Country Week team tackles tough sides

A host of West Pilbara players have come back from junior country week with a wealth of experience after competing against some formidable opponents.

The competition started last Monday, with the under-14s side sent in to bat against Northam.

Decent contributions by many of players ensured they reached a competitive total of 158.

West Pilbara started well with the ball too, with James O'Brien claiming the first wicket with only seven runs on the board.

But a solid Northam middle order spoiled the party.

Northam ran down West Pilbara's total with five wickets to spare, but blistering spells from Lawson Humphries and Lachlan Marion restricted their opponents to 187.

The following match did not go according to the script after West Pilbara was bowled out for 41 against a strong Wellington Cricket Association side, which went on to post 315 to secure a comfortable victory.

Another strong side in Albany followed and, although the bowlers toiled hard, with two wickets each to O'Brien, Reuben McCawley and Michael Durack, they could stop their opponents reaching 300.

West Pilbara put in a stronger batting performance this time, with openers Jack Tocas and Riley Tennant adding 46.

First-drop O'Brien was the star, posting a staunch half century as wickets fell around him.

It was not enough as West Pilbara were bowled out for 117.

West Pilbara were again sent in to bat against Peel in their penultimate round and managed 67.

Peel opener Liam Richards then went ballistic with the bat, posting 44 off 43 balls to secure the match.

Our juniors' final hit-out was against Central Midlands, but West Pilbara fell for 90.

McCauley responded with the ball for West Pilbara, claiming three wickets, but Central Midlands went on to post 9-301.