By Casey O'Connor
The battle for the top of the leaderboard in the Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association continues after Saturday’s clash between top teams RSL and Souths.
The two teams have now met on three occasions this season and after Saturday’s game bragging rights sit with RSL who have won two of the three games.
Both teams have now won six games each however RSL hold a narrow points lead (35.7-34.4).
Rohan Brady is currently the in-form player of the Stanthorpe competition and on Saturday he notched up another half century in the game against Souths and now leads the season batting totals with 337 runs at an average of 48.14.
The combination of Brady’s performance with the bat and an excellent bowling performance from RSL young quick Noah Mackenzie and some good glove work from Chris Haynes proved the difference between the sides.
Souths captain Liam Lanza had no hesitation batting after he won the toss.
Noah Mackensie proved a handful for the South’s batters taking four wickets. He struck early in the innings and Souths struggled to put together any meaningful partnerships although six batters reached double figures. Tailender David Burgess top scored with 34. Burgess and Wil Sheather (19) remained not out at the end of the innings.
Mackenzie’s economy rate was excellent, conceding only 20 runs from his eight overs which included two maidens and only one wide delivery.
RSL set a moderate total of 131 on a tough wicket.
RSL had a shaky start losing opener Nick Lawer for seven and his opening partner for the same score soon after. RSL were 2/29 and it was left to one of the in-form players of the competition Rohan Brady to steady the ship. He looked well in control before Liam Lanza and will Sheather combined to dismiss him for 55.
It was the standout innings of the game and set up the win for RSL who were able to reel in the required runs in the 35th over to claim the valuable points.
Will Sheather took three wickets with the balance of the wickets spread among the bowling attack.
The biggest killer for Souths, the 27 wides bowled, which made a big difference to the result.
Valleys are still chasing a win this season after being comprehensively beaten by Wanderers on Saturday at Sheehan Oval.
Wanderers won the toss and chose to bat first but wickets fell quickly wit Aiden Halford, who came at first drop steadied the ship taking it the score from 1/29 to 6/90 before he was caught by Damien Anderson off a Anthony Coup delivery for 39. Rival Samson, who came in at eight, added 22 vital runs to the score and remained not out when the final wicket fell in the 36th over. Wanderers all out for 126.
Anthony Coup was the best of the Valley’s attack finishing with 3/29 from seven overs. Dustin Alldridge and Darcy Daddow each took two wickets.
The Wanderers bowlers dominated Valleys run chase which quickly became a train wreck. The only player to reach double figures was the captain, Damien Anderson. Five duck eggs on the final score sheet did not draw a pretty picture as Valleys capitulated to be all out for 37 in the 18th over.
Andrew Einam ripped through the batting line up taking 5/11 from seven overs including two maidens. Einam has had a great season with the ball and is currently the leading wicket taker with 18 wickets at 9.33. Kenny Tari also took a pair (2/3 from four overs including three maidens) Barry Bulow and Nasimana Navaika the other wicket takers.
There will be no club fixtures this weekend. On Saturday Stanthorpe will host the Warwick Dud Davis Shield side in the second game of the 2023/24 comepitition.
The game will be played at the Cf White Oval and play begins at 2pm.
The last round of club fixtures prior to the Christmas break will be played the following weekend.
