ADCA 2023-24: Lions impressive bowling display helps secure bonus point victory over winless Collingwood Park

Royals made it three wins on the trot to start the new Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade season, dismantling Collingwood Park at Turf South on Sunday. The Lions finished convincing bonus point winners in the round four contest to stay two points clear of the second placed Railways. The performance came without key all-rounder Lincoln Joy who was on Country XI duty and gives the Lions 21 points from three games as they have beaten Mt Barker, Railways and now Park. A polished performance with the ball helped the Lions hand Park their third loss of the season, as Hayden Davies snared four wickets. Hayden Davies has taken nine wickets in two games this season, his 4-20 vital in Park being reduced to 121 all out. Park won the toss and batted first but Matt Thompson and then three scalps from spinner Jack Hastie ensured the Lions ripped through their top order. Hastie snared the big wickets of Michael Ferreira (8) and Jed Schwarzbach (0) to be on a hat-trick and then later ended Devon Jefferis’ 71-ball stay as Park limped to 4-57. Skipper Brad Bootsma (35) top scored and he had some support from O’Shea Durack (16) and Englishman Sam Keeling-Wright (19 not out) but Park were bowled out in 43 overs. Jefferis dug in as wickets fell around him, the youngster making 18 but the Lions took regular wickets. Hastie’s spell of 3-19 was backed up by Harry Forsyth (2-14) and then Hayden Davies who ensured their side would be chasing a small target. Without injured English quick Cameron Jones, Park failed to make early inroads. A 97-run opening stand from Lions captain Mitch Green and Ted Batchelor all but ended the contest. Dylan Belward (2-29) bowled Batchelor on 25 and then removed Green, who hit 12 fours in his powerful knock of 75. Rhys Lewis was the third wicket to fall in the chase but Ryley Valli and Ryan Davies secured a comfortable victory with 15 overs to spare. The result leaves Park winless from three outings while the Lions will tackle Manypeaks this Saturday in a bid to start with a clean sweep in their first round of fixtures.