ADCA 2023-24: Mt Barker star all-rounder Nathan Crudeli puts dent in Railways’ finals hopes in A-grade comp

Mt Barker moved 13 points clear of Royals at the top of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade ladder after securing a 29-run victory over Railways at Turf North on Saturday. Bulls star Nathan Crudeli’s blistering form continued after the gun all-rounder belted 81 runs and claimed three wickets, putting a dent in the Tigers’ hopes of a top-three finish with just two rounds to go. After winning the toss and batting, Crudeli played a lone hand at the crease during his side’s 50 overs, partnering with eight separate batters throughout the innings to lift his side to 9-173. Tigers spinner Joe Stanley spearheaded his side’s bowling attack claiming a five-wicket haul to finish with sensational figures of 5-20 from 10 overs. Crudeli’s teammates came and went with five failing to reach double-figure scores before Liam Gardner chipped in with a 74-ball knock of 22 as the pair added 79 for the eighth wicket. After setting the Tigers 174 for victory, the Bulls ripped through their opponents after an initial partnership of 87. The Tigers were dismissed for 144 in the 48th over as they missed a golden opportunity to put further space between themselves and Collingwood Park in the finals race. Tigers openers Stanley and Billy O’Meara began their chase well shaking hands for a 50-run stand before Bulls’ Jarrad Gardner found the breakthrough claiming the key wicket of Stanley for 48. Billy O’Meara departed soon after on 27 to leave the Tigers 2-91 but their middle order crumbled. Paul and Max Osbourne and Jarrad Gardner each claimed two wickets before Crudeli ripped through the Tigers’ tail to snare 3-32 from 9.2. Despite the loss, the Tigers still sit third on the ladder with 34 points, ahead of Collingwood Park (29 points) in fourth and Manypeaks (24) in fifth.