There were red faces at the Redbacks before a last-ditch stand gave South Australia some hope in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba on Thursday.
At tea on day one, South Australia were 9-153 thanks to an unbroken 46-run stand by tailenders Gary Putland (23 not out) and Peter George (21 not out).
The Redbacks lived up to their wooden-spoon status when they lost 5-3 to be reeling at 9-107.
The tea break was extended half an hour to allow Queensland to mop up the innings.
However, some lusty hitting – and plenty of luck – helped the Redbacks defy a frustrated Bulls attack.
Still, it was an encouraging start to a match Queensland must win to be a chance of contesting the Shield final.
The Bulls were ruing their luck after losing pace spearhead Ben Cutting on match eve with a groin injury sustained at training.
However, they did not seem fazed by his absence as they set about ripping through the fragile Redbacks line-up.
Tight bowling, at times brilliant fielding and questionable batting combined to ensure the Redbacks were on the ropes.
Skipper James Hopes (3-28 off 18 overs) was the pick of the bowlers, backed up by Ryan Harris (2-26 off 16), Steve Magoffin (2-33 off 15) and Alister McDermott (2-41 off 14).
Tom Cooper was the only recognised batsman to show resistance, making 21 in a 92-ball stay that lasted more than two hours.
South Australia’s batting line-up became a procession after resuming at 3-62 following lunch before George and Putland dug in.
But the highlight in the field came before the lunch break.
The Bulls snared dangerman Michael Klinger for 19 when Cameron Boyce took a spectacular one-handed catch at gully off Harris.
It is a four-way race to the Shield final – Western Australia leads the table on 34 points ahead of Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria (all on 30).
Queensland will back themselves against the Redbacks, who have just two points from nine games and are already assured of last place.