By Casey O'Connor
Only two rounds of fixtures remain in the Stanthorpe Cricket competition and the race to the finals is on in earnest. Although Souths sit at the top of the ladder, they are only four points ahead of RSL and this weekend’s top of the table clash could well decide which team goes straight through to the final and who plays in the knockout semi on March 12.
Last weekend South’s cemented their place at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Valleys.
Souths’ captain Jordie Lanza won the toss and was happy to send the opposition in to bat on the CF White turf.
Valleys openers, David Marino and Isaak Wallis got away to a good start and had put on 29 runs before a smart piece of fielding by the South’s captain had Marino run out.
Things went downhill from that point. Wallis top scored with 17 and the only others to make it to double figures were Rutley (12) and Martin (15) . Valleys all out for 96 in the 38th over as the South’s captain ripped through the batting line up taking five wickets. His figures 5/19 from his eight overs.
In reply South’s had their own problems losing both openers cheaply and were 2/13 after just four overs. The next few batsmen failed to flatter, and Souths were 5/21 and struggling when Liam Lanza came to the wicket. Lanza was joined by the senior member of team Lanza, Mark with the score at 6/41. The pair steadied the ship and
snuck past the required runs in the 36th over sealing what at times looked an improbable win.
Liam Lanza just edged out his father top scoring with 28. Mark Lanza showed all of his experience scoring a much needed 23.
Jye Wallis was the best of the Valleys bowlers taking 3/28. Sandro Stefanon troubled the top order and took 2/14.
On Sheehan Oval Wanderers were hoping for a change of fortunes while RSL were focused on getting the four points for a win and staying in touch with Souths on the leaderboard.
RSL won the toss and set Wanderers a run chase of 169. Sam Dowie lost his opening partner Chris Duff for a duck with the only two runs on the scoreboard. Dowie was joined by Rohan Brady in the centre and the pair moved the score along to 41 before Dowie’s dismissal. He was caught by Brendan Barker off a delivery from Barry Bulow. Luke Brady came to the wicket and the father and son partnership put on 67 runs before Luke was out for 23. Neil Perrett came and went cheaply before Rohan Brady fell just shy of his half century. The score 5/132
Duane Lihou was another batsman to make it into the 20’s as RSL pushed ahead to be 8/169 at the end of the innings. Rohan Brady top scored with 48. O’Reilly (2/26) and Thompson (2/30) each picked up a pair of wickets. Michael Thompson fielded well holding three catches.
In reply Wanderers made a good start and were 1/29 before Tim Harslett was caught and bowled by Sam Dowie. Eddie Filmer looked to have the measure of the bowlers before he was out for 32. His runs coming from just 12 deliveries and included one boundary and four sixes. Bulow who came in at first drop batted nicely for his 28 but found little support. Wanderers captain Brock Patti was the only other batsman to make it to double figures. In the end there was no wag in the Wanderers tail. They were dismissed for 104 and are still looking for their second win of the season.
All eyes will be on the top of the table clash between South’s and RSL this weekend.
