Eaton’s Julian Crudeli says experience, patience and luck to thank for incredible numbers so far in BDCA

Eaton’s Julian Crudeli thinks experience, patience and perhaps a bit of luck could be to thank for the incredible numbers he has put up in the front half of the BDCA first grade season. The pace-bowling all-rounder sits in second place on the run scoring tally — trailing Marist opener Ben Clarke by three runs with two less innings — and leads the wicket takers with 21 scalps. Crudeli averaged just under nine with the ball in the first 11 rounds of the season and a remarkable 144 with the bat — having been dismissed just three times from his eight digs. The WA Country XI star was confirmed as Eaton’s new recruit in October having played three games for the club during the 2014-15 season. Crudeli has played in several competitions across the State — including Albany, Geraldton and Upper Great Southern — and said despite his success this year, he did not underestimate the level of cricket in Bunbury’s flagship league. “Bunbury stacks up really well, it’s a really strong league,” he said. “I just wanted to come down and do the best I can.” Crudeli, who was selected in the Australian Country XI side after the most recent national carnival in 2019, said he was not 100 per cent sure of the secrets to his success this year, but hoped it would continue. “I don’t know. Old age, patience,” he suggested. “Sometimes you just get a bit lucky, I have been dropped a few times, and sometimes that’s all you need to really get through an innings. “I’ve got a bit lucky a couple of games, but hopefully my luck holds for the rest of the year.” Crudeli, who leads the BDCA Champion Player standings by a whopping 262 points, is yet to feature in the Belt Up Country Cup but said he should be available for most of Country Week. “I’m a little unsure exactly on availability, but hopefully I am available for most of the week,” he said. “If I do play in any association I like to then represent them at the top level. “It’s sort of like a thank you to the association for having me. “Hopefully we can get a good team on the park and have a few wins, (that) would be good.” Crudeli was also recently selected and named captain of the Bunbury Herald’s Bunbury and District Cricket Association team of the year. “I am happy to be in the team of the year, I don’t think I am necessarily the best choice as captain,” Crudeli said. “I think there are a few people that would do a better job than me, but it’s a great honour.” Crudeli said he had his sights set on representing WA at the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships in April. “I don’t know if that is 100 per cent going ahead yet, it will just be (about) playing in Bunbury and doing the best I can and hopefully putting forward performances that warrant me for selection,” he said.