ADCA 2023-24: No love lost between Mt Barker and Royals ahead of rivalry-fuelled A-grade premiership decider

Rivalries are forged on animosity and hatred, but it’s the tale of the past three years that creates the divide between Royals and Mt Barker according to their vice-captains as the two dominant sides prepare to joust for premiership glory for the fourth straight season. The Bulls are ahead in the ledger, going into Saturday’s decider on the back of successive Albany and District Cricket Association A-grade premierships, while the Lions broke through to claim the 2020-21 title. However, Lions’ vice-captain Ted Batchelor, who played in their premiership victory three years ago, believes there is fire in the belly as they look to even the score. “On the back of two losses in grand finals, this year burns a bit more and I am definitely motivated to win another one with this team,” he said. “There’s sort of a few individual battles as well as the overarching Royals versus Mt Barker contest. “I think there’s a fair chance (it will get heated) and a couple of angry boys going at each other.” Batchelor has moved down the order after spending most of the season as an opener to help strengthen the Lions’ middle order as they look to combat a potent Bulls attack. Bulls star Nathan Crudeli admitted he had fallen short of his lofty standards in recent grand finals but believes his side is under no illusions of the talent the Lions boast. “I think there is (pressure on me to perform); the last few personally I haven’t played as well as I probably should have,” Crudeli said. “I put pressure on myself, especially in big games. I think you’re lying to yourself if you’re trying to calm yourself down and just go about business like normal. “In saying that, it is all about bringing your ordinary performances on a special day and I’m looking forward to Saturday. “They’re a great team and have been in this position for a reason but we want to win.” The recently crowned A-grade player of the year, who did not bat in last year’s grand final, managed just seven runs in their 2022 grand final victory after being dismissed for a golden duck in their 2021 loss. Despite insisting he feels pressure to perform, Crudeli believes his side has a good mix of players to complete the coveted three-peat. “We have a really good group this year and a really balanced group,” he said. “A lot of people have stood up this year at different times, so I think we definitely have got a side that can win.”