Final-over wicket hands Manypeaks vital six points in Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade comp

Manypeaks hung on in a last-over epic against a brave Royals outfit in round 13 of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday. Lions captain Mitch Green was the last wicket to fall, caught at point on the first ball of the final over as his side fell nine runs short of victory. Green returned from a finger injury and loomed as the player to get his side across the line as they chased 215 to win. Heading into the last over, the Lions required nine runs for victory with Green on strike to Paul Donaldson. Donaldson bowled a short ball outside off stump and Green cut hard to point only to be caught by a diving Ryan Kinnear to hand Peaks a vital six points. Lions openers Ryley Valli and Dan Robson got their side off to a strong start with a 61-run partnership. However the Lions suffered a major collapse, losing 3-0 as Robson (18), Ryley Valli (27) and then Ted Batchelor all departed. Green and Michael Roberts rescued their side from 4-65 and their 70-run stand got them back in the game. Roberts was caught for 33 leaving a lot left for Green to do, the latter unbeaten on 38 and his side still requiring 79 runs with five wickets in hand from the final 14 overs. Green took a strangle hold on the game and despite wickets falling around him he powered his side towards an unlikely win. With four overs left in the match Green and 14-year-old debutant Teague Valli, were at the crease and required close to a run a ball. After a 21-run stand Valli was run out and fellow youngster Caleb Haua joined Green at the crease. The Lions required 12 runs from as many balls but Peaks youngster Jack Stephens bowled a superb over and conceded just three runs. Donaldson showed his quality dismissing Green to bowl the Lions out for 206. Green made a brilliant 87 from 81 balls, including four fours and one six. Donaldson claimed 3-25 off eight overs while Charlie Walters and Ryan Kinnear each snared two wickets. Half centuries from Regan Poett and Donaldson helped Peaks reach 6-214 batting first in the 50-over contest. The pair added 68 runs before Poett was removed for 65. Donaldson finished unbeaten on 68 from 75 balls and a handy cameo from Warwick Durack (23) pushed their side beyond 200. Green took 3-35 off nine overs for the Lions.