Stampeding Bulls ready for tough title fight against in-form Lions as they look to break premiership droughts

Mt Barker captain Jeremy Wood says Saturday’s grand final is a wonderful opportunity for his club to win some deserving silverware, in what would be their first A-grade title in 17 years. The Bulls will start hot favourites to win the 2020-21 Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade decider against Royals. In 2017-18 the Bulls joined the ADCA competition and have tasted B-grade success but this will be their first A-grade grand final appearance. The Bulls’ last A-grade triumph came in the former Mt Barker and Districts Cricket Association in 2003-04 and Wood said his team was hungry for a flag. “We came into the competition four years ago and we have been striving ever since we started to have a crack at winning one, so the opportunity is now and we are excited about getting the chance of winning one,” Wood said. “It’s probably been a long time since Barker have won an A-grade flag in either comp, it certainly creates a lot of atmosphere in the town, it’s really what we need at our club I believe, a bit of success.” The Bulls will have their regular 11 players take the field on Saturday and will add one of four B-grade players, Craig Peiper, Steven Scott, Luke Hammond or Craige Anning, according to Wood. After the off-season recruitment of star all-rounder Nathan Crudeli, the Bulls have been dominant this season losing just two 50-over matches and one Twenty20 fixture. They lost their final game in the lead-up to the finals to the Lions last Saturday but Wood was confident his side could hold the cup aloft. “I don’t think there is pressure, I feel like we have played good cricket all year so we just need to get out there and do what we have done all year,” he said. “You never want to lose a game running into finals like that, but I don’t see it as a bad thing, running into finals to lose a game it sort of sets you straight and puts you more to task than usual.” They will face a red-hot Lions outfit, out to end a long drought themselves, having last won an A-grade premiership in 2002-03. The Lions are sweating on the fitness of opening batsman Dan Robson who injured a hamstring last Saturday. Captain Mitch Green said it was only a slight twinge and they’ll give him every chance to play, meaning the Lions have 13 to pick from if he gets up. The Lions have won five straight games and Green said it was a massive moment for his club. “Absolutely I think we can cause an upset,” he said. “Clearly Mt Barker are the better side, they have been the benchmark all year and have some quality players, so we will have to be on top of our game but I think we showed last week if we bring our best cricket we can challenge most sides. “It means a hell of a lot to bring the club back to a grand final, it’s been 18 years. “The club has been through a period where they dropped out of A-grade and went back and worked hard. “There are a lot of people behind the scenes that have done a lot of work to get the club back to where it is and it’s probably just reward for those people.” Whatever happens, new premiers will be crowned on Saturday, as powerhouse Railways has won the last seven A-grade flags. ADCA GRAND FINALS A-grade — Mt Barker v Royals at Turf North, noon B-grade — Manypeaks v Narrikup at Turf East, 12.30pm C-grade — Collingwood Park v Manypeaks at Hard North, 1pm