Albany and Districts left disappointed after Peel forfeit round two Belt-Up Country Cup clash in Albany

Albany and Districts Cricket Association secured victory in their second round Belt-Up Country Cup clash without a ball being bowled. The Whalers were set to host Peel in the fixture at Turf North on Sunday but the visitors forfeited the game, handing the points to the hosts to keep them alive in the 50-over competition. Peel lost in narrow circumstances in the opening round, going down to Bunbury and Districts by two wickets in October. However the association could not field a team on Sunday, leaving the Whalers with just one game to play against Bunbury and Districts in February. Albany and Districts were round one losers, going down to the WA Invitation XI by four wickets at Narrogin’s Clayton Road Oval. But there was renewed hope for the Whalers with a host of strong inclusions for the round two match including star all-rounder Nathan Crudeli. Whalers vice-captain Coen Marwick said it was frustrating to have the game forfeited. “We play Bunbury in Bunbury in a must-win game. “Hopefully we can get our best side together and put in a really good performance when that game comes in February.” The result leaves the Whalers in contention for a berth in the Country Cup final, with them and the WA Invitational XI sitting on one win each. Bunbury and Districts are unbeaten in the competition thus far, after a win over the WA Invitational XI at Stevens Reserve on Sunday. An impressive 68 from Cooper Clarke-Dehring along with contributions from Tyne Dodds (31) and Austin Kent (28) helped Bunbury and Districts reach 8-198 batting first. Clayton Bruce-Cherry was the pick of the bowlers with 4-26 for the WA Invitational XI. He then made 49 from 51 balls but lacked support as the WA Invitational XI fell well short in reply. Albany and Districts will travel to Eaton Sports Ground to take on Bunbury and Districts on February 4.