BDCA 2023: Five things we learnt during a huge weekend of BDCA action

On another big weekend of BDCA first grade and representative action, there was plenty for the South West cricket community to get excited about. Justin Fris highlights five of the biggest takeaways:

1 - The future of Bunbury’s 1st XI at representative level should have other regional associations on red alert

Not content with basking in the glory of winning senior country week, the BDCA took extra steps to ensure long-term success of its 1st XI at senior level.

Despite fielding a strong team during Sunday’s 97-run win over Albany and Districts in Albany, a number of exciting youngsters — including Cody Ryan, Riley Mammone and Jonah Lincoln — were included in the squad.

The thrill of being able to face Nathan Crudeli or Coen Marwick would have been massive for these players, aside from gaining vital senior experience.

Should the association ever have selection issues, they will not need to look far for quality players to step in.

2 - Eaton are the team to keep an eye on in first grade

They might be in third spot on the table, but the Eaton Bobtails are a team you would not like to face in the finals.

A strong team as it is, the inclusion of Arron Quartermaine and Matt Foreman into the team again will give the Bobtails added depth in their batting stocks.

While there is lots of focus on headline bowlers Liam Renton and Julian Crudeli taking a heap of wickets, lethal seamer Jacob Wintle and James Hillery possess equal quality with the ball.

3 - Doing the little things well pays off

There were times during Marist’s stint at the crease last Saturday against Colts where things could have spiralled.

However with Shawn Gillies’ leadership in the middle, it was not allowed to happen.

With Gillies passionately spurring his teammates on, each Blues partnership scampered through for every run possible, in a bid to give them a fighting chance at the Bunbury Recreation Ground.

4 - Donnybrook’s Stephanie Jolly is the best female senior player in the region right now

Irrespective of the opposition, Jolly plays intelligent cricket and is able to score freely. So far this season, she has scored 491 runs from nine trips to the crease — which includes six half centuries and a ton.

Quite simply, her batting is a pleasure to watch.

5 - All-rounders win games in first grade

If a side wants to seriously push for a first grade premiership, I believe they need a clinical all-rounder who can shine across all three phases of the game.

Some of the best in our association include: Brayden Clarke (Marist), Julian Crudeli (Eaton), Cruize Ciallella (Colts), Robbie Dawson (Donnybrook) and Cory Fitt (Marist).

Do yourself a favour and cheer them on this weekend at a ground near you!