Round 13 of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) kicks off this Saturday, featuring the final one-day match of the home-and-away season. The round will be preceded by a trio of two-day fixtures that will determine which four sides progress to the 2025–26 finals.
Weather could again play a crucial role, with forecasts for the end of the week not looking favourable for cricket.
Last Saturday’s round had minimal impact on the highly anticipated run to the finals, with at least two spots still up for grabs in the last four matches. Last year’s two-day grand finalists, Lindenow South Glenaladale (50 points) and Wy Yung (46), have worked clear of the chasing pack and appear safe after banking further wins.
St Mary’s Nagle (18) claimed a win that dented Paynesville’s (24) hopes of climbing the ladder, while several other finals contenders enjoyed an extended Christmas bye. Orbost (30 points) sits third on percentage ahead of Lucknow, with West Bairnsdale (28) fifth, two points clear of Lakes Entrance (26).
All eyes will be on this week’s matches, particularly for Paynesville, who will have the bye. West Bairnsdale will host Meerlieu at the Bairnsdale City Oval in a must-win clash, with victory crucial for a top-four push.
Meanwhile, Lucknow and Orbost face off at Hudson-Alvin Oval in a pivotal match that could decide which side advances. Lakes Entrance will take on Lindenow South Glenaladale—a contest that looks one-sided on paper, though the Seagulls did manage to beat the Bulls in last year’s one-day final and handed the ladder leader one of two losses for the season back in round three.
St Mary’s Nagle will take confidence from last week’s win over Paynesville, but it will be a tough ask to overcome Wy Yung, even on home turf.
With finals positions still in flux, this week’s round promises high drama and plenty of intrigue for players and spectators alike.
