Lindenow South maintained its clear hold on second place on the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) ladder with a comprehensive win over West Bairnsdale at the Lindenow South Oval last Saturday.
The Bulls are currently a game behind the unbeaten Orbost, and a match ahead of a group of sides on two wins after four rounds, led by Paynesville and West Bairnsdale, who currently sit inside the top four.
West Bairnsdale bowled the Bulls out in final over, but not before their classy batting line up had helped themselves to an imposing 231.
Scott Davidson (61 from 66) and Scott Dare (21), who are forming a formidable partnership at the top of the order, added 69 for the opening wicket.
Zachary O’Keefe worked hard for 25 at number three, and at 5/150, the match looked in the balance after 34 overs.
But Seth Smith (59 from 37) and Logan Dunkley (26 from 33) had the running between the wickets down pat this week as the Bulls churned out 81 in last 10 overs to post an above par and ultimately winning score.
Pat Halford again impressed with the ball for the Bulls, taking 3/24.
Ryan Halford (2/38) and Brodie Anderson (3/47) also impressed against the talented and aggressive Bulls batting line up.
In reply, things looked promising for West Bairnsdale with Brodie Anderson (41 from 56) and Tom Hudson (41 from 45) impressing at the top of the order putting on 69 in a positive opening partnership, but it all unravelled quickly, all out in the 30th over for just 121.
Logan Dunkley (3/30) and Jamie Donnelly (2/18) were the side act to Davidson, who capped off a special day where he played an “A” grade game with son, Will, taking 5/18.
Dunkley and Davidson worked through the top and middle order with ease after Seth Smith and Mel Irish took the new ball.
The Bulls will play the local derby this week against Meerlieu at the MCG in a clash that looks a mismatch on current form, the Tussocks currently winless in the 2025/26 campaign.
The problem for Meerlieu maye be that Bulls co-captain, Haydn Erfurth, is due to go big after scoring just seven runs in three innings this season.
West Bairnsdale have a bye this week, a perfect chance to regroup and refocus.
