Zac Wickstein (Cascade). Photos: Greg Symes
The Esperance Cricket Association’s quest for promotion back into the A-Section of the annual senior men’s country week series starting on Sunday in Perth will take place under a new limited-overs format.
In a step away from the long-running setup of 60 overs per side and unlimited bowling overs for individuals, matches at the 2025 carnival will be decided across 50 overs each, where teams will use white balls, wear coloured uniforms and bowling is to be capped at ten overs per player.
The changes brought in by the WA Country Cricket Board recently, brings the 118-year-old competition in line with same format now played at the annual Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC).
ECA President Neill Liddle welcomed the transformations, calling them “exciting”.
“Time will tell whether it’s going to suit Esperance cricket or not,” he said.
“Previously one bowler could bowl from one end for the whole game.
“Whether it favours the teams that have more (bowling) depth we don’t know. It could also play in our favour because we are pretty even in ability, right across the board.”
Relegated after a poor showing in A-Section last year, in which the Association No.1 side failed to win a game, the side for this year’s contest are predominantly made up of players from the ladder leading Coastal Warriors Cricket Club.
The Warriors have provided nine players and Ports have supplied three as the squad looks to win its first B-Section title since 2021 in which they gained promotion to the A-Section.
Liddle is optimistic of a strong showing by the ECA’s No.1 side, however he was respectful of their Pool A opponents.
“I think we have every chance of winning it,” he said.
“The unknown quantity will be Peel Country 1. They have been known to front up with some strong sides in the past.
“Albany 2 also has a good record in country week, and they have been in the B-Section for some time.
“If we can get over those two, we have a good chance of taking it out.”
The ECA No.1 side captained by Jack Gilbert have named a solid batting lineup including Riley Mayfield, Callum McFarlane, Luke Rosher, Hilton Hardman, Jeremy Curry and hard hitting youngster Liam Norwood, however the team will miss the services of long time Association all-rounder Daniel Styles.
“The absence of Daniel has left a huge hole in the team,” Liddle said.
“I think this is only the second time he has missed a country week in 20 years, but the Esperance Cricket Association is very excited for Daniel who has welcomed his third child into the world.”
The Association has named a strong all-round No.2 side in the D-Section led by captain Brendon Gilmore who will be seeking no less than a grand final appearance for his team next Friday.
Brendon Tyrrell, making his 30th country week appearance for the ECA, will skipper the somewhat youthful E-Section side which has a mix of experienced competitors named to guide the young guns.
