Valleys in form at Shirley Park

By Casey O'Connor

Tenterfield hosted Valleys at Shirley Park, Tenterfield last Saturday. Despite a late season win the home side had no answers against one of the competition heavy weights.

Tenterfield won the toss and elected to bat looking to gain a home ground advantage over Valleys. Unfortunately, the pitch seemed to favour the bowlers.

Tenterfield received a setback when opener Nick Savins was dismissed by Anthony Marino in just the third over for six runs. The score 1/17. That became 2/27 soon after when Geoff Swan was also bowled by Marino.

Opener Adam Jennings was showing promise before he was despatched by Sandro Stefanon for 21.

Tony Knox became Marino’s third bunny when he was caught by Carmichael for four. Tenterfield were reeling at 4/31 with less than ten overs bowled.

A diddle order revival was needed and despite the best efforts of Dan Adames who top scored with 48 the remaining batsmen were dismissed cheaply. It took Valleys just 24 overs to dismiss the remaining batsmen for a very gettable total of 132. A target inflated by 21 extras.

Tenterfield supporters were given some early hope when Valley’s opener David Marino was dismissed for seven. The score 1/19. They were further buoyed when his opening partner Anthony Coup followed in the next over. Valleys 2/19.

That however is where the joy ended for Tenterfield. Valleys had few problems as they cleaned up the required runs in just 18 .2 overs. Cameron Crestani who top-scored (47), the only other Valley’s wicket to fall.

Anthony Marino capped off a good day scoring 32 from 36 balls faced after a good session with the ball. He and captain Damien Andersen (26) remained not out as Valleys picked up the important winning points.

It looks unlikely that Valley’s can improve from their third position on the ladder but will figure in the finals.