Redbacks do it easy

Half-centuries from ex-Victorian Matthew Elliott and young starlet Callum Ferguson paved the way for South Australia to leapfrog Queensland and move into third position on the Pura Cup ladder, after a convincing seven-wicket win over Victoria at the Junction Oval today.

The Redbacks needed just 163 to win, and easily completed the run chase, finishing with seven wickets in hand and just less than an hour to play.

Elliott (63no) and Ferguson (51no) combined in an unbroken 85-run partnership which was quickly compiled in 118 deliveries and 72 minutes.

Throughout their partnership, the Redbacks duo never looked in trouble with Ferguson in particular batting very aggressively.

Victoria began day four at 4/318 with a 78 run lead, after South Australia built a 240-run lead after making 389, in reply to Victoria's first innings score of 149.

Nick Jewell fell early for the Bushrangers, only adding one run to his overnight score, before he was caught behind by Graham Manou off the bowling of Paul Rofe for 20.

Jonathan Moss came to the wicket and stabilized things with a sensible 45-run stand with skipper Cameron White, but Rofe was on target again to trap White in front for 33.

The remainder of the tail failed to stick around as Victoria lost their last five wickets for 32 runs, and their last four for just nine runs as the Bushrangers tail collapsed in a heap.

In good news for the Redbacks, scans on skipper Darren Lehmann's finger proved the burly left-hander just had bad bruising, instead of the ruptured ligaments which were initially thought to rule Lehmann out for six weeks.

Lehmann was able to field, and bowled nine overs of his trusty left-arm spin and cleaned up the tail with two wickets.

In pursuit of 163, Elliott and fellow opener Shane Deitz made a reasonable start, avoiding any early wickets. However, the Vics struck in the tenth over when left-armer Allan Wise trapped Deitz in front for 11.

Greg Blewett continued his poor recent form when ex-Tasmanian Gerard Denton had Paul Reiffel's finger raised for LBW with the former Test representative out for eight.

Mark Cosgrove, the first innings hero for South Australia came to the wicket in search of quick runs and his aggressive style helped him to 25 quick runs, until Cameron White received the third LBW of the innings.

Ferguson, the 21 year old whizkid, came out to the wicket under some heavy pressure, but he showed maturity beyond his years, as alongside Elliott he helped the Redbacks overcome the Bushrangers and record their second successive victory.

Both sides clash in an ING Cup encounter at the Junction Oval on Saturday.

Full scorecard available here.

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