Railways’ faint finals hopes dealt a blow after heavy defeat at hands of reigning premiers Royals

Railways have slumped to a seventh loss of the season in the 50-over format, further denting their hopes of playing finals in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association. The Tigers were left to rue a horrible batting collapse, as they were thumped by seven wickets at the hands of reigning A-grade premiers Royals in round 10 on Saturday. The loss leaves the Tigers anchored to the bottom of the table, 19 points adrift of the top three with five rounds to play and unlikely to reach the finals. After a two-week break the Lions returned in strong fashion, with a double bonus point win pushing them further clear in second spot. Spin twins Lincoln Joy and Angus Thompson led the way for the Lions combining to take eight wickets at Turf South. Tigers openers Coen Marwick and Billy O’Meara combined for 23 runs before the latter was removed for 12 and then Caleb Haua picked up his second wicket, after Marwick skied a ball on 23 to leave his side 2-44. Ryan Davies and Mohit Jaggi provided some brief resistance but their side crumbled, losing 7-24 to be bowled out for 81 in 27 overs. Joy snared four middle order wickets, including three in his first over which was a maiden. Then young leggie Thompson ripped through the remaining batters, taking the final four wickets to wrap up the Tigers innings quickly. Joy finished with the sensational figures of 4-5 from four overs and Thompson was just as impressive with 4-25 off 7.1. Seamer Caleb Haua snared the other two Tiger scalps. In reply the Lions made lightwork of the total, with Ted Batchelor and Ryley Valli putting on 30 for the first wicket. Valli departed for 17 before Joy and Batchelor added a further 31 runs to take their side close to victory. Batchelor fell for 22 and three balls later Marwick dismissed Jack Steel for a duck but Joy and Leighton Smith got the Lions home as they reached the victory target in 20 overs. Marwick was the only multiple wicket taker with 2-22 from his 10-over spell.