three deliveries. Riding a tidal wave of momentum, the BDCA’s pace attack struck instantly during Peel’s run chase, with Crudeli claiming two wickets from the Prindiville Stand end. Despite Peel’s chances all but over, tailender Abel managed to delay the start of the BDCA’s title party, as his dogged batting ensured some respectability on the scoreboard.