Redbacks leave Bulls floundering in Pura Cup match

Frontrunner Queensland was in disarray tonight after courageous South Australian Chris Davies stirred the Redbacks for another Pura Cup cricket mauling at the Gabba.

Queensland could hardly be in worse shape after two days, slumping to 6-107 in its first innings in reply to the Redbacks' 6(dec)-553, which included an unbeaten 119 from Davies.

The 23-year-old suffers from the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, and his maiden first-class century was greeted with a loud roar from his teammates.

The Redbacks cheered plenty more times as the day continued, leaving Queensland in even worse condition than the scoreline suggested.

At stumps, batsman Martin Love was in hospital after he was knocked out by a pinpoint bouncer from Mark Harrity while paceman Michael Kasprowicz nursed a hamstring problem.

To cap a dirty day for the Bulls, fast bowler Ashley Noffke, who appeared to be limping, was trapped LBW by Greg Blewett (1-14) with the very last ball of the day.

During the collapse, Test opener Matthew Hayden chipped away for an unbeaten 38 and the Bulls will hope Love is cleared by doctors to rejoin him tomorrow.

Love underwent precautionary X-rays in hospital after the Harrity bouncer struck him behind the left ear.

Queensland was 1-33 when he was hit, sparking a procession of fallen batsmen including Jerry Cassell (zero), Stuart Law (11), James Hopes (11) and Wade Seccombe (five).

They were unable to replicate the dominance of the South Australian batsmen, including century-makers Davies, Blewett (109) and Darren Lehmann (129). Davies was the individual star of the day, bringing up his century with a six off part-time spinner Law (1-54).

The 23-year-old, a hero to fellow cystic fibrosis sufferers, didn't return to the field during Queensland's innings so he could rest.

Davies admitted he was exhausted after his four-hour knock but said he was among the "lucky" sufferers of CF - a disease which affects the lungs and pancreas, leading to a shortened life expectancy.

"I've been dealt a mild case and I keep on top of things. I don't take any tablets at all," Davies said.

"I'm pretty much a test case around Australia because not too many people in my position are doing what I am.

"I do the right things - go home early, stay reasonably fit - and I haven't been in hospital for a long time.

"But I was a bit knackered this afternoon and the guys thought it was best if I had the rest of the day off because I lose more salt than everyone else and it's hard to replenish straight away."

Lehmann eventually called a halt three overs before Queensland could have suffered the humiliation of asking for a third new ball.

While the Bulls' bowlers were inconsistent, the Redbacks were smart, particularly towards Hayden.

The left-hander has swatted Test attacks for the last 12 months but South Australia tied him up, keeping him to less than half of Queensland's total.

At the other end, Jimmy Maher (six) skied an impatient pull shot, Cassell didn't play at a ball which would have bowled him and Law edged a catch behind.

Mike Smith (2-25), Harrity (2-40) and Paul Rofe (1-23) shared the wickets before Blewett struck late.