ADCA 23-24: Bulls leapfrog Lions into first spot after bonus-point win over Manypeaks

Mt Barker overcame a middle-order batting collapse before claiming a bonus-point win to leap to the top of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade ladder after their three-wicket triumph over Manypeaks at Turf North on Saturday. After an electrifying start to their run chase, the Bulls collapsed losing 7-27 before eventually reeling in Peaks’ first score of 172 in the 40th over. The Bulls were cruising early with Alex Fergie (45) and Neil Ferreira (25) combining for a 75-run opening stand before their innings began to unravel. Peaks’ Jeremy Stewart claimed a vital 4-12 off 10 overs including the key wickets of Jeremy Wood and Ferreira. At 6-102 the Bulls were in desperate need of a partnership and Jarrad Gardner and Ryan Gaerth gave them just that. The pair put on a much-needed 38 for the seventh wicket before Cam Walsh claimed the scalp of Gardner (23). Gaerth (17 not out) continued to rotate the strike with Jonte Eastough, taking the wind out of Peaks’ sails before reeling in the total. Eastough finished unbeaten on 26 from 22 balls which included two fours and a six. After winning the toss and batting, Peaks skipper Regan Poett led from the front scoring a patient 71 at the top of the order. Ethan Drew (26) and Ben Southern (17) each got starts but their side was dismissed in the final over for 172. The Bulls were without star opening bowler Nathan Crudeli but still managed to claim frequent wickets and thwart any troublesome Peaks partnerships. Bulls’ Jack Pope and Max Osborne led their bowling attack with two wickets each.