Redlands lost six out of the seven games that were played in the latest round of two-day games.
While most teams looked to have cemented a spot in the four before Christmas, the club now faces the uphill battle of either trying to stay in the four or get back into the finals race by winning all games over the next few weeks.
First grade batted poorly against a strong Valleys attack and were dismissed for 138 on their home turf. Greg Moller top scored with 48 and next best was Liam Hope-Shackley with 35 not out and Sam Heazlett with 20. The next few games are very important for the first grade team if they want to make the finals.
Second grade are also facing some soul searching after another defeat, this time at the hands of Valleys. Redlands required 183 runs to take first innings points but fell 50 runs short. They started the day a batsman short as Adam Boon was unable to bat due to an ankle injury. Cameron French top scored with 43, with Charles Mailli, 37, and Adam Pearson, 31, adding valuable runs, but unfortunately the task at hand was all too much once again.
Third grade were the only winners for Redlands in this round, dismissing Valleys for 141. It was unfortunate that the Tigers boys were not able to push for an outright and gain valuable points to see them move up the ladder. Robert Ballarino bowled well, taking four for 47 and Adrian Young supported him with three for 35.
Fourth grade battled hard in their game against Valleys but unfortunately fell 55 runs short of victory. Anthony Mailli, 66, and Josh Stevenson, 55, batted well as both players had a good game with bat and ball.
Redlands fifth grade almost scored a win but fell eight runs short as they lost the last three wickets cheaply. Matthew Bloye was the mainstay of the Tigers' innings but once he was dismissed his team mates could not hold on for the win.
Sixth grade no. 1 team were chasing a sizeable total and they too could not hold on and build up a sizeable score. Captain Dom Cassell tried to lead from the front but his team mates cracked under pressure. Ethan MacNamara bowled well in Valleys second innings taking five for 22. The next few weeks are also important for this team.
Sixth grade no. 2 did not score enough runs on day one of their game against Uni and held off an outright win with some solid batting in their second innings. Jayden Cross bowled well, taking four for 47.
Congratulations to Simon Milenko who made his debut with the Queensland Bulls at the weekend. Simon bowled well and then scored a quick-fire 54 runs to help the Bulls overtake the NSW first innings score.
Congratulations to Redlands first grade player Sam Heazlett, who has been selected in the Australian Under 19 team after a solid performance in the recent U19 National Championships in Adelaide.
Scores:
1st grade: Redlands 138 (G Moller 48, L Hope-Shackley 35*, S Heazlett 20) lost to Valleys 224 (S Milenko 4/40, M Herdman 2/14, J Stimpson 2/29) and 2/78 (M Herdman 2/42).
2nd grade: Redlands 133 (C French 43, C Mailli 37, A Pearson 31) lost to Valleys 183 (S Moss 3/26, C Mailli 3/22, L Watt 2/48).
3rd grade: Redlands 247 (J Chora 48, B James 44) def Valleys 141 (R Ballarino 4/47, A Young 3/35).
4th grade: Redlands 210 (A Mailli 66, J Stevenson 55) lost to Valleys 265 (A Mailli 3/82, J Stevenson 2/ 15).
5th grade: Redlands 116 (M Bloye 44, J Crick 22) lost to Valleys 123 (M Davis 2/35, A Ward 2/17, F Haynes 2/13, D Wallis 3/35) and 8/86.
6th grade (1): Redlands 99 (D Cassell 18, N Amadoruge 18, M Dwyer 17) and 3/33 (L Felmingham 11*, E MacNamara 11*) lost to Valleys 9/273 dec (N Amadoruge 3/41, J Telford 3/83, J Cullen 1/14, D Cassell 1/15) and 7/89 dec (E MacNamara 5/22, J Cullen 2/32).
6th grade (2): Redlands 156 (E Himmelberg 35, J Patterson 33*) and 7/133 (G Morton 35) lost to University 6/170 dec (J Cross 4/47).
Mark French
