Bush and ‘Burbs: Perth claim hat-trick of Premier Cricket one-day titles with grand final win over Willetton

The West Australian’s sports reporters take a look at what’s happening in the country and amateur leagues around WA in this weekly column. Perth pulled off a hat-trick of Premier Cricket one-day premierships with a 67-run win over Willetton in the competition’s grand final at Hillcrest Reserve on Sunday. The Demons defended their total of 9-218 by bowling the Dragons out for 151 to claim the 50-over title for the third year running and add yet another flag to a golden era which has also seen the club claim first-grade (2022-23 and 2023-24) and Premier T20 (2024-25) premierships. Nathan Crudeli claimed player of the final honours after giving his side’s batting effort some late impetus by making 20 not out from 19 deliveries at No.9 before claiming four critical wickets with the ball. Willetton were sent into the field after losing the toss but made the perfect start by dismissing Perth star Jono Wells for just 12, with Kade Povey drawing an edge which was pouched by wicketkeeper Kyle Walsh. But contributions from Jacob Snadden (54), Wiehan Beukes (39) and Kyal Richardson (31) helped the Demons recover to post a competitive total. WA Second XI spinner Luke Holt was the best of the bowlers for the Dragons, taking 2-34 from his 10 overs. Willetton’s chase started in disastrous fashion, slumping to 4-27 as Crudeli (4-29 from eight overs) and Ethan Carrington (2-34 from eight overs) ran riot with the new ball. All-rounder Povey tried to spearhead a recovery but chopped the first delivery of Crudeli’s second spell back on to his stumps to depart for 50, all but marking the end of his side’s hopes. Perth and Willetton currently occupy the top two positions on the first-grade ladder, having started the two-day season by securing wins on Saturday. The Demons defeated Midland-Guildford by 86 runs, while the Dragons wrapped up a comfortable 208-run first-innings win over Melville before the Storm were able to stifle their attempt to claim an outright victory.