SA Redbacks rookie Bailey Capel makes career high 199 for West Torrens in SACA Premier Cricket

A young SA opener fresh off his first Redbacks pre-season has found form with a record-equalling monster score in Premier Cricket.

West Torrens opener Bailey Capel in action on his way to 199 against Sturt last Saturday at Price Memorial Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

There is never a bad moment for an opening batsman to blast a big ton.

But for West Torrens young gun Bailey Capel, his career-high knock to enter the Eagles’ history books on Saturday could hardly have been timed better.

The 21-year-old smashed 10 sixes and 16 fours on his way to 199 in a mammoth stint at the crease as his side pounded Sturt into submission in their Premier Cricket clash at Price Memorial Oval.

Capel secured his first Redbacks rookie contract earlier this year and came into the season looking to build on his two first grade hundreds in each of the past two campaigns.

Bailey Capel raises his bat on reaching a century last season. The young opener now has six first grade hundreds to his name at West Torrens. Picture: Dean Martin

But after being stumped on six in the first round followed by a three-ball duck, the promising left-hander was searching for a return to form.

He more than found it on a batting-friendly wicket.

While falling one short of a double ton was frustrating, Capel said his more than six-hour shift at the crease was as valuable as anything.

“It felt really good to get some form and go big in that game and just to spend time in the middle,” Capel said.

“It was a very flat pitch so when you got in it was hard to get out after that.

“There were four or five overs where I was in the 190s but didn’t get too much of the strike.

“Then I had a drink run out and the message was ‘we’re declaring at the end of this over, try and get to your 200’.

Capel (left) received a Redbacks rookie contract in May. Pictured with Cate Duneman, Paris Hall, and Kyle Brazell at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“I got two off the first ball, knew I needed one more and tried to clear the infield over mid-wicket, top edged it and just didn’t get away with it.”

Capel’s monster score was not only a terrific personal achievement but one which made an impact on West Torrens’ records.

His sixth first grade century was the seventh highest individual total in Eagles history and his 10 sixes equalled the top mark set by Ryan Gibson last season.

Meanwhile, the team’s 4/426 declared was the sixth highest ever first grade score by West Torrens.

Skipper Daniel Drew also compiled a stellar 101 runs – his seventh first grade ton.

Capel said the huge knock was “definitely up there” in his list of personal achievements, though nothing equated to team success.

The opener was a fresh-faced 16-year-old when he played in each of the Eagles’ historic three-peat of premierships in 2016/17.

Capel said breaking through for a state debut and another West Torrens title were his ultimate goals.

“We’ve shown glimpses already – like on the weekend – of what we can do but probably haven’t put together that perfect game yet,” he said.

“We’ve definitely got the team on paper to get the job done and go all the way.”

Sturt will resume on 1/6 at Price Memorial Oval this Saturday in the round three Premier Cricket clash.