ADCA 2023-24: Tigers chase down 182 to win third game, Lions strangle Park to remain undefeated on top

Royals and Railways have skipped clear at the top of the ladder after impressive victories in round four of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition on Sunday. The Tigers produced a strong run chase to claim a five-wicket win over rivals Manypeaks at Turf North, while at Turf South the Lions kept their unbeaten status intact with a seven-wicket triumph over Collingwood Park. Another superb display from English import Joe Stanley powered the Tigers to their third win of 2023-24. Stanley bowled nine tidy overs and went wicketless with the ball but he was the anchor of the Tigers chase, as they won with seven overs to spare. The youngster was unbeaten on 50 from 68 deliveries to get his side over the line, forming a strong sixth wicket stand with teenager Lachlan Tindale. Set 182 to win by Peaks, the Tigers chase got off on the wrong foot when Billy O’Meara was removed for a duck. However, a 76-run partnership from Mohit Jaggi and Coen Marwick got the Tigers’ innings back on track as they both scored freely. Paul Donaldson snared firstly Mohit Jaggi for 38 and then caught and bowled Marwick on 36 to leave the Tigers 3-101. Caleb Haua became Donaldson’s third scalp as the veteran tried to swing the game back in Peaks’ favour. Stanley took control as he partnered with Milan Jaggi but it was the stand with Lachlan Tindale that proved the difference. Lachlan Tindale made 30 from just 33 balls to play a strong cameo alongside Stanley as the young side continued their strong early season form and moved 11 points clear of Mt Barker in second spot. Stanley is averaging 103 in the first four games of the summer, with three half centuries and a 49 with the bat, to go with his five wickets. Donaldson was the pick of the bowlers with 3-34 for Peaks while overseas player Ben Southern took an early wicket and returned 1-47 from eight overs. Earlier Peaks made 4-182 on the back of strong contributions from Ryan Kinnear and Kane Pinney. Kinnear finished 65 not out after a patient innings at No.3 while Pinney scored 43 from 57 balls to help Peaks surpass 150. The pair shared in a 91-run stand after returning Tigers premiership player Tim Edmunds dismissed Donaldson for 12. Peaks fell to 2-29 after the loss of captain Regan Poett (13) and Angus McSweeney (7) but they recovered through Kinnear and Pinney. 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. 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. 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 as the Lions remain on top of the ladder.