RED Cliffs Cricket Association slumped to their second loss in two games at Bendigo Country Week on Wednesday.
Coming up against Division 2 opponents Murray Valley Cricket Association, who were runners-up in Division 1 last year, the Red Cliffs boys were caught 73 runs short by their classy opponent.
Murray Valley won the toss and batted, and wickets to Heath Smith and skipper Alex Morrish had Red Cliffs on top early.
But from there Murray Valley built a partnership of 86, led by Dean Edge (106 not out) with the support of Reilly Rennick (29).
Edge batted through after Rennick’s departure, putting on handy runs with all his subsequent partner.
Shannon Bowen (3/49) was the only multiple wicket-taker for Red Cliffs.
In the chase the Red Cliffs cricketers made a fist of it, with Evan Lampard (27) keeping his side in the contest early.
But consistent wickets through the middle overs restricted Red Cliffs, until Mitch Shaw came in at No.6 and with Morrish put on a handy 53-run partnership
Shaw was dismissed for 36 with the score 7/147 to end Red Cliffs’ slight hopes.
The final three wickets fell for just 13 runs, with Morrish (24) the last man out with the score on 160 and seven overs still to bowl.
Red Cliffs play Castlemaine and District today in their final game of the week.
