Peel Cricket Association gets mixed results to start country week campaign

The PCA was dominant in their carnival opener, thanks in large to a knock of 66 from Ben Doudle and a five-wicket haul from Chris Loveridge.

After being sent in to bat first, Doudle opened with a bang to ensure Peel would be off to a strong start in their campaign.

Supported by 32 from Cameron Reyne, the duo pieced together an 83-run stand before Reyne fell victim to West Pilbara bowler Daniel Carse.

But the PCA was unhindered by the loss of its first two wickets thanks to Mitchell Shellam banging out 62 runs to breath fresh life into the innings.

A further 35 from Daniel Jones helped push the PCA to 7/272 from their allotted 60 overs.

West Pilbara fired back with 71 from opener Corey Rutgers, but few others were able to fire a shot with Loveridge (5/36) and Andrew Peckover (3/26) in fine touch with the ball.

The PCA was able to wrap up a win with West Pilbara dismissed on 158.

Geraldton ensured they would be the only gold division team to go undefeated through the first two games when they took down the PCA in the second round.

Steady batting contributions topped by 61 from Clint Yeates allowed Geraldton to post a healthy 9/246 from their overs, despite Pinjarra’s Jake Foley putting in a 3/34 effort for the PCA.

Peel’s uphill battle became an unassailable one when their chase of the big total got off to a nightmare start.

Top order batsmen Danny Woollard, Reyne and Bradley Ranford were all dismissed on ducks as the PCA fell into a 3/4 hole.

Mitchell Shellam still managed to carve out 47 runs but his efforts went to waste as the Peel brigade mustered a measly 77 in total.

Cody Bone starred with the ball for Geraldton, taking 4/12.

Peel still hold second spot on their division ladder behind Geraldton, and are currently locked in a battle with Albany in game three.

They will have a day off on Thursday with finals to get underway on Friday, January 25.