Orbost has moved back into the top four of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association with one round remaining — an exciting away finale against arch rival Lakes Entrance.
The Blues defeated Meerlieu on first innings points in a tense round 15 clash at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
After declaring last week at 4/377 and removing Tussocks skipper Rohan Blandford before stumps, the Blues went on to bowl Meerlieu out for 134 in their first innings.
Sent back in for a second time, with Orbost chasing maximum points to strengthen their semi final hopes, Meerlieu’s gallant tail defied the home side, closing at 8/222 at stumps.
Several times throughout the afternoon an outright victory looked likely, but it was not to be.
With West Bairnsdale defeating Lucknow outright, the ladder now reads: Lindenow South Glenaladale (58), Wy Yung (52), West Bairnsdale (50) and Orbost (36). Lucknow (36) and Lakes Entrance (34) remain in contention for March finals action.
Had Orbost secured an outright win over Meerlieu, they would have needed only to defeat Lakes Entrance in the final round to confirm their spot.
As it stands, the Blues could defeat the Seagulls on first innings yet still be overtaken by Lucknow if the Magpies defeat Meerlieu outright at the MCG. If both Orbost and Lucknow are beaten in the final round, Lakes Entrance could sneak into the four at the 11th hour.
Meerlieu looked unlikely to reach 100 in its first innings at 7/83, given the reputation of its fragile tail this season. However, several developing youngsters dug in and pushed the total higher while continuing their growth at top-grade level.
Anthony Simpson (19) and Connor Mitchell (28) made early contributions, while Kane Fletcher (20), Des Hine (16) and Braidan Wylie-Commons added valuable resistance to lift the spirits of the Tussock faithful.
Meerlieu was eventually dismissed in the 38th over with Orbost’s Luke Endley (6/56) and Alfie Lindsay (3/32) producing impressive bowling performances.
With 47 overs remaining, Orbost set about attempting to dismiss the Tussocks a second time — never an easy task.
At 6/107, when Mitchell fell for an entertaining 56 from just 43 balls after a productive partnership with skipper Blandford (37), Orbost appeared poised to claim maximum points.
When Ollie Simpson departed at 8/137 with 14 overs remaining, the Blues were in the driver’s seat, but Meerlieu dug deep.
A positive rearguard effort between Anthony Simpson (21 from 33) and Mehul Jirage (61 from 54) not only stalled the Blues but frustrated them all the way to stumps.
Meerlieu may have lost the match, but they were far from defeated, displaying the “Tussock fight” that has long been a trademark of the proud club.
Endley (2/47) and Lindsay (3/37) were again prominent in the second innings, while spinner Josh Court was also effective, claiming 2/40.
The Blues will head to Lakes Entrance confident their form is peaking at the right time of year, helping to shape their path into the 2025–26 finals.
The Tussocks, meanwhile, will be looking for continued development from their emerging players. A standout performance from Blandford, Reagan Kyle or Mitchell could yet deliver a second victory of the campaign against a Lucknow side with plenty on the line.
