ADCA 2023-24: In-form Royals secure bonus point win over Manypeaks with strong all-round bowling display

Royals moved nine points clear on top of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade ladder after a bonus-point victory over Manypeaks at Turf South on Saturday. The Lions made it four straight wins to start 2023-24 as they easily chased down 108 in round five, led by a strong all-round display with the ball. Quick Matt France (3-27) and swing bowler Hayden Davies (3-21) did most of the damage while spinner Jack Hastie also snared two wickets as the Lions made light work of a Peaks side missing key senior pair Ryan Kinnear and Paul Donaldson. Kane Pinney scored a defiant 33 from 61 balls in the middle order and Luke Vlahov (9 not out) and Jeremy Stewart (16) added 29 runs for the final wicket but their side were bowled out for 107. Peaks never recovered after slumping to 3-11 early in the game, Cameron Walsh the first to go for two. Regan Poett was caught behind soon after for two off the bowling of Matt Thompson and then France claimed a second wicket as Seb Stanton fell for six. Pinney tried to hold the innings together but he lacked support, eventually caught by keeper Ryley Valli from a Rhys Lewis delivery. Valli was promoted to open as he and Ted Batchelor shared in a 47-run opening partnership that ended any slim hope of a Peaks victory. Vlahov got rid of Batchelor on 14 and Stewart bowled Lincoln Joy (7) cheaply but the Lions coasted to a six-wicket win. Valli hit three boundaries in his 38 from 57 balls before he was bowled by Oliver Douglas. Contributions from English youngster Lewis (22 not out) and Ryan Davies (15) ensured the Lions made it four straight wins to start the new season as they secured a bonus point after reaching the target in the 27th over. Douglas was impressive again with 1-15 from his six overs. The Lions now head into their second bye of the season having beaten every team in the first full round of fixtures and are nine points clear of the second-placed Railways.