Albany all-rounder Nathan Crudeli is the star of the show as Perth slay Dragons to secure third one-day crown

Star Albany all-rounder Nathan Crudeli was the star of the show as Perth won a third one-day crown in the WA Premier Cricket first grade competition. They beat Willetton by 67 runs at Hillcrest Park on Sunday largely thanks to man-of-the-match Crudeli’s bowling haul of 4-29. He also chipped in with an unbeaten 20 runs — including a six — as Perth secured a three-peat and a comfortable victory. A quality all-rounder who won multiple premierships with both Railways and Mt Barker during his time in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association, Crudeli said he had found his groove on the day. “I felt I was in a good rhythm with the ball,” he said. “It was a good wicket — it offered something for the bowlers but was nice to bat on as well. “It was a great day; we have had a bit of a tough year with injuries, so it was especially great that we put on a good performance when it mattered. “When it’s finals you always try just that little bit harder and it all seemed to pay off on Sunday.” Perth won the toss and batted with Jake Snadden top-scoring with 54 and enjoying back-up from Kyal Richardson (31) and Wiehan Vorster Beukes (39). Crudeli’s 20 helped them to 9-218 from their 50 overs and he was soon giving the Dragons a tough time with the ball. He removed opener Kyle Walsh for 10 and then had Narrogin’s Iszak Milentis caught by George Maddy for one. Kade Povey made 50 before Crudeli struck again and then his final victim was Stewart Hepburn, falling for seven as the Dragons’ chase petered to 151 all out. Another Great Southern cricketer making an impact in the Perth A-grade ranks is Guy Taylor who walloped an unbeaten 138 for Subiaco-Floreat in the two-day competition. The Tambellup batter helped his side to 4-251 on Saturday as they cruised to a six-wicket victory over Wanneroo, who were all out for 250. Taylor’s knock came off 211 balls and included 21 fours and one six.