Grand final berth up for grabs between Manypeaks and Collingwood in under-17s competition

Collingwood Park won their second game in a row and edged closer to second spot on the Albany and Districts Cricket Association under-17s ladder on Sunday. Park finished comfortable 42-run winners over Railways in round nine on Turf East to close the gap on Manypeaks in second spot in their bid to reach the grand final. The Tigers won the toss and sent Park into bat first, taking full advantage of it as Peter Darmody and Rory Luscombe put on a 87-run opening stand. Darmody was caught for 46 but thanks to Luscombe and Buddy Robinson they went into triple figures and went about posting a formidable total. Both batters retired not out after making 50 and Park didn’t lose their next wicket until in excess of 200. O’Shea Durack was the second wicket to fall when he was caught for 33 and despite losing four quick wickets Park posted 6-254. Luscombe finished on 52 and Robinson added a run-a-ball 50, while Jed Schwarzbach also added 22. In reply, the Tigers were in trouble at 6-77 but Lachlan Tindale gave his side a slim chance of victory. Tindale and Kai Harvey added 56 together before Harvey was dismissed for 12 and after two more wickets the Tigers fell to 9-168. Brock Wilkinson tried hanging around with Tindale as they put on 44 together for the last wicket and took their side past 200 but they were bowled out for 212 in reply. Tindale made an unbeaten 84 off 73 balls and Wilkinson added 16, while Billy O’Meara made 35 opening, but they lacked support. Schwarzbach took 3-26 for Park while Darmody (2-8) and Luscombe (2-45) also took multiple wickets. Royals have secured their place in the decider and are two games clear on top with three rounds remaining. The Lions won by eight run over Manypeaks in round nine on Turf South, holding on in a tense finish. Devon Jefferis made 52 not out and he was strongly supported by Caleb Haua (41) and Ryley Valli (38) as the Lions posted 221 batting first. Harry Stephens was the only multiple wicket taker for Peaks with 2-14. Peaks were in a strong position in the run chase at 5-185 but they fell just short after a late collapse. Rory Sutherland and Cameron Walsh were at the crease and they took their side towards victory with a 14-run stand but Sutherland was run out for 14. Peaks were bowled out for 213 with one over remaining as Walsh was left stranded on 60 not out. Fynn Kelleher-Bird chipped in with 33 while James Douglas (23) and Angus McSweeney (20) also provided solid support. Daniel Berwick (2-19) and Bailey Daubney (2-21) did the damage with the ball for the Lions as they notched their seventh win of the season.