Star duo Matt France and Mitch Green set up big win for Royals in final round of ADCA regular season

A century stand from two star Lions guided their side to an emphatic 158-run victory over Railways in round 13 of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association on Saturday. The Lions notched a double bonus point win which helped them secure second on the ladder, finalised by a points ratio on games played due to the abrupt end to the regular season. At the completion of round 13 the Lions were in third place but after an ADCA executive meeting decision they will have been credited with second place while the Tigers finished at the foot of the table. Matt France and Mitch Green shared in a brilliant century stand to set up a formidable total before the Tigers were bowled out for under 100. The Lions fell to 4-69 after Coen Marwick struck twice in quick succession, removing Lincoln Joy for 28 and then Leighton Smith for a duck. But France and Green took control of the innings from that point, as their 138-run stand ensured they set a big total. The Lions regained control as France and Green reached half centuries. Cooper Filipowski finally broke the partnership removing Green for 67 off 74 balls and then Lorcan McNamara combined with France for 23 runs. France’s terrific innings came to an end on 75 from 104 deliveries and despite the Lions losing 5-23 at the finish they posted a huge total of 253. McNamara finished unbeaten on 27 as his side were bowled out in the 50th over. Marwick was terrific with the ball claiming 5-40 off his 10-over spell while Hayden Davies was just as impressive with 2-24 off nine overs, six of which were maidens. The run chase was always going to be difficult for the Tigers and France struck in the first over. Milan Jaggi and Ryan Davies steadied the chase briefly with 24 runs before France struck again. The Tigers had a couple of small partnerships in the middle order but they were undone by the spin of Lincoln Joy, as they collapsed to lose 7-34 and and be all out for 95. Joy finished with superb figures of 4-13 and was well supported by Angus Thompson (2-12) and France (2-13).