Orbost has slipped out of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association top four for the first time this season, after a narrow defeat to Lucknow in round 13 at Hudson-Alvin Oval last Saturday.
In contrast, the victorious Magpies strengthened their finals hopes, climbing to third place on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
The current top six reads: Wy Yung (52), Lindenow South Glenaladale (52), Lucknow (36), West Bairnsdale (34), Orbost (30), and Lakes Entrance (28).
Lucknow included former Premier cricket star Adam Bull for the second time this season. Orbost won the toss and elected to bat, but quickly found itself in trouble, slumping to 2/16 after just seven overs.
Luke Humphries (32 from 79) anchored the top order as wickets fell at regular intervals.
By the 28th over the Blues were 7/75, appearing on track for a sub-100 total.
However, a 95-run eight-wicket partnership between Joshua Court (61 from 66) and Alfie Lindsay (22 not out from 33) revived Orbost’s innings, finishing at 9/172 from their 45 overs — a competitive total potentially defendable.
Taj Corben impressed in an unfamiliar role for the Magpies, bowling first change to take 4/24.
Lucknow’s chase started poorly with Blues left arm spinner Court (3/30) claiming early wickets, dismissing Rico Fourie and Mitchell Clague cheaply.
At 3/45 in the 15th over, Lucknow appeared in trouble, risking a slip out of the top four.
But middle-order contributions from Ayush Verma (63 from 81), Bull (25 from 40), and skipper Jarryd Floyd (40 not out from 58) steadied the innings, guiding the Magpies home with seven balls remaining and four wickets in hand.
Luke Endley was the only other multiple wicket-taker for Orbost, finishing with 2/40.
All sides will enjoy a weekend off for the Australia Day long weekend.
Lucknow will conclude its home-and-away campaign with two-day matches against Lindenow South Glenaladale (away), West Bairnsdale (home), and Meerlieu (away). Orbost faces crunch games against West Bairnsdale (away), Meerlieu (home), and Lakes Entrance (away).
