Collingwood Park leg spinner Jackson Davidson rips through reigning premiers Royals to secure first victory

A six-wicket haul from new recruit Jackson Davidson lifted Collingwood Park to their first victory of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade season, beating reigning premiers Royals on Saturday afternoon. Davidson ripped his way through the Lions middle and lower order to guide Park to a thrilling 12-run victory in round two at Collingwood Park. The leg spinner produced a remarkable nine-over spell that returned 6-19 as the Lions crumbled to be all out for 80. The Lions were in control of the run chase early after bowling Park out for 92 but a horrible middle order collapse brought about their first loss of 2021-22. After making their way to 4-60 and needing just 33 runs for the victory from the final 21 overs, the Lions were spun into a web by Davidson. The recruit removed youngster Lorcan McNamara who was caught at mid-wicket before Jack Steel and Matt France added 14 runs to get the Lions even closer to the small target. However Steel was caught at cover and then in his next over Davidson bowled Angus Thompson for a duck. With new recruit Matt France still at the crease the Lions still had plenty of hope but he was trapped in front by Davidson for 17 from 50 balls as the Lions crumbled to 8-79. When Caleb Haua was caught for two the Lions still required 13 runs for victory with one wicket in hand but David Brown was caught at first slip without scoring to hand Park a terrific win. Davidson was well supported by fast bowler Josh Dallimore who took three crucial wickets at the top. Dallimore (3-15 from nine) had Ted Batchelor chopping onto his own stumps and then nicked off Dan Robson before claiming the prize wicket of Lions captain Mitch Green on 22. Park captain Matt Heberle and Davidson helped rescue their batting innings earlier on, after the home side fell to 5-26. France had Park 2-0 in the first over of the match after removing Mitch Woods and Jarrod Fuller in a double wicket maiden. Haua dismissed both Nathan Dovey and Leroy van den Dool. Davidson and Heberle (11) shared in a 30-run stand before France had Davidson caught behind for 21. Josh Duffield added 22 vital runs late to help his side get to 92 with Ben Grey the last wicket to fall after skying a delivery. France was the pick of the Lions bowlers with 3-11 off seven overs, including three maidens, while Haua (2-14) and Thompson (2-16) were strong support acts but their side was left to rue a poor day with the bat.