Redbacks inch closer to finals

Upsets across the pitch during Round 10 of Warwick’s Condamine Cup

BACK-TO-BACK WINNERS: Redbacks players Tyhe Clarkson and Ben Heppell celebrate another victory.

CRICKET: The Redbacks have defied the odds by defeating the competition favourites Colts in round 10 of the Condamine Cup last weekend.

It was an entertaining match between the two sides, with the Redbacks coming off a convincing win over Victoria Hill in the previous round.

Departing batsman Ben Heppell was pleased with his side’s dominant display.

“It was very good, we had a pretty solid side take to the pitch which was nice,” Heppell sad.

“We sort of started to look like the team that played during the 2017/2018 season, so we had some good strengths there.”

It was a victory that was surprising for Heppell, who regards the Colts as the best in the Cup.

“They have played really well throughout the season, and they’ve sort of become the benchmark for the competition in my opinion,” he said.

“They’re an extremely strong outfit and consistently have a good side.”

Last weekend’s victory will be the final time Heppell dons Redbacks colours before moving back to Victoria.

“I was a bit sad but I’m also happy to go out with a strong win,” he said.

“It wasn't the prettiest 53 runs — I did get dropped a few times, and it was a tough day batting.

“But some days you have a bit of luck and you take that.”

With the competition just reaching its halfway mark, Heppell is hopeful that the Redbacks’ form will remain.

“If they keep with how they’re playing and the positive attitude there is no doubt that they can push for a top-four spot,” he said.

“There are a fair few boys that are playing week in and week out that will hopefully step up.”

It was a weekend of upsets, with Sovereign defeating Victoria Hill by four runs.

Warwick Cricket Association president Dave Walker said it was an exciting weekend for both teams.

“Tony Munro was a real standout for Sovereign, taking five wickets and top scoring for the side,” Walker said.

“John Cleary’s performance for the Colts, taking four wickets, sees his yearly tally go to 23 wickets now.”

With the Condamine Cup now on its Christmas break, the second half of the season is sure to heat up with just three points separating first and second.

“It’s the closest competition that we’ve had in years,” Walker said.

Maryvale have the ladder-leading position with 31 points, followed by Wheatvale and Colts on 28 points.

Victoria Hill and Sovereign are locked on 21 points each, while the Redbacks have moved off the bottom of the ladder, sitting on 18 points ahead of Allora on 17.

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