ADCA 2024-25: Royals all-rounder Ryley Valli leads flawless run chase over Mt Barker in grand final rematch

Royals kickstarted their Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade title defence in superb style with a seven-wicket victory over arch rivals Mt Barker on Saturday. The last time the two sides met, the Bulls failed to set a defendable total which gifted their opponents a premiership to savour. In their first match of the season, a feeling of deja vu washed over the Bulls as they posted a decent first innings total of 208 but on a batter friendly wicket the Lions executed a near-faultless run chase. Spearheaded by talented all-rounder Ryley Valli who crafted his way to 95 runs, the Lions chased the Bulls’ 208 runs with ease, passing the total in the 41st over for the loss of just three wickets. Valli was supported superbly by captain Mitch Green who added a crucial unbeaten 75 from 81 deliveries as the pair chiselled into the runs with poise and little risk on the green but firm Turf North wicket. Valli belted eight fours and one six before being trapped in front by Bulls skipper Jeremy Wood five runs shy of a maiden A-grade ton. But Green, who walloped six fours and a maximum in his rousing knock, remained at the crease to guide his side to victory in the grand final rematch. Wood finished with 1-33 from his 7.2 overs and manufactured a stellar run-out on Lions opener Angus Thompson off a free-hit delivery. Ryan Davies was the Lions’ other main contributor with the bat, with 22 runs, before falling to Ryan Gaerth. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Bulls struggled to formulate meaningful partnerships as frequent wickets marred their first outing with the bat. Despite the lack of partnerships, the Lions offered plenty of errant deliveries which allowed the Bulls to smack 22 boundaries before they were dismissed in the 42nd over. Neil Ferreira led the way for the Bulls with a vital 43 runs form 57 balls, including five fours and one six, in a 35-run fourth-wicket stand with Seth Davis (nine runs). Alex Fergie belted three fours and two sixes in a quickfire 28 runs at the top of the order and Gaerth chipped in with 31 from 26 balls which included three fours and one six. Valli starred with the ball picking up 3-17 from his six overs and Angus Thompson (2-41) and David Brown (2-47) also played key roles with the ball.