Donaldson ton sets Manypeaks up for win

Manypeaks have started the Albany Cricket Association A-grade season in impressive fashion, with a polished batting display from the returning Paul Donaldson leading to a comfortable win over Collingwood Park on Saturday at Hard North.

Donaldson, who had not played for Manypeaks since the 2005-06 season, came back with a bang.

Peaks were in early trouble at 2-11 before Donaldson came in at number four to steady the ship.

Donaldson along with Jack Dawson put on a 51-run partnership, before Collingwood Park quick Mitch Jackson knocked Dawson over for 24.

A former Claremont-Nedlands first grade cricketer, Donaldson hit the Collingwood Park bowlers all around the park after he surpassed fifty and quickly brought up his ton.

He was run out for 106 off 103 balls with the score at 6-174.

Peaks then lost 4-31 to be all out for 205 in the 43rd over.

Experienced players Ryan Kinnear and Warrick Durrack both made 16 for Manypeaks.

Collingwood Park started the same way as Peaks, being in early trouble at 2-11.

Leroy van den Dool and Matt Herberle put on a steady partnership of 42 before Broomhall broke through van den Dool’s guard to knock him over for 20.

Poor middle-order batting hurt Collingwood Park as they lost 3-12.

Steve Van Nierop batting at seven put up a solid fight with the bat, as he made his way to 30 but no other batsmen could get going with him.

Collingwood Park lost 4-23 as Van Nierop finished on 30 not out. They fell well short, finishing their 45 overs on 9-131.

Captain Matt Herberle said he was pleased with his side’s early bowling effort.

“Our early bowling was pretty good to have them 5-92, then they got on top through the middle overs,” he said.

“The fightback with the ball at Donaldson’s dismissal at 6-174 to bowl them out for 205 in the 44th over was a great effort. We could have been chasing well over 250.”

“Getting six overs from the returning Hayden Burling, Steve Van Nierop and Jesse Spaanderman with the ball was also really important.

“Those two were probably our best.” Herberle said Manypeaks looked stronger than they had in the past few years.

He expected his side’s batting stocks to be bolstered.

“We should see our batting strengthen this weekend with the return of Nathan Dovey and hopefully Tim Pyle. Both of them were unavailable,” he said.

“But we can’t expect them to do the job. Everyone has to contribute and guys have to learn to go past that 20-odd and make a 70 or 80 — that’s what gets you up to these big competitive totals like Manypeaks did in their innings.”

Manypeaks captain Aran Tilbury said he was happy to have the likes of Pyle, Donaldson and McNamara back in the side.

“We’re happy with the win and moving on to an important game against Royals, who are going to be strong this year,” Tilbury said.