ADCA 2023-24: More runs from Marwick, Stanley not enough for Railways to down Royals in round three clash

Royals produced a strong run chase to win their second straight game in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday, moving to the top of the ladder. The Lions were set 173 to win by Railways in the top of the table clash at Turf East in round three. They put a halt to the early season form of the Tigers, reaching the total with five wickets down and 43 balls to spare. A powerful half century from Lions captain Mitch Green set his side on their way in the chase and he had plenty of middle-order support. Lincoln Joy (26), Angus Thompson (29 not out) and Matt France (23 not out) made vital contributions, but Green scored quickly at the top to lead his side to their second straight win. Green hit five boundaries in his 53 from 59 deliveries, eventually falling to impressive Tigers all-rounder Joe Stanley. Ted Batchelor fell on 10 to veteran Ryan Tindale and Joy was the second batter to depart when he was caught off Milan Jaggi after cracking five boundaries in his 26. Englishman Rhys Lewis was caught on the boundary for 17 but Green and Angus Thompson combined for 44 runs to keep the runs flowing. The job was nearly complete when Green fell with the Lions 4-127 and Ryley Valli was dismissed soon after but a 44-run stand from Angus Thompson and France sealed victory. Stanley was the only multiple wicket taker for the Tigers with 2-41 from his nine overs and skipper Coen Marwick returned 1-33 as they pushed the Lions to the 38th over. Earlier, the Tigers recovered from being 2-3 courtesy of an 88-run stand from Marwick and English young gun Stanley. Joy made the vital breakthrough, removing Marwick for 51 and then Milan Jaggi for a duck two balls later. Stanley played a patient innings with 56 from 117 balls before he fell to Matt Thompson. Lachlan Tindale produced a terrific middle order counter-punch with 47 from just 44 balls, including two sixes, as the Tigers reached 7-172 from their 45 overs. Matt Thompson was the pick of the Lions bowlers with 3-20 from eight and senior pair Joy (2-27) and France (2-32) also played crucial roles. Both Marwick and Stanley have been superb to start the season for the Tigers, Marwick scoring 162 runs at an average of 81 while Stanley has scored 156 runs and snared five wickets.