Lakes Entrance has won the battle of last year’s losing semi finalists in round one of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association at Nagle College.
The Seagulls had to fight hard but were convincing winners, despite a sensational cameo from St Mary’s Nagle opening batsman Brayden McCarrey, who made batting look easy for 45 minutes.
Nagle skipper Ricky Tatnell won the toss and had no hesitation in batting and then the McCarrey onslaught quickly gained momentum.
Despite a limited pre-season, the supremely talented McCarrey made 50 from just 27 balls, including three boundaries and four maximums, his innings including some incredible shot play.
He was eventually bowled by English spinner Ollie Chaplin (1/29), his first wicket certainly memorable for a number of reasons.
After helping himself to a boundary in Noah Dodd’s (4/21) first over, McCarrey welcomed Jake Le Maitre (1/44) to the bowling crease with a six back over his head.
Dodd picked up Jacob Hurry (3) in his second over as McCarrey again hit Le Maitre out of the park in his second.
Dodd again struck in his third, Nathan Yarde (4) well caught by Laurie Thomson at cover and the huge wicket of Tatnell, caught behind by Liam Allen first ball left the home side 3/39 at the end of the fifth over.
The Nagle skipper seemed perplexed by the decision, standing at the crease for an eternity before eventually trudging off in disbelief.
McCarrey welcomed Chaplin to Australia, his first ball after replacing Le Maitre belted for six over cover.
He rode his luck in Dodd’s next, surviving a leg before wicket appeal that appeared to be very close and would have given the left arm Dodd a hat-trick.
Not deterred, McCarrey belted the next ball over square leg for six as he began to close in on 50.
Later in the over he was dropped at square leg by Chaplin on 44, the ball going a mile in the air, the import looking set for a comfortable catch only for the ball to end up on the grass.
Chaplin finally got his man at the start of the ninth over, Nagle 4/59 as McCarrey departed.
Some gritty batting from young Seth Noonan (18 from 28) and Michael Hack (33 from 65) helped the Saints post a competitive total of 146, the home side dismissed in the 36th over.
Ben John (2/23) proved to be the wildcard with the ball for the Seagulls, extracting Noonan and Hywel Nicholls (11 from 25).
The Seagulls were quickly in trouble in the run chase, with John (10), Tom Stubbs (2) and Allen (0) all back in the pavilion with the score just 17.
Nagle opening bowlers Tatnell (2/28) and Dan Hack (2/28) were causing the batters some issues.
Chaplin (8) soon followed, the match looking likely for an early finish at 4/33, however veterans Le Maitre (26 from 36) and the rejuvenated Ryan Hooper (73 from 90) were up for the fight.
They added 86 for the fifth wicket in just 15 overs, putting their side in a commanding position, Yarde (1/15) picking up Le Maitre as the rampant Hooper continued on.
His innings contained four boundaries and three towering maximums, including the first of his long “A” grade career.
Dodd (2) came and went, remarkably run out after the ball touched the bowler (Reece Carstairs) on the way through – the same way Dodd had dismissed Kyden Capes a couple of hours earlier.
The Seagulls got home in the 31st over for the loss of six wickets, Hooper unbeaten in a match-winning innings, turning back the clock.
Lakes will again make the trip to Bairnsdale this week, clashing with West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Seagulls are expected to be strengthened this week by the inclusion of fast bowling import Scott Tite, who comes will an impressive resume.
West will be hoping to get Ryan Halford and Brodie Anderson into their line up sooner rather than later, both all rounders vital cogs with bat and ball.
Nagle will welcome cross-town rival Lucknow, an ideal opportunity for both sides to bounce back and gain some much-needed points after going down in round one.
McCarrey and Magpies opener, Rico Fourie loom as the key wickets in the match.
