ADCA 2024-25: Exciting final month of A-grade season to play out as three teams fight for grand final berth

An exciting final month of the regular season in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition is set to play out, with three teams vying for top spot. Finishing on top spot earns direction qualification into the one-day grand final on March 22, but the top three teams are separated by just six points heading into round 17 on Saturday. Mathematically the fourth-placed Manypeaks can still make the top three finals system, but would need four double bonus point wins and other results to fall their way if they were to sneak into third place. A Mt Barker win against Peaks at Turf East this Saturday would lock in the top three but top spot is still up for grabs. A mid-season form slump from defending premiers Royals has allowed Railways and the Bulls back into contention for the minor premiership. The second-placed Tigers (50 points) are just two points adrift of the Lions (52) while the Bulls (46) are four points further back in third. The final four rounds of the one-day season will be played over the next month with the Lions and Bulls getting a chance to grab vital points on Saturday as the Tigers have the bye. The Lions will be chasing some more consistency, having a T20 and one-day game in their last three fixtures. They get a strong chance to bounce back from last week’s loss to the Bulls, when they tackle bottom side Collingwood Park at Turf North on Saturday. The Bulls have been buoyed by the inclusion of former first grade player Mitch Jackson, who has played three games for his new club. Jackson returned to the ADCA to captain Collingwood Park late last season but suffered a serious wrist injury in the off-season. His recruitment to the Bulls will boost their title hopes, adding bowling depth and another middle order batting option. Meanwhile the T20 grand final, between the Tigers and Lions will officially be played on Friday, February 21. The two clubs will do battle for the T20 silverware from 4.30pm, with the Tigers demolition of last season’s winners the Bulls last week stitching up top spot in the standings.