Another Cameron McPhan masterclass saw Wy Yung emphatically defeat Orbost in round five of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association at Bullumwaal Road
last Saturday.
After an indifferent start to the season, the Tigers finally showed the form that saw them play off for the two-day premiership earlier this year.
Orbost has been the form side of the 2025/26 season thus far, unbeaten until last Saturday, but they had no answer for marvellous McPhan.
The Blues certainly won’t be panicking, despite dropping to second rung on the ladder, having already won as many games this season as last.
McPhan, who belted his second century of the season, set the Tigers up for a memorable and possible season-defining victory.
The Tigers sent Orbost in to bat, restricting them to a more than competitive 8/190 from its 45 overs.
The total was set up by English import Luke Humphries’ (67) first half century for the club. He’s already made 200 runs for the season at an average of 50, showing his class and worth at the top of the order.
Humphries’ stay at the crease lasted 116 deliveries and included six boundaries.
Orbost also got solid contributions from Alex Hulme (21 from 53) and all rounder Luke Endley (41 from 55).
The Blues batsmen certainly didn’t look as at home as they do on the magnificent wicket at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
Damian Vicary was the pick of the bowlers for the Tigers, taking 4/29, including the key wicket of Endley when he looked to impose himself on the contest in final 10 overs.
In reply, Wy Yung openers McPhan (104 not out) and Ray Stevens (51) combined for a match-winning opening stand of 117 inside 19 overs.
The result already was assured when Stevens’ innings of 51 from 55 balls, including ten boundaries, ended at the hands of Mikael Hulme.
The hard-hitting McPhan continued on his rampage, the Blues left to rue a difficult caught and bowled chance early in his innings, his 95-delivery knock containing 13 boundaries and a massive six.
He now has 260 runs at an impressive average of 130 for the season for the Tigers, who look well placed in fourth spot on the ladder, with two wins and two losses, and their best cricket ahead of them
McPhan and Daniel Gledhill (25 not out from 48) ended the Blues’ pain in the
33rd over.
The Tigers will host St Mary’s Nagle this week, the former hoping to capitalise on their change of fortune, breaking through for their first win of the season in style against an inconsistent, Paynesville.
Orbost will be hoping to bounce back this week when it makes the long trek to Meerlieu to do battle with the Tussocks.
