By Casey OÇonnor
RSL defeated Valleys by 96 runs in their third-round clash in the Stanthorpe cricket competition on CF White Turf Wicket on Saturday with a solid 54 from opener Rohan Brady setting up the victory.
Playing conditions were much better than they have been for the opening rounds however drainage issues have persisted at Sheahan Oval and so the games were change to the 20-20 format and played on the CF White turf wicket.
Valleys faced RSL in the early game and Wanderers and Souths later in the afternoon.
In the opening game RSL had first use of the wicket and their openers set a great platform for the remainder of the batters.
Rohan Brady top scored hitting 54 off 34 deliveries. His innings included four sixes and two boundaries. Brady was dismissed shortly after passing his half century caught by Sandro Stefanon off the bowling of Levi Fittock.
Brady’s opening partner Nick Lawer fell just shy of his half century out for 43. Caught by Anthony Coup also off the bowling of young Levi Fittock.
Chris Duff came in at first drop but was bowled by Sandro Stefanon after adding six to the total.
Will Dowie looked in good touch before he was run out by Anthony Coup in a good piece of fielding for a quick fire 18.
Adrian Spies stumped Ethan Mackenzie before he was able to get off the mark and it
was left to his brother Noah Mackenzie (16) and Luke Brady (7) to wrap up the innings for RSL.
RSL 5/156 setting Valleys a solid run chase.
In reply Valleys got off to a disastrous start. Opener Zach Scalia was lbw to an Eathan Mackenzie delivery for one. Angus Crome came in first drop and after facing three deliveries was out for a duck
Giving Eathan Mackenzie his second wicket. Valleys other opener bat Anthony Coup (4) was out soon after. Valleys were in serious trouble and in need of a solid partnership.
Captain Damien Anderson smacked 19 from 16 balls faced before Noah Mackenzie picked up his wicket Chris Haynes held on to a catch.
Darcy Daddow managed eight before he was returned to the clubhouse.
Unfortunately, there would be no comeback for the Valleys as wickets tumbled. There were ducks lining up and they were not the feathered variety.
Valleys dismissed midway through the 18th over for just 60.
Noah Mackenzie bowled well for his three wickets and finished with 3/7 His four over spell included two maidens.
Eathan Mackenzie and Rohan Brady each took two wickets. Other wicket takers were Nate Mackenzie, Chris Duff and Nick Lawer.
The 2022 RSL side is a good mix of youth and experience and looks like being a major player this season.
The second game of the afternoon between Wanderers and Souths was a low scoring affair but a much closer result. Wanderers scored a four run win and continue their excellent start this season.
Souths were all out for 94 at the end of their 20 overs. Jordan Lanza who opened the innings with Danny Folkers led the way falling before falling one run shy of his half century. He was stumped by Aiden Halford off a nice delivery from Brendan Barker. Lanza 49 was the highlight of the South’s innings. His runs coming off 49 deliveries and included three boundaries and two sixes.
The only other Souths batter to reach double figures was the senior Lanza, Bluey who remained not out 17 after coming in at number 10.
Wanderers did not have everything their own way when early in their innings. The openers, Brendon Drayton (2) and Barry Bulow (0) were dismissed cheaply.
The experience of Jamie Carnell steadied the ship. He top scored with 34 and remained not out. Aiden Halford added a handy 15 off 17 deliveries before falling victim to a Jordan Lanza delivery.
Andrew Einam (16) joined Carnell at the crease and the pair wrapped up the required runs with two overs to spare. Wanderers 3/98 in 17.4.
Callum Blake the best of the Souths bowlers taking two wickets to dismiss both Wanderers’ openers.
