ADCA 2024-25: Railways romp to 111-run victory over Collingwood Park in round one A-grade clash

Railways announced themselves as an early Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade finals fancy after securing a punishing 111-run win over Collingwood Park in their opening match of the season. The Tigers showed no signs of cobwebs as they plundered 255 runs from their 45 overs before restricting their opponents to just 144 in reply on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Tigers launched to a brilliant start with their opening pair of star Englishman Joe Stanley and youngster Billy O’Meara surpassing a 50-run stand. Park’s O’Shea Durack snared the huge wicket of Stanley for 19 runs but O’Meara still loomed as the danger man. O’Meara belted Park’s attack to all corners of Turf East, hitting eight fours and one six in his sensational knock of 78 runs from 73 balls as he and captain Coen Marwick added 69 runs in their third-wicket stand. Jesse Spaanderman found the much-needed breakthrough for Park when he claimed the crucial scalps of O’Meara and Marwick (32 runs) in quick succession. However, the Tigers found more contributors in their middle order with Mohit Jaggi nothcing 42 runs while returning veteran Alan Pietersen (18) and Lachlan Tindale (26) helped their team to a huge total in round one, for the loss of only six wickets. Durack (2-46) and Jesse Spaanderman (2-27) were Park’s only multiple wicket-takers on a tough day in the field. In reply, the Tigers backed up their destructive batting innings with a comprehensive bowling performance, limiting loose deliveries to strangle the Park’s scoring options. Park’s entire top order failed, their first five batters unable to make it past 15 runs, as Stanley proved again why he is one of the most feared spinners in the competition, taking 2-11 from his nine overs. Jaymon Spaanderman (40 not out) provided some resilience with the stick and Kobus Wessels contributed an unbeaten 38 as Park batted out their 45 overs to finish on 5-144. The bonus point win is a major early boost for the Tigers in their bid to return to finals action this season. Park’s loss was soured after Jed Schwarzbach was forced from the ground during the first innings after a serious shoulder injury.