ACA Masters in Mandurah and Bunbury

The ACA Masters tour made its way to regional Western Australia for four days packed full of fun activations and events, from February 20-24.

The ACA Masters lineup consisted of some local WA legends:

Ben Edmondson
Murray Goodwin
Emily Hessell
Nick Hobson
Jules Langley
Nicky Shaw
Craig Simmons
Kelly Tyrrell

As well as fellow cricketers from around the country:

Chloe Rafferty
Alex Ross
Kelvin Smith
Graeme Vimpani

A touring party stacked with talent and firepower kicked off the tour in Mandurah with junior clinics on Thursday.

Friday consisted of school visits throughout the day, followed by a cricket blast clinic and a T15 match against the Peel Cricket Association.

Current Adelaide Strikers player and ACA Masters captain Alex Ross won the toss and elected to bat. Some entertaining batting from current and former Scorchers stars Nick Hobson and Craig Simmons helped the ACA Masters score at over 10 runs an over to put 158 on the board.

A clinical bowling performance from the likes of Ben Edmondson, Chloe Rafferty and Kelvin Smith meant that the Peel Cricket Association didn’t quite chase the target, however both teams had great fun, and most importantly put on a great show for those lucky enough to be at Peelswood Reserve.

Post-game there was a dinner and a panel conversation where those in attendance were able to hear great insights from Nicky Shaw, Craig Simmons and Nick Hobson, which was a fantastic way to cap off proceedings for the day.

Saturday morning was spent visiting junior clubs in Mandurah, assisting with pre-game activities and warmups, before the touring party travelled to Bunbury for the second leg of the tour.

On Sunday morning, the Masters assisted with a WA Talent squad training, where the junior cricketers were able to learn valuable lessons from some of the best in their particular fields, including a sweeping masterclass with Alex Ross, a power-hitting station with Craig Simmons, the wicketkeepers learnt from Emily Hesell, as well as fielding with Tom O’Connell.

It was fantastic for some of the Bunbury region’s best young cricketers to learn from our ACA Masters, with plenty of valuable insights and learnings shared.

At the conclusion of the junior talent training it was time for the ACA Masters XI to prepare for the T20 match against Bunbury District Cricket Association (BDCA).

Skipper Alex Ross made it two from two when he won the toss and elected to bat again, sending Craig Simmons and Chloe Rafferty out to face the new ball.

Coming up against a very talented side, the ACA Masters XI managed 133 from their 20 overs, highlighted by impressive switch hitting from Tom O’Connell on his way to 32* off 23 balls.

BDCA made their intentions clear early when they raced out of the blocks - and never looked like slowing down - as they reached the target in the 17th over.

Again, post-game dinner was served with a panel discussion hosted by local radio SEN Spirit. Alex Ross, Craig Simmons and Nicky Shaw dove into their careers and experiences, providing great insights and entertainment for the audience.

Before the conclusion of the tour on Monday, the ACA Masters headed out for final school visits, providing activities, games, and insights to students in the Bunbury area.

A big thank you to The City of Mandurah & Peel Cricket Association, The City of Bunbury & Bunbury District Cricket Association, WA Cricket and our ACA Members. Without the support of these organisations and individuals, the tour would not have been possible.