It was a tough day at the office for Southern Districts’ Men’s ‘A’ grade on Saturday as round seven action in the SACA Premier Cricket competition got underway. The Stingrays came into the game in seventh spot on the ladder and travelled to Glandore Oval to face the third placed Adelaide. Southern Districts won the toss and elected to bat first but that’s where the good news ended as the Stingrays were routed for just 52 in the 19th over. Only Shaun Tanner (15 not out) and Josh Barrett (15) reached double figures. For Adelaide Cam Valente was magnificent as he took 7/24 from 9.5 overs. He was well supported by Ben Pengelley (3/27). Adelaide went on the attack with the bat with Ben Pengelley (65), Patrick Page Jnr (47) and Valente (40) all getting starts as the home side was bowled out for 209 in just 39.3 overs. Lewis Hatchett bowled a heroic spell for the Stingrays to finish with 7/80 from 15 overs. Adelaide held a very handy 157-run lead as Southern Districts came out to bat for the second time on day one with 33 overs remaining until stumps. It was another poor start for the Stingrays as both openers were dismissed and the score sat at 2/14. Adelaide could sense an improbable day one outright win but Ben Cox (51 not out) and Brendan McCormack (49 not out) dug in and saw the Stingrays through to 2/119 at stumps, still trailing by 38 runs. With some good batting in the first half of next Saturday’s second days play, Southern Districts will be hoping to get a lead of 150+ and maybe have an outside chance of an outright victory themselves. Adelaide will be looking for quick wickets and take the maximum points on offer leading into the Christmas break.