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Lower-order stand rescues Collingwood Park from disaster

Headshot of Cameron Newbold
Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Collingwood Park's Tim Pyle drives.
Camera IconCollingwood Park's Tim Pyle drives. Credit: Laurie Benson

Collingwood Park have escaped a disastrous collapse to record their second win of the season and jump to third place on the standings, after a dramatic finish to their fixture against North County on Sunday at Turf West.

The Bulldogs chose to bat first but were unable to conjure any substantial partnerships as they were bowled out for 119 inside 40 overs.

However, a devastating spell by recently picked State 19s all-rounder Michael Ferreira swung the balance of the game in just a few minutes as he crashed through the Park top order, taking the first four wickets.

Collingwood Park's Ben Grey runs out North County's Tom Carrington.
Camera IconCollingwood Park's Ben Grey runs out North County's Tom Carrington. Credit: Albany Advertiser

The talented 17-year-old claimed Nathan Dovey (9) and Matt Heberle (0) in his second over and Park were left reeling at 4-23 when he bowled Ben Grey for 11 and trapped Nic Barrow lbw for a duck in his next over.

Steve Van Neirop was the fifth wicket to fall as the Bulldogs’ hopes of defending the small total grew with every ball.

Myles Jackson (4) and Jack McPhee (4) both lasted briefly as the Bulldogs had Park on the ropes at 7-57 approaching drinks.

North County's Michael Ferreira bowls.
Camera IconNorth County's Michael Ferreira bowls. Credit: Albany Advertiser

Returning as skipper after missing the opening two matches, Tim Pyle, combined with little-known No.9 Andre Gabriel to save the day for Park and, remarkably, guide their side to a bonus-point win.

A fighting 63-run stand between Pyle and Gabriel stopped the batting collapse and effectively won the game as Park triumphed by three wickets.

Pyle was unbeaten on 32, cracking a boundary to bring up the winning runs, while Gabriel was 15 not out.

Collingwood Park's Jack McPhee departs after being caught off the bowling of North County's Riecko Parker-Cole.
Camera IconCollingwood Park's Jack McPhee departs after being caught off the bowling of North County's Riecko Parker-Cole. Credit: Albany Advertiser

Meanwhile in the other round 4 Albany Cricket Association A-grade fixture, Mt Barker joined Manypeaks on 20 points after some more individual brilliance with both bat and ball from key trio Alex Fergie, Jeremy Wood and Nathan Crosby in their win over Royals.

Wood scored a terrific century to help the Bulls reach 1-209 from their 45 overs, with the in-form Crosby yet again surpassing 50.

Dylan Holt removed Fergie (9) but it would be the only joy for the Lions as Wood hit 11 fours and one six in his 102 not out, while Crosby batted through to make an unbeaten 79.

The Lions, keen to avoid the batting collapses that had riddled their past two matches, ticked along slowly with youngsters Digby Nuthall and Ted Batchelor opening.

Wood claimed both openers and when medium-pacer Alex Fergie dismissed key man Mitch Green on 17 and then Matt Wolfe (0) in the same over, the Lions were 4-90 and needing almost nine runs an over to win.

Fergie proved chief destroyer as he ripped through the Lions with 7-31 from his 7.2 overs to help bowl them out for 137.

Remarkably Wood, Crosby and Fergie combined for 190 runs, all 10 wickets and three catches to help the Bulls leap to second spot.

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