Former Zimbabwe Test batsman blasts century for Mt Barker to help them remain undefeated

A second century of the season, this time from veteran opener Neil Ferreira, has maintained Mt Barker’s unbeaten run this season in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition. The former Zimbabwe Test batsman followed in teammate Nathan Crudeli’s footsteps from last week, as the left-hander laid the ground work for the Bulls posting another total of 200 runs, this time in their round six clash with Manypeaks at Turf South on Saturday. Ferreira delivered a magnificent 108 from 152 balls, his first local A-grade ton since 2015, as the Bulls cruised to a 5-235, having won the toss and batted first. His patient knock came after a difficult first session in which the Peaks bowlers asked plenty of questions of the Bulls top order. Ferreira brought up his ton with a boundary, jumping into the air with jubilation, before he was bowled by Paul Donaldson in the final three overs of the innings. Bulls openers Alex Fergie and Ferreira shared in a 74-run opening partnership before Fergie was caught for 30. Bulls captain Jeremy Wood joined Ferreira at the crease and the pair lifted the run rate, adding 68 to get their side to 2-142 when Wood departed after being caught behind for 37. Ferreira added 30 with Crudeli as the Bulls raced towards 200 and when Ferreira’s brilliant innings eventually came to an end his side were 5-229. Donaldson was the only multiple wicket taker with 2-35 off his 10 overs and Peaks faced a big run chase in their bid to upset the ladder leaders. Dan Rees and Regan Poett got their side off to a solid start with a 50-run opening stand. Wood struck twice in his second over to dent Peaks’ chances, removing Rees for 27 before bowling Seb Stanton three balls later to have Peaks at 2-53. The first three batsmen all fell to the raging Bulls captain, Poett edging one to the keeper on 22. Donaldson and Ryan Kinnear dug deep for Peaks but a terrific run-out from Crudeli ended Donaldson’s day on 37. Peaks lost 5-40 after Donaldson’s departure and despite small contributions from the lower order, they fell 42 runs short. They were bowled out for 193 in the 50th over. Wood was ever lively with 3-26 off 10 overs, Jarrad Gardner claimed 3-48 and spinner Paul Osborne took 2-36.