Third-placed Royals strengthen their chances of a finals berth with an important victory over Railways

Royals strengthened their finals chances in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition after an important victory over Railways on Saturday. Third-placed Lions were two points clear of fourth-placed Tigers heading into their round 14 clash at Turf South but now hold an eight-point buffer over the reigning premiers with six rounds remaining. The top three progress to the ADCA finals this season and the Lions’ 22-run victory helped them edge closer to securing a finals berth. Batting first the Lions posted 5-173 and despite a brave fight from the Tigers they fell short in reply. David Brown clean ripped Alan Pietersen in the first over before Coen Marwick and Aidan Dallimore settled the run chase with a 49-run stand. However both were dismissed in back-to-back overs to leave the run chase on shaky ground. Dallimore chipped a ball to cover for 18 before an excellent two-grab catch from Angus Thompson at slip sent Marwick back for 31 off the bowling of Marcus Mellon. Mellon struck in his very next overs as the Tigers slumped to 4-57. Youngster Jarrod Fuller and Hayden Davies produced a fighting 47-run stand before Davies’ cameo ended on 26. The Tigers lost 4-18 late late in the innings but they still had a sniff of victory, requiring 27 from the final three overs with one wicket in hand. In the 49th over Carl Moran attempted to go over the top of cover but was caught as the Tigers were bowled out for 151. Fuller, who came in at No.4 finished with an impressive 44no. Brown claimed 3-36 against his former side and Ryley Valli was impressive with 2-12 off eight overs while Mellon also snared 2-26 off 10 overs. The Lions posted their match-winning score earlier on, led by an unbeaten half century from skipper Mitch Green. Openers Dan Robson and Valli combined for 45 runs before Valli edged a ball on 18. Robson was caught behind for 37 before Green and Jack Steel (25) shared in an important 55-run partnership to get their side to a defendable total. The Lions skipper hit three fours and one six in his 57no from as many balls. Hayden Davies was the only multiple wicket taker with 2-24.