ADCA 2023-24: Mt Barker and Collingwood Park take two wins for grand final berths

A dramatic day of Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade T20 fixtures ended with Mt Barker and Collingwood Park each securing two wins and grand final berths. The competition returned on Saturday with two T20s in rounds 11 and 12 and the Bulls and Park each secured two wins to book their spot in the decider. The Bulls overcame a nervy last five overs to defeat Royals in their round 12 match by three wickets at Turf South on Saturday. Despite missing captain Jeremy Wood and star all-rounder Nathan Crudeli, who are both on State Country duties, the Bulls restricted the Lions to just 4-117 batting first. Bulls opener Liam Want got them off to a flyer in their pursuit, blazing 26 from 16 balls including three fours and one six. He was backed up by Patrick Butler who scored 29 before being run out by Hayden Davies. The Lions bowling attack, spearheaded by Hayden Davies and Lorcan McNamara (two wickets), claimed frequent scalps throughout the innings to remain in the hunt. It took a cool Jack Pope (18 not out) and Steven Scott (6 not out) to chase the runs, making them with three balls to spare. Earlier, the absence in the Lions’ batting order left by Lincoln Joy (State Country) was picked up by promising all-rounder McNamara who finished unbeaten on 58 from 50 balls. His much-needed knock included two fours and three sixes. Angus Thompson pitched in with 23 but chewed up 32 deliveries in doing so. The Bulls shared the bowling load, collectively bowling an astounding 51 dot balls in their 20 overs. Scott, Butler, Pope and Adam Prowse each took a wicket for the Bulls. In their first match of the day, the Bulls made light work of Railways, storming to an eight-wicket win in the ninth over at Turf South. After winning the toss and bowling, the Bulls ploughed through the Tigers’ batting line-up, restricting their maximum partnership to just 16 runs. Butler, Pope and Prowse each took two wickets for the Bulls while Coen Marwick (20) and Milan Jaggi (11) were the only double-figure scorers for the Tigers. Nathan Crosby’s unbeaten 33 from 24 and Butler’s 26 guided their side home in comprehensive style. Park won a scintillating final-over thriller against the Tigers to ensure their grand final berth. Park set a solid score of 130 at Turf North, led by wicketkeeper-bat Devon Jefferis, who scored an unbeaten 56 at the top of the order, on their way to a three-run win. Park vice-captain Michael Ferriera had the ball in hand for the final over, protecting nine runs. When Milan Jaggi (17) was dismissed, followed by Caleb Haua (1) the next ball, things were made increasingly difficult for the Tigers and Park held on. The Tigers were cruising at 3-98 with five overs to go in their run chase with opener Marwick (43) and vice-captain Mohit Jaggi (32) set at the crease. But when Marwick pulled aerially to Jarred Fuller at square leg, their innings began to unravel. Cameron Jones took 2-21 from his four overs, while Ferreira finished with 1-13. Park were on song in their earlier game, defeating Manypeaks at Turf North by 12 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Park finished their innings 9-131. Jed Schwarzbach top-scored with 31, while Jefferis’ 29 and Ferreira’s run-a-ball 20 were all key contributors. Paul Donaldson was Peaks’ pick of the bowlers with 4-24. Peaks never looked like reeling in the score but were kept hopeful after Park bowled constant sundries (25). Park finished their innings with 20 wides and five leg byes with extras being the equal top scorer for Peaks along with captain Seb Stanton (25). Teams will now break for senior country week before returning on January 27.