Bulls triumph despite Head, Carey fireworks

Queensland have seen off a defiant rearguard action from South Australia to earn a 118-run win at Adelaide Oval and return to the top of the JLT Sheffield Shield ladder.

South Australia began day four at 4-82, requiring a near-impossible 466 to win.

But rapid-fire half-centuries from Redbacks captain Travis Head and wicketkeeper Alex Carey briefly had locals entertaining thoughts of an unlikely victory.

Head crashed scored 85 off 89 balls, with bottom-placed SA seemingly deciding a draw was not enough with two rounds remaining.

Carey continued the attacking mindset with a 50 from just 48 balls and struck 15 crisp boundaries before eventually falling for a sparkling 98.

Nightwatchman Joe Mennie helped kick-start the fightback, scoring 38 in a stand of 99 for the fifth wicket, while Adam Zampa chipped in down the order with 33.

However, when Carey was caught on the ropes looking for his second first-class ton, it was the beginning of the end for the Redbacks who were bowled out for 347.

Bulls' fast-medium bowler Brendan Doggett collected 5-77 for his first five-wicket haul in his fifth match.

Queensland, having been pushed off top spot on the Shield standings for a day by Victoria, now boast a handy lead as they push for a spot in next month's final.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Jake Weatherald, John Dalton, Callum Ferguson, Travis Head (c), Jake Lehmann, Tom Cooper, Alex Carey, Joe Mennie, Adam Zampa, Dan Worrall, Nick Winter

QUEENSLAND: Lachlan Pfeffer, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Charlie Hemphrey, Sam Heazlett, Jack Wildermuth, James Peirson (c), Michael Neser, Mitch Swepson, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman. Mark Steketee (12th).