By Casey OÇonnor
There was a major upset in the Stanthorpe and District cricket fixtures at the weekend with competition front-runners Souths beaten by RSL.
However, the highlight of the weekend fixtures was the performance of young Wanderers bowler Jai Wallis who took a hat-trick in the game between Wanderers and Valleys.
On Sheahan Oval, Valleys won the toss and sent Wanderers in to bat first. It was a plan that misfired when Wanderers set Valleys a run chase of 163.
Opener Mitch Drayton scored 55 before he was dismissed and good middle order batting by Aiden Halford (35) and Brendon Barker (22) pushed the score into the 160’s.
When it was Wanderers turn with the ball Jai Wallis stepped up and almost single handedly destroyed the Valleys batting line up.
The youngster dismissed the top three batsmen and Valleys were 3/3. He then played a part in dismissing the next batsmen, Damon Allen taking a catch off the bowling of Ned O’Reilly.
Damien Anderson, RSL captain was the only player to show much resistance and he was out caught Wallis (again) bowled Brendon Barker for 27.
Wallis not only took a hat trick but finished the game with figures of 6/19 off eight overs which included a maiden. He also took two catches. It was a very impressive performance. His captain Brendon Barker took three wickets. Valleys dismissed in 24 overs for just 89 runs.
Souths have looked solid all season and on paper appeared to be warm favourites to continue their winning run although RSL have won several games on the trot.
Souths won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Sachepal Singh and Danny Folkers made a good start and the first wicket fell with the score at 46. Lachie Pill has been one of the mainstays of the side and has a knack of wracking up big scores but on Saturday found himself back in the Clubhouse with having scored just 17 runs when Chris Haynes held a catch off the bowling of Eathan Mackenzie. The score 2/73.
Experienced opener Danny Folkers (37) was next wicket to fall. Although all but two Souths batters made it to double figures no one was able to put a much need needed partnership together .
At the end of the 40 overs Souths had set RSL a moderate run chase of 126 to win.
The RSL bowlers all played their part in restricting the score and taking wickets.
RSL opened the innings with Sam Dowie and Nick Lawer. Lawer was dismissed for seven early in the innings. Sam Dowie was joined by the inform Rohan brady and the pair easily accounted for the required runs.
Dowie looked to be back in form. He finished not out 57. His innings included seven boundaries. Brady was not out 38 as RSL cruised to past the required 125 runs in the 27th over.
RSL now sit just four points behind Souths on the ladder.
There are no Stanthorpe fixtures this weekend with the group holding their first Super 8’s competition for a couple of years.
Organisers report nominations for the fund day are good but it is not too late to nominate your side. It is a mixed comepitition and it doesn’t matter if you are season cricketer , never played or a bit on the rusty side. The fun day kicks off at 12noon on Saturday.
This is the Stanthorpe Cricket Association’s major fundraiser, so cricket fans are urged to get support the day.
