WITH one round left in the 2017/18 regular season, two Tigers teams are within touching distance of securing home semi-finals.
The Jodie Fields Shield side, fresh off nailing down a spot in the top four last weekend, will take to Peter Burge Oval next Sunday in the first senior semi-final of 2018. The Tigers managed just 92 batting first and had their total chased down by the opposition with eight wickets left in the shed.
First grade will travel into the final round in fifth position after defeat to the University of Queensland in their last home game of the season.
Second grade failed to defend their first-innings total of 301 declared against UQ in a tight affair away from home. Redlands found themselves in the box seat. But a last wicket stand saw UQ walk away with the points in a 103 over thriller.
Third grade batted for almost the entire second day to avoid outright defeat at the hands of UQ. After being bundled out for 45 in the first innings, the Tigers made amends in the second to post 254. Josh Fraser (93), Jimmy Carr (50) and Michael McEwan (41) led the resistance. UQ declared with the score on 6/189.
Fourth grade were dismissed for 95 in response to UQ’s first innings total of 202 away from home. Scott McAuliffe (27) and Matt Conwell (22) helped the Tigers through to a total of 4/80 at stumps.
Fifth grade one secured the right to host a semi-final following their defeat of Valley in trying conditions away from home. Defending 174 for first innings points, the Tigers dismissed a strong Valley outfit for 98. The Tigers were made to face 27 difficult overs in fading light on an inconsistent wicket before the close of play at 4/37 declared at stumps. Fifth grade two were defeated outright by Northern Suburbs in the season’s penultimate fixture on Ron Field Oval. The Tigers fell 51 runs short of the total required to avoid outright defeat when they were dismissed for 121 in the second innings.
Sixth grade one is also likely to secure a home final following a first-innings victory over UQ. The Tigers piled on 244 runs in response to the visitor’s 117 before taking 5 more opposition wickets for 112 in the second innings. James Sim (3/24) took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second innings, and in combination with the ever economical Scott Butters (2/10), helped pave the way for a triumphant victory.
Sixth grade two avoided outright defeat to Western Suburbs on a challenging wicket. Requiring 317 for first innings points, Redlands were dismissed for 91. The Tigers held on in the afternoon session after being asked to follow-on and were 6/83 at stumps.
