Finals aspirant West Bairnsdale has scored a vital victory in round eight of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade 2025/26 season, proving too good for Paynesville at the Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday.
It was West’s third win for the campaign, moving them to fifth on the ladder, a game behind top-four sides, Wy Yung, Orbost and Lucknow.
The catalyst for the win was classy left-hander, Thomas Hudson, who has been a shining light among some disappointing batting in the opening sector of the season.
Hudson made a sensational 99 not out from 106 balls, including an incredible 16 boundaries, taking his season’s contribution to an impressive 257 runs at 51.40.
It certainly wasn’t all plain sailing for West, with Paynesville winning the toss and looking well placed at 1/106, after 21 overs, looking to be set for a score of 200-plus.
Lachie Wilmott (15) and Nathan Schoultz (57 from 48) put on 41 for the opening wicket, before Aaron Cameron (40 from 66) joined the hard-hitting import, the pair increasing the scoring rate the longer the unison lasted.
But just as he looked likely to explode, Schoultz was outwitted by Chris Hammond (3/21), Atley Williams doing the rest behind the stumps, in a polished display.
Hammond was again frugal and hard to get away, and when he picked up Cameron and Tim Dessent (13), who looked promising on debut from Sale-Maffra club, Rosedale-Kilmany, the Gulls were suddenly 4/142.
Noah Bennett (20) again impressed, but when Patrick Halford (4/32) removed Jack Houston, the end was near, Paynesville losing its last five wickets for 11, to be all out for 176 in the 43rd over, a shadow of the score that looked possible 90 minutes earlier.
Patrick Halford worked his way through the tail with relative ease, much to the delight of his team mates.
Hudson and Williams (16) added 41 for the opening wicket inside seven overs, before the latter nicked to keeper, Schoultz.
That brought West skipper, Ryan Halford (39 from 62) to the crease, and he batted with restraint by his standards, determined to bank a well-needed four points for his side.
The pair added 117 in 24 overs to put the game’s pendulum in the favour of the home side, Ryan Halford bowled by Schoultz with victory in sight, West home with 11 overs remaining, for the loss of just two wickets.
The only downside for the winners was that Hudson was left stranded on 99, his magnificent innings worthy of the recognition of a ton.
But if he keeps batting like he is, three figures look a formality one day very soon.
West will be hoping to continue their momentum this week when they host St Mary’s Nagle, who currently sit on the bottom of the table and are desperate for a win.
Paynesville, who have now been beaten three times since upsetting Wy Yung, will host ladder leader Lindenow South Glenaladale who continue to sweep all before them.
Expect some high scoring at the AJ Freeman Reserve, with a huge score needed from Schoultz if the Gulls are to be competitive.
