Royals top order fires again to hand them second straight victory and keep Manypeaks winless

For the second straight week a strong batting display has guided Royals to victory, this time downing Manypeaks at Turf South on Saturday afternoon. After finishing runner-up last season, Peaks slumped to their third straight loss of the 2020-21 Albany and Districts Cricket Association season after falling short in their run chase against the Lions. The Lions have found form with the bat in the last fortnight to help them move just three points outside the top two. Openers Ryley Valli and Dan Robson fired again at the top of the order for the Lions, combining in a 76-run partnership. Peaks youngster Charlie Walters broke the stand removing Robson for 20 before Ryan Kinnear had Valli trapped in front for 47 soon after to leave the Lions 2-78. Lions captain Mitch Green took control of the innings from there, hitting three sixes and three fours in his vital 47 that ensured his side would set up a challenging chase. Green was caught on the boundary trying to bring up his half century with his side 4-149 and after a late collapse they posted 8-178 batting first. Walters was terrific on his way to 4-30 and Kinnear took 2-39 for Peaks. In reply Peaks were in trouble at 6-59 but their side had a glimmer of hope through a Kinnear and Walters partnership. The seventh wicket stand was worth 78 runs and threatened to take the game away from the Lions at stages. All hope was lost, however, when Walters was run out on 26 and when Kinnear was caught for 46 and their side were all out for 148. David Brown was impressive up front with 3-20 for the Lions and was well supported by Valli (2-18).