CRICKET: A breathtaking all-round performance from Mike Hope was not enough to save Valleys from a narrow defeat against the Canecutters on the weekend.

Batting first, Valleys lost valuable early wickets, with David Vickers (2/50) and brother Simon Vickers (1/15) leading the charge, aptly assisted by youngster Jayden Lane (0/12), who opened the bowling.

Opening batsman Scott Hardy (30) attacked well, however fell victim to David Vickers after playing one too many aggressive shots. This brought about a middle order collapse, with Valleys losing three wickets for just 15 runs thanks to some impressive bowling from Brendan Rock (2/29).

Hope has been in blistering form of late, backing up his half-century two weeks ago with an impressive innings. He amassed an unbeaten 92 not out to see Valleys post a defendable total of 8/167.

The Canecutters were off to a poor start with Aaron Regan (2/36) claiming both openers to leave the Canecutters on 2/12 after 3 overs. Brendan Rock (22) and Ben Davis (38) stabilised Canecutters innings, combining well for a 41-run stand. They were assisted in the middle order by Lane (20) and Simon Vickers (38) to put them firmly back into the game.

Following up from his outstanding form with the bat, Mike Hope (4/22) decimated the Canecutters middle order with assistance from youngster Lane (2/31) to swing the pendulum back into Valleys favour. The game came down to a nail-biting finish, with the Canecutters requiring 17 runs from the last wicket to claim victory. Zach Read (13 not out) and stalwart Craig Brown (5 not out) remained calm and managed to bring up the winnings runs with six overs to spare.

This Saturday Valleys play the Warriors from 12.30pm at the Kelsey Creek Sporting Complex.

Valleys will be desperate for a win as the only team without a win this season.

New or returning players are still welcome to join a team. Contact president Craig Brown on 49451983 or visit the Proserpine Cricket Association's Facebook page.