By Casey O'Connor
Cricketers finally got back on the pitch in Stanthorpe last weekend after a frustrating run of washed out games.
On the CF White Oval Tenterfield had the daunting task of taking on competition leaders Valleys.
Despite a couple of upset wins in their most recent games, Tenterfield were simply outclassed.
Valleys won the toss and quickly elected to bat first on a wicket that hadn’t seen a ball bowled in weeks.
Things did not go entirely as planned for Valleys who lost two quick wickets as Geoff Swan claimed the wickets of opener Andrew Middleton and then despatched his replacement Cameron Crestani for a duck after facing just two deliveries.
The experience of opener Charlie Moncada was evident as he and Anthony Marino set about steadying the ship. The pair took the score to 50 before Anthony Marino was bowled by Brad Potter.
Charlie Moncada was dismissed for 37 (Valley’s top score) in the 16th over. Moncada had scored his runs in even time. His 37 came off 38 deliveries and the loss of his wicket was a blow to Valleys. It was up to captain Damien Martin to settle things in the middle. Josh Crestani was the next to the wicket but he too lasted only a few balls and joined the procession of batsmen back to the club house.
Valleys were 6/98 after only 21 overs when Anderson (26) joined the throng in the clubhouse deceived by Dave Fowler delivery. There was some wag in the Valleys tail taking the score to 123 before the innings ended midway through the 26th over.
It was perhaps not their finest batting performance; definitely many runs shy of where they felt they should have finished.
The valleys Batsmen all struggled to get the ball away. Shaun Merchant took four wickets and a Dave Fowler three.
Defending just 123 the Valleys bowlers had a job to do and they did not disappoint. In the end 123 proved to be a pretty fair score in the conditions. The Valleys bowlers ripped through the Tenterfield batting line up bundling their opponents out for just 43 in the 17th over. Geoff Swan (12) the only batsman to make it to double figures.
The main destroyers were Cameron Crestani and Daniel Coup who each bagged three wickets while the captain, Damien Anderson chipped in taking two wickets for eight runs.
While Valleys would may not been entirely satisfied with their batting performance they bowled well and were superb in the field.
With two rounds of fixtures left to play before the finals begin Valleys will be working hard to iron out any issues.
