Ferreira keeps alive the Bulldogs’ finals hopes

North County captain Neil Ferreira proved the difference against last-placed Royals in a tense and at times heated clash at Turf North on Saturday afternoon, as the Bulldogs kept their slim finals hopes alive.

The Lions still remained a mathematical chance of playing finals heading into the round 15 encounter but much like their meeting in round 3 of the one-day competition, it was the experienced Bulldogs batsmen that proved the difference.

After the loss of four early wickets, Tom Wolfe and Ian Attwell rescued the Lions’ innings as they shared in a 42-run fifth wicket stand before the latter was run out on 26.

Tom Wolfe batted with terrific control as he guided the Lions past 100, but he was also run out on 36 with his side 7-112.

Big hitter Scott Worsfold, however, ensured his side set a decent total as he hammered two sixes and six fours in a blistering 49 before the Lions were eventually bowled out for 173 in the 49th over.

Graeme Weinert was the pick of the Bulldogs’ bowlers, with 2-15 of his 10-over spell while Ferreira also chipped in with two wickets including the scalp of Worsfold.

Craig Tonkin and Aaron Williams gave their side a terrific platform in the run chase as they put on 55 runs, with Williams falling seven short of a half century when he was the second wicket to fall.

Ferreira, however, was the man the Lions simply could not get out as he survived a testing period and then went about anchoring their successful chase.

The former Test opener finished unbeaten on 67 as the Bulldogs reached 6-175 to remain alive.

Tempers flared between the two sides late in the game and again after the match but it mattered little as the Bulldogs had the last laugh with their fifth one-day triumph of the season.

Meanwhile, in the other round 15 fixture, Manypeaks scored a bonus-point win over Denmark at Turf East.

The Magpies were without veteran Cary Green, who was unsuccessful in challenging his two-game ban for dissent, and they started erratically with the ball as Peaks raced to 43 in the first 10 overs.

Peaks got terrific contributions from the majority of their batsmen, with captain Craig Sinclair top scoring with 58 while Aran Tilbury added 28 and Wade Anning made 24 in their total of 6-219.

Englishman Jujhar Johal was the key to the Magpies’ chase and he was well set after losing opening partner Matt Ellul cheaply before falling to Harry Broomhall on 35.

That ended a 59-run run stand between Johal and Dan Robson, who went on to make 32 but they lacked middle-order support as they finished 8-160 in reply as their finals hopes took a serious hit.