Royals break 18-year premiership drought with famous grand final victory over Mt Barker

Royals produced a stunning performance in yesterday’s Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade grand final to secure their first premiership since 2002-03. The Lions caused a 27-run upset over favourites Mt Barker to claim the 2020-21 A-grade premiership after winning their sixth straight game. The win was setup by a superb partnership between Michael Roberts and Leighton Smith before they delivered a terrific bowling effort to secure the title glory. After falling to 5-82 when captain Mitch Green was caught superbly, Roberts and Smith had plenty of work to do to help their side post a competitive total. The pair shared in a 71-run partnership that ensured their side post 9-179 batting first at Turf North. Roberts top scored with 45 while Smith added a vital 30 and Green chipped in with 20 after openers Ted Batchelor (15) and Ryley Valli (17) got their side of to a strong start with a 37-run partnership. David Brown proved the hero for the Lions with the ball, claiming 4-16 which earned him man of the match honours. Brown claimed the first three wickets of the Bulls innings including the huge wicket of Nathan Crudeli who was caught for a duck. Bulls captain Jeremy Wood (39) and experienced opener Neil Ferreira (38) steadied the ship as they put on a 57-run partnership after their side fell to 3-29. Green bought himself into the attack and claimed the big wicket of Ferreira with some words being exchanged between the two and Green struck again later on, as he removed the dangerous Wood. The Bulls lost 6-38 as they were bowled out for 153. Green starred with 3-29 off eight overs while leg spinner Angus Thompson took 3-46 to change the game.