Strong bowling performance powers Mt Barker to double bonus-point win over inexperienced Railways outfit

Mt Barker enjoyed a winning start to the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade season as they recorded a double bonus-point result over a young and inexperienced Railways outfit at Sounness Park on Saturday. The Bulls had a disappointing finish to last season, going down in the grand final. However, they opened the 2021-22 season in strong fashion. After bowling the Tigers out for a dismal 88, the Bulls chased down the total in 19 overs to secure two bonus points on their home deck in round one. Tigers captain Coen Marwick and new recruit Josh Noakes (20 runs) shared in a 29-run opening stand before Marwick, his side’s most experienced cricketer, was caught for 10 off the bowling of Nathan Crudeli. New No.3 Hayden Davies followed soon afterwards, and despite a 16-run partnership from Noakes and Billy O’Meara, their side were bowled out inside 33 overs. Bulls skipper Jeremy Wood ripped through the middle order with 3-10 from four overs, and seamer Noah Middleton claimed 3-13 as the Tigers lost 8-37. Alex Fergie got the Bulls off to a flying start in the run chase with 28 before he was bowled by Hayden Davies with the score 1-34. Fellow opener Nathan Crosby was dismissed in the next over. However, Wood (20) and prized recruit Nathan Poole (18) added 29 runs to get their side within sight. Despite losing a few late wickets, they passed the total six wickets down in the 19th over. Lawrence T’Hart (2-14) and Marwick (2-33) were the Tigers’ multiple wicket takers in the four-wicket defeat.