Country Cup: Bevan Bennell, Julian Crudeli named in squad as BDCA goes for mix of youth and experience

The Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association has named a 25-man squad for the opening two games of the Country Cup, headlined by two new big-name recruits and a number of juniors. Big-hitting Colts recruit Bevan Bennell has shot straight in to the squad as has fellow Country XI representative Julian Crudeli. Crudeli, who last played club cricket in Geraldton and also represented that association, began his second stint with Eaton with a game-defining 66 at the weekend. The pair were also both selected alongside each other in the Australian Country XI after the most recent national carnival in 2019. The squad also includes five juniors — Jonah Lincoln, Nico Le Roux, Tyne Dodds, Brian Hughes and Izaak Bedford. Lincoln is the least experienced member of the squad, having made his first grade debut in round one, just over a fortnight ago. The Hay Park keeper-batter made an even 50 on debut, and helped navigate a tricky chase against Donnybrook on Saturday. Collie all-rounder Blair Malatesta was the sole second grade player in the squad last year, but this time will be joined by Harvey-Benger batting all-rounder and former South Perth first grader Matt Chave. Last year’s BDCA runners-up Marist lead the way with five representatives — Corey Fitt, Ben Clarke, Brayden Clarke, Ben Shipley and Hayden Slodecki — while all first grade clubs are represented, with Hay Park’s Lincoln and Dalyellup’s Zane Verhaaf their respective clubs’ sole members. While Colts all-rounder Cruize Ciallella led the side last summer, four first grade captains, Josh Topliss, Clayton Caltsounis, Verhaaf and Bradman May, have all been named. Former Country Week umpire Anthony Stubberfield has also been announced as the new coach of the squad. More cricket: Alongside a stacked pace line-up expected to include Eaton trio Crudeli, Jacob Wintle and Liam Renton, spots in the side for spinners will be hotly contested, with spinning all-rounders Ciallella and Clarke likely to be picked but Fitt, Malatesta and Bedford all also named. The Bunbury side open their campaign against the highly-fancied Peel on October 21 at Ross McLarty Park. They then face a WA Invitational XI at Scarborough’s Abbett Park on November 14. Harvey Recreation Ground has been announced as Bunbury’s home ground for its 2022 clash with Albany to round out the campaign. Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association Country Cup squad Nico Le Roux (Lesch), Corey Fitt (Marist), Cruize Ciallella (Colts), Blair Malatesta (Collie), Matt Chave (Harv-Beng), Clayton Caltsounis (Eaton), Joshua Topliss (Colts), Tyne Dodds (Lesch), Liam Renton (Eaton), Bradman May (DBK), Jacob Wintle (Eaton), Zane Verhaaf (Dalyellup), Ben Clarke (Marist), Brayden Clarke (Marist), Bevan Bennell (Colts), Julian Crudeli (Eaton), Ben Shipley (Marist), Brian Hughes (Colts), Haydn Slodecki (Marist), Jonah Lincoln (HP), Izaak Bedford (DBK), Brodie D’Agostino (Lesch).