While the current Peel Cricket Association season remains in full swing outside of its Christmas/New Year’s break, 2018 also saw Waroona crowned as premiers earlier in the year capping off the previous campaign.
The Warriors are currently defending that title with another healthy season spearheaded by the likes of Matt Thomas, Dan Abel and Ben Wright, but it was the likes of Keren Ugle and Mitchell Smith who played the heroes in their premiership victory back in March.
Following on from a regular season that saw them compile 15 wins from 18 games, Waroona toppled Singleton in the semi finals to move straight into the big game with the luxury of a week off in between.
The loss forced the Irwinians to scrap with Mandurah in the preliminary game, who put an end to a South Mandurah hot-streak to reach the penultimate round.
A Bryce Evans century buoyed them into a grand final rematch against the Warriors, who they had beaten in the big dance the year before, but this time they came up short.
Smith’s knock of 68 not out led the way for Waroona in a thriller, with the eventual premiers snaring the runs they needed in the final over to take the flag.
The bragging rights lasted throughout the winter but were put to bed when the new campaign kicked off, again with Singleton and Waroona looming as favourites.
But so far it’s been Mandurah and Baldivis occupying top spot for the majority of the season, with both piecing together lengthy win streaks to stake their claim on finals appearances and premiership credentials.
Pinjarra has also stepped up their game as they chase a top-four berth in the first half of the season, with the likes of Jamie Lee (who boasts the league’s high score with a knock of 179) and Jake Foley in strong form.
Singleton remains knocking on the door, while the likes of South Mandurah, Hillman and Warnbro reside in the depths.
Outside of the PCA, a few of their finest notched a win for the WA Invitational XI in the Country Cup in December, with Singleton’s Tim Hutchison leading the way with a century.
Meanwhile in premier cricket, Rockingham-Mandurah is enjoying their best season since their 2015/16 campaign.
They’ve entered the New Year’s break from the regular format in first place and have enjoyed their T20 games with that peace of mind.
The Mariners kicked off their year with wins over Subiaco Floreat and Wanneroo, and have since been spurred on by stellar outings from captain Craig Simmons.
On the national stage, Rockingham-Mandurah and Peel-based young gun Damien Burrage has been making waves captaining WA at the Cricket Australia Under 19 National Championships.
They’ll resume on January 5 with a one-day clash against South Perth at Lark Hill.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
