Local cricketers are keen to get back on the field this week after the Bairnsdale Cricket Association lost its second round of matches to inclement weather last week.
Unfortunately, the forecast doesn’t look promising, with rain expected by the weekend.
This week marks the start of the two-day matches, following nine rounds of one-dayers.
Bottom side St Mary’s Nagle will host Lindenow South Glenaladale in what looks like a complete mismatch. Nagle has struggled for bowling options in the one-dayers, though the addition of Randall Stewart adds some potency. Big efforts will be needed from Ricky Tatnell and Brayden McCarrey if they are to challenge a side with stars like Haydn Erfurth, Logan Dunkley, Seth Smith, Mel Irish and Scott Davidson.
A rampant Wy Yung will welcome West Bairnsdale to Bullumwaal Road. The Tigers, winners of their last three, have been boosted by strong performances from Cameron McPhan, Daniel Gledhill, Ben Saxon, Harry Forbes and Todd Murray. West, who were recent winners over Paynesville but humbled by both Wy Yung and Lindenow South Glenaladale, will rely on Thomas Hudson, Brodie Anderson and Ryan Halford to fire if they are to take points from the Tigers.
Paynesville will host Lucknow at AJ Freeman. The Gulls will again look to Nathan Schoultz for a big performance if they are to claim the points. The Magpies have a strong blend of experience, youth and overseas talent, which has seen them consistently perform well and secure a spot in the top four.
In the final match of the round,
Meerlieu will welcome Lakes Entrance to the MCG. This is a danger match for the Seagulls, who have won two more matches in recent rounds. The Tussocks’ bowling attack looks much improved if Connor Mitchell can operate all day from one end. Skipper Rohan Blandford, Mitchell and Reagan Kyle are all capable of posting big scores if they get going.
The Seagulls will be looking for contributions from Ben John, Ryan Hooper and Ollie Chaplin, while Liam Allen has had a lean start to the season.
Orbost has the bye, which would be frustrating for the team currently sitting in third spot. The Blues have been starved of opportunities to get on the park in recent weeks. After a loss to Wy Yung in round five, their round six match against Meerlieu was abandoned due to poor weather, they enjoyed a bye in round seven before returning against ladder leader Lindenow South Glenaladale in round eight, last Saturday’s round was again called off due to rain and they will sit out the next two weeks with a bye.
It’s hardly ideal preparation for a team that won its opening four rounds and will be looking to regain form after two recent losses ahead of the Christmas break.
