Kensington struck late on day one of the Premier Cricket grand final against Adelaide

Kensington hit back hard against Adelaide late on day one of their Premier Cricket Grand Final at Glenelg Oval after a stirring day where both sides looked in charge at various times of the day.

Kensington batsman Josh Doyle survives a dropped catch from Adelaide wicket keeper Alex Eckland. Picture: AAP Image/Brenton Edwards

Kensington hit back hard against Adelaide late on day one of their Premier Cricket Grand Final at Glenelg Oval after a stirring day where both sides looked in charge at various times of the day.

At stumps the Buffalos had stumbled to 5/50 in reply to 193 with Elliot Opie leading the charge with 3/27 for the Browns and Lloyd Pope grabbing 2/8. Before batting the Buffalos were on a high, claiming 7/29 in the post-tea session as Kensington fell from 3/165.

Earlier Valente was the star for the Buffalos with five wickets after the tea break and a total of 7/58 from 24.3 overs which was his career-best return.

Kensington batsman Josh Doyle works to leg on Saturday. (AAP Image/Brenton Edwards)

Sent in to bat the Browns were in early trouble at 3/42 with opener Henry Dall (11), captain and three-times and recent Bradman Medallist Jake Brown (2) and Johnathan Dalton (20) back in the sheds early in the day. But ever-reliable Alex Ross (76, eight fours, 161 balls faced) and Josh Doyle (59, five fours, one six, 152 balls) stepped up to rebuild the innings with 123 for the fourth wicket before Doyle was dismissed just after tea by Valente. When Ross followed with the score on 179, out to the bowling of Phillip Neate (2/42), the combo of Valente and Neate took charge to run through the tail with 5/14 between them to knock over the Browns in 72.3 overs.

Buffalos’ coach Shaun Siegert said his side needed to stay positive in its run chase today (Sunday).

“We just have to find a partnership and someone will probably have to make 60 or 70,” Siegert said.

“It’s hard work but someone will have to do it. It’s two sides competing hard but you just have to keep on believing. They had Ross and Doyle so we will need to find someone similar.’’

Siegert also praised Valente’s effort.

“Valente was just amazing and led from the front,” Siegert said.

“His control was fantastic.’’

Kensington is chasing its first flag since 2010/11, while the Buffalos last saluted in 2003/05.

Play continues at 10.30am on Sunday at Glenelg Oval.