Tigers consolidate top spot

Railways have further stretched their advantage at the top of the Albany Cricket Association A-grade standings after securing a bonus-point victory over Denmark without captain Zane Marwick and all-rounder Nathan Crudeli on Saturday.

The Tigers were missing the key pair, who are playing in the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Victoria, but they produced a terrific bowling performance at Turf North as the Magpies failed to conjure a partnership worth 30 runs or more.

Coen Marwick made the crucial early breakthrough to dismiss Matt Burton (14) and then the promoted Matt Ellul (5), who filled the void of absent veteran Cary Green, and he was one of four Tigers players to snare two wickets.

When Ryan Gaerth was run out for a duck, the Magpies were in a spot of bother at 3-30 and never able to get back on track.

Dan Robson hung around for a patient innings of 34 before he was undone by spinner Hasnain Nawaz (2-16) and youngster Oliver Pluckhahn was the only other Magpies batsman to reach double figures, making 14 until being removed by Jack Richards (2-14).

Playing his first A-grade match since round 3, Ryan Tindale snared 2-16, which included the final wicket as the Magpies were bowled out for 91, with Coen Marwick’s spell of 2-13 off nine proving crucial.

In reply, the Tigers were cruising with opening pair Mark Natale and Sam Want seeing off the new ball challenge and shared in a half-century first wicket stand before Want’s day came to an end on 25.

Natale finished unbeaten on 43 and Matt Walters was 15 not out as the Tigers coasted to a nine-wicket win, passing the total in 26 overs.

The Tigers have now won seven matches and sit 17 points clear on top with a staggering nine bonus points from only nine games.