2024-25 Belt-Up Country Cup Round 1 Albany and Districts v Peel, Sunday October 27. Albany and Districts' Seb Stanton drives.
URGENT UPDATE: The newly revitalized Great Southern Carnival kicks off this weekend at Albany’s North Road fields, marking a crucial preparation for senior men’s cricket teams ahead of Country Week from January 18-23. This long-awaited event, previously known as the ACA Carnival, is set to bring excitement and competition back to the region after years of dormancy.
Teams from Albany will face off against squads from Warren Blackwood, Great Southern, Esperance, and Busselton-Margaret River. Each team will engage in two Twenty20 matches on Saturday, culminating in a decisive pool game on Sunday morning, followed by a grand final at 12:30 PM.
Albany and Districts Cricket Association president Ryan Tindale expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its significant history. “This carnival was once the longest-running in WA, attracting teams from across the region,” he stated. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to play on turf wickets before the main tournament. This should be ideal preparation.”
The festive atmosphere will be complemented by a marquee and food and drink sales in the pavilion, enhancing the community vibe. The top Albany team will be captained by Coen Marwick, with Jack Hastie leading the second team. Notable players include Lincoln Joy, who has recently competed for WA in the Australian Country Cricket Championships, and promising all-rounder Buddy Robinson.
Marwick expressed eagerness to return to the field after the holiday break, stating, “This should be unbelievable prep for country week. We don’t usually get the chance to play together before the tournament, so this is a great opportunity.”
Fans can expect thrilling matches and strong performances as local teams strive for victory in this revamped carnival. Albany 1 features players like Devon Jefferis, Lincoln Joy, and Oli Douglas, while Albany 2 includes Jack Hastie, Ryan Kinnear, and Mohit Jaggi.
With the matches set to begin soon, cricket enthusiasts and local supporters are encouraged to attend and witness the action as Albany’s cricket community comes together for this exciting event. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of cricket in Albany!
