Inspired spells of fast bowling from Paul Rofe and Mark Harrity have paved the way for a 66 run victory and a valuable bonus point for the Southern Redbacks over the Queensland Bulls in their ING Cup day/night clash at the Gabba.

Defending a modest total of 8-203 the Redbacks were provided with a dream start after Rofe ripped through the Bulls' top order batting.

The much improved speedster picked up Test opener Matthew Hayden for two and then Martin Love for two with just 17 runs on the board.

Andrew Symonds (18) then threatened to turn the match in a way only he can smashing 16 off five Rofe deliveries before the Redbacks trump surprised Symonds with an off-cutter that careered into his stumps.

The Bulls had slumped to 3-43 and despite a 40 run partnership between captain Jimmy Maher (24) and Clinton Perren (24) the Redbacks were always in command.

All rounder Mike Smith ably supported the front row bowlers chiming in with two low order wickets while Greg Blewett grabbed the final one to fall.

Earlier Blewett top scored for South Australia with 45 while Ben Johnson rallied the tail, making 44 ably assisted by Brad Young (32).

For the Bulls Joe Dawes finished with 3-37 off nine overs while Damien MacKenzie took 2-21 off six.

James Hopes was the pick of the bowlers though with 1-19 off his 10 overs.

Redbacks left arm speedster Harrity was named man of the match for his outstanding figures of 3-15 in 10 overs.

The win and a valuable bonus point has helped the Redbacks to move to equal first with the Bulls on the ING Cup table on 27 points.

The two teams meet again next weekend in Adelaide.

© 2002 AAP