By Casey O'Connor
Conditions were no better for players on the CF White Oval on Saturday but it was South’s who were really feeling the heat as they went head to head with ladder leaders Valleys.
With the pitch and out-field dry as a chip Valleys were happy to send South’s in to bat after winning the toss.
Valley’s made early inroads dismissing the South’s openers, Singh (7) and Cameron (6) cheaply.
After dismissing Singh, Steve Martin also cleaned bowled Liam Lanza for just two runs and South’s were in trouble with the score 3/15. Matt Hendry provided a steadying influence and pushed the score along to 64 before he was caught by Carmichael off the bowling of David Marino. With five batsmen back in the sheds South’s needed a big effort from their remaining batsmen however the Valley’s bowling attack proved too strong and there was a rapid fall of wickets as South’s crumbled to be all out for 93. Steve Martin and Cameron Crestani shared the bowling honours each taking three wickets.
Valley’s needed just sixteen overs to knock over the required runs for victory.
Opener Alastair Middleton looked in fine touch before falling victim to a good delivery from Liam Lanza in the sixth over. Middleton looked keen to get out of the heat and the game over quickly. He scored a quick-fire 28 from just 19 deliveries and found the boundary on six occasions. With the score at 1/47 it was not going to be a long afternoon.
Fellow opener Curtis Allen scored 29 before he was dismissed with the score at 2/65. Cameron Crestani and brother Anthony took the score to 83 before Cameron was caught by Chris Schnitzerling off the bowling of Dan Davies leaving just 11 runs required for victory.
Valleys passed the total without further loss winning with eight wickets in hand to retain their position at the top of the rankings in the Stanthorpe competition.
This weekend Tenterfield have a big job ahead when they meet Valley’s on Sheehan Oval and RSL play Wanderers at the CF White Oval. South’s have this weekend’s bye.
