West Bairnsdale have made a solid play for fourth spot on the Bairnsdale Cricket Association ladder after an impressive first inning victory over premiership contender Lakes Entrance on the initial day of the two day fixture at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
Lakes were dismissed for just 69, with West Bairnsdale reaching 3/74 by stumps.
Both sides went into the round 14 clash with plenty to play for, the Seagulls eyeing off a potential top of the ladder finish, if they could beat West, and Wy Yung could continue their winning form against Lindenow South Glenaladale.
West began the round in fifth place on the table, needing to defeat the Seagulls and hope that Meerlieu could defeat current fourth placed side, St Marys Nagle.
Obviously with potential outright points available, even that could see them miss out, but as it sits currently West are in, unless Nagle can chase down the Tussocks 148.
The Seagulls won the toss and batted, that was as good as their day got.
They constantly lost wickets, slumping from 5/60 to be all out in the 49th over, losing their last five wickets for just nine runs.
Ben John (14), Phani Kumar (13) and Kaleb Day (13) adding some respectability in the middle, but for a side who is regarded as a genuine premiership contender, it was the worst possible scenario in the final two day hit out prior to finals action.
Wickets for West were shared between, Brodie Anderson (3/0), Jack Lind (2/11), Chris Hammond (2/13) and Patrick Halford (2/25).
By stumps West had reached 3/74, with Anderson (29) and skipper Ryan Halford leading the way for the reigning premier, with Josh Sackfield picking up 2/21 for the Seagulls.
After returning to form and regaining their confidence on Sunday in the one day final, Lakes will be looking for a much improved showing in the second innings against a hungry West line up that will be keen to push for an outright victory and snare the last semi final spot, if St Mary’s Nagle happens to beat Meerlieu.
