Steady Tigers prevail over promising Park

Railways held their nerve against an improving Collingwood Park outfit to secure their second win of the Albany Cricket Association A-grade competition.

The defending premiers batted first and posted an impressive total of 8-212.

Opener Sam Want let one through the trap door to be sent back to the sheds without scoring before Coen Marwick and wicket keeper Aiden Dallimore put on a 55-run partnership.

Marwick was removed for 69 leaving his side at 3-97 but captain Nathan Crudeli (31), Flynn Cristinelli (31), Hayden Davies (21) and Aubin Spurr (20) ensured their team would surpass 200.

A brilliant 81 from Nathan Dovey nearly caused an upset for Park as they went close to chasing down the 213 needed to beat the all-conquering Tigers.

Dovey entered the crease at 2-12, before he and Adam Ditchburn put on 69 runs to give their side some hope.

With Dovey and Haydn Burling at the crease victory was in sight as they had five wickets in hand and needed a run a ball.

Burling was dismissed and Dovey followed, caught in the outfield as Parks hopes quickly faded at 7-163.

Spinner Simon Harvey claimed the last four wickets of the game, helping him to a crucial five-wicket haul as Park were bowled out in the 41st over for 173.

Mt Barker survived a big scare from Denmark in the other round two fixture.

The Bulls could not get any solid partnerships going in their innings but managed to reach 164, which in the end proved too many for the Magpies. Luke Hammond made 37 for the Bulls while Jeremy Wood contributed a valuable 25.

The Magpies stayed in the game for a long time, recovering from 5-56 as their tail wagged strongly.

The Magpies lower order plugged way at the total, and needing 46 for victory with three wickets, the game was well and truly in the balance.

Alex Fergie stepped up for the Bulls taking two of the final three wickets as they hung on and bowled out Denmark for 137 in the second last over.

Steven Scott played a strong role with the ball, taking 3-8 off his five overs for the winners, as they chalked up their first points of the competition.