The Yandina Cricket Club has generously hosted the Valley touring team for five years so it was great to be able to reciprocate and welcome Yandina of the Sunshine Coast to the Valley.

Ken McKnight lost the toss and was asked to bat first on a wicket that had been covered since the previous Wednesday. Thank goodness for the covers as we had had welcome rain again overnight. Unfortunately, light rain continued to fall throughout the morning, but this did not dampen the desire of both teams to complete the game.

Yandina lost early wickets as a result of some good bowling by Dion Blair and Oliver Forde, but a strong innings of 55 ret from Kevie Kretschner, supported by Scotty Cameron, Pete Walker and Ken McKnight saw them through to a very respectable 201. The Valley, in reply, were in early trouble but valuable partnerships between Hayden Ryan, Bert Walker, Lance Ryan and Chris House levelled the playing field and 12 runs were required off the last over with 4 wickets in hand.

In a dramatic final over Kevie Kretschner took not only a hat-trick but 4 wickets in 4 balls to win the game by 11 runs.

The game was also memorable for being the first time that a woman has played on the Valley ground, that honour falling to Jenni Walker, who has now played against the Valley team on five occasions.
A most enjoyable game played in great spirit. Thank you to all involved.

Derek Banks
Valley Captain