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WA Country Cricket Teams Compete at National Championships in Busselton

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. pete-at-national-championships-in-busselton.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 1:45 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

WA Battles for Country Cricket Glory in Busselton

The Western Australian bush cricket scene is fiercely competitive, and that was on full display in Busselton and the Margaret River region this week as the Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC) took place. The championships, running from January 7th to 13th, saw teams from across Australia converge to vie for the coveted title, with Western Australia fielding two representative sides – Western Australia 1 and Western Australia 2 – both eager to claim victory on home soil. While the tournament wrapped up with New South Wales claiming the overall championship, the event highlighted the strength and passion of country cricket in WA and provided a platform for emerging talent.

The article in The West Australian details the ongoing competition, focusing on the challenging conditions and the strong performances from several WA players. The ACCC is a significant event for country cricketers, offering a rare opportunity to showcase their skills against the best players from rural areas nationwide. The Busselton-Margaret River region was selected as the host location, aiming to boost tourism and provide a beautiful backdrop for the matches.

A Two-Tiered WA Approach

WA adopted a strategy of entering two teams, allowing for greater player participation and development. Western Australia 1, considered the stronger of the two sides, featured a core of experienced players and was expected to contend for the top spots. They included players like captain Mitchell Green, and key all-rounders such as Josh Deluca and Blake Reynolds. WA 2 provided a platform for emerging talents and provided valuable game time for players looking to break into the higher level.

However, the early stages of the tournament proved challenging for both WA teams. WA 1 suffered an early loss to Victoria, putting them on the back foot. Despite solid performances from individuals like Deluca, who scored a valuable half-century, consistent batting collapses plagued their campaign. WA 2, while exhibiting promising signs, also struggled to gain consistent wins. The article notes the depth of competition, with teams like NSW, Victoria, and South Australia consistently performing well.

The Tournament Landscape & Key Results

The ACCC adopts a T20 format, emphasizing aggressive batting and tight bowling. This format, combined with generally quick outfields and sometimes challenging coastal conditions, demanded adaptability from all teams. NSW ultimately dominated the competition, showcasing a well-rounded team and consistent performances throughout the week. They secured a convincing victory in the final, leaving other teams to battle for second place.

As reported by Cricket Australia’s official tournament page ([ https://www.cricket.com.au/news/australian-country-championships-2024-results-fixtures-teams-busselton-wa ]), NSW finished the round games undefeated and carried that momentum into the finals. South Australia finished second, followed by Victoria, demonstrating the strength of those states’ country cricket programs.

WA 1 ultimately finished in 6th place, while WA 2 placed 11th. While not the results WA hoped for on their home ground, the tournament still provided valuable experience and exposure for the players. Individual highlights for WA included consistent bowling spells from several fast bowlers and some impressive batting cameos from middle-order players.

Beyond the Scoreboard: The Spirit of Country Cricket

The West Australian article rightly emphasizes that the ACCC is about more than just winning. The tournament fosters a strong sense of community and sportsmanship. Players often travel long distances to participate, representing their local clubs and communities with pride. The event provided a boost to the local economy in Busselton and the Margaret River region, attracting spectators and participants alike.

The focus on grassroots cricket is crucial for the continued development of the sport in Australia. Players who excel at the ACCC may go on to represent their states at higher levels, or simply continue to contribute to their local cricket clubs. The tournament also serves as a reminder of the important role cricket plays in connecting rural communities.

Looking Ahead

While NSW secured the championship this year, the WA teams will undoubtedly be looking to improve their performance in future tournaments. The experience gained in Busselton will be invaluable as they prepare for next year’s event. The focus will likely be on developing consistent batting depth and strengthening the bowling attack.

The success of the ACCC in Busselton demonstrates the viability of regional areas hosting national sporting events. The combination of a strong local organizing committee, supportive community, and beautiful scenery created a positive environment for players and spectators alike. With continued investment and support, country cricket in Western Australia can continue to thrive and produce talented cricketers for years to come.