Skies darken for Redbacks as season closes

Former Zimbabwean Test opener Murray Goodwin wound back the clock to guide Colts past Hay Park Redbacks in Saturday’s first semi-final at Hay Park on Saturday.

Despite gloomy conditions making the ball difficult to see, Goodwin (55 off 76 balls) held firm to ensure the reigning premiers got home by four wickets, after chasing 140 to win.

The Redbacks made a shaky start, with the hosts losing John Richardson, Jono Whitney, Michael Tassone and Kris Miller.

At 4-36, they were looking down the barrel of a hefty defeat, despite Colts having utilised only two bowlers, Josh Topliss and 15-year-old quick Nicholas Wilson.

After going for 15 runs in his opening three overs, Wilson remained patient and snared 2-1 over the next couple of overs.

Steve Florance did all he could to stem the bleeding, putting together a determined knock of 36 from 83 balls.

He was eventually knocked over by Joe Barningham, withthe Redbacks on the cusp of being bowled out for under 100.

It took an unbeaten 36 from Grant Milbanke to ensure the Redbacks limped to 140, however it did not look to be enough against a quality Colts batting card.

But the Redbacks never give up and this match was no exception.

Colts import Vikramjit Singh, Declan Boston and Joe Barningham shared one boundary between them as the top order crashed to 3-13, before skipper Cruize Ciallella and stalwart Goodwin joined forces in a rescue act,lifting Colts from their jittery 13-run total to 4-74, before Ciallella was run out chasing a sharp single.

Riley Miguel then joined Goodwin and they guided Colts towards their goal with a 47-run stand, with Goodwin propping up the tail late in the chase.