ADCA 2023-24: Royals consolidate top spot after convincing win over Manypeaks in rain-reduced one-day fixture

Royals coasted to a 40-run victory over Manypeaks at Turf South in a rain-affected match, solidifying their position at the top of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade standings. Morning drizzle reduced the match to 42 overs per side, but that did not stop the Lions’ top order from pounding on the early pressure as they went on to secure a bonus point win. They found starts through openers Mitch Green (31) and Ted Batchelor (17) who combined for a 60-run opening stand before each fell within four balls of each other. Lions’ No.3 Lincoln Joy continued to apply the scoreboard pressure with a game-high 46, including seven fours, as he and Ryley Valli put on 51 for the fourth wicket. Joy’s run-a-ball knock came to an end when he skied a Kane Pinney delivery. When Peaks’ Jeremy Stewart snared Ryan Davies (one) and Lorcan McNamara (0) in back-to-back balls the Lions lost 3-1 to fall to 8-147. Angus Thompson contributed 14 runs with the tail before the Lions were skittled for 169 in 38 overs. Peaks struggled with their lines bowling 22 wides from their 24 extras but Pinney’s 3-49 was the stand-out performance with the ball. Jeremy Stewart, Owen Smith and Ryan Kinnear each claimed two wickets. Peaks struggled to formulate any significant partnerships in their run chase, their greatest coming for the eighth wicket when the game was all but over. Their innings was marred by a 4-29 collapse with three wickets coming via run outs. Seb Stanton’s (12) and Pinney’s (14) patient knocks provided some resilience before they ultimately fell short. Kinnear’s 36 and Cam Walsh’s unbeaten six added 32 runs for the eighth wicket before Peaks finished their 42 overs 40 runs shy of the Lions’ total. McNamara finished with 3-22 off eight overs as the key wicket taker and gloveman Ryan Davies claimed four catches behind the stumps as the Lions won a seventh one-day game of the season and sit six points clear on top of the ladder.