ADCA 2024-25: Building partnerships has been driving factor behind premiers’ undefeated start to the season

Strong partnerships and proactive batting has driven Royals’ undefeated start to the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade season according to skipper Mitch Green. Green scored his second half-century in three games and spearheaded his side to a three-wicket victory that came in the second-last over of the match at Turf North on Sunday. He smacked seven boundaries, including three sixes, in his superb knock of 81 which came from just 75 balls as his side reeled in Manypeaks’ total of 212 with relative ease. Peaks sparked a mini fightback when they snared Green and debutant Shane Manser within four balls before a crucial unbeaten 23 from lower-order batter Jack Hastie helped the Lions register their third consecutive win. The Lions’ top order all got starts as Lincoln Joy (38) returned for his first match of the season after knee surgery sidelined him for the opening month. Openers Ryley Valli (25) and Angus Thompson (19) were productive early before Oliver Douglas castled Angus Thompson during the power play. “I think we’ve strung together some really good partnerships and as a team, I think they’re batting really well,” Green said. “Everyone contributes where they need to and that’s highlighted by guys batting six, seven and eight who are getting the job done for us at the end and obviously Hastie on the weekend was exceptional. “I think it’s just trying to tick the scoreboard over all the time, so proactive with the way we’re batting. “Our side isn’t a side of big hitters and we’ve got to work really hard between the wickets and I think Ryley (Valli) and Gus (Thompson) have started us off really well and we’ve been able to get in front of the game.” Spinner Liam Davies was superb with the ball for Peaks, claiming 2-43 from nine overs while part-timer Kane Pinney bowled a crucial wicket-maiden late in the day. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Peaks got their best start of the season, with captain Regan Poett and Seb Stanton putting on a 91-run opening stand. Joy found the much-needed breakthrough after dismissing Poett cheaply on 28, but danger man Stanton remained at the crease. He scored a brilliant 87 from seven boundaries before he was trapped in front sweeping to Green. The rest of Peaks’ batting order failed to partner Stanton through the innings, with Cameron Walsh, Pinney and Bryce Durack all failing to make it past 10. Douglas scored a busy 22 with the tail, who were restricted by Lions medium-pacer Hayden Davies (3-21). Left-arm wrist spinner Joy was dialled in through the middle overs and claimed a vitally economical 4-33 in a match-defining nine-over spell. While admitting they have leaked more runs than desired, Green was pleased with how his bowling attack was adapting to white-ball cricket as the Lions sit one point adrift of top side Mt Barker who have played an extra game. “We bowl pretty deep as well and I think we’re a young bowling side and we’re learning week by week what it’s like with the white ball,” he said. “It’s a different game but it’s probably been disappointing letting slides get away to 200-plus scores, but the game has changed a little bit. “It’s going to be good for young bowlers’ development.”