Not even the heavy rain and floods could stop the commencement of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association, with preseason premiership favourite St Mary’s Nagle making an early statement against West Bairnsdale last weekend.
The only “A” grade game that didn’t commence was the Wy Yung clash against Orbost, which was an impossibility with the Bullumwaal Road oval under water after the Mitchell River burst its banks.
Nagle skipper, Ricky Tatnell won the toss and asked West Bairnsdale to bat first, and they were quickly in trouble at 4/31, limping to 4/44 at half way.
A fifth wicket stand of 63 between Brodie Anderson (62 not out from 116 balls) and Ray Stevens (25) enabled West to post a competitive 7/123 from their allocated 40 overs.
The resilient Anderson was superb, batting the entire innings, weathering everything former state cricketer, Andrew Perrin (2/30), Tatnell (1/16), Johnny Lash (1/19) and last years Sale Maffra Cricket Association captain, Dylan Bolton (2/19), could throw at him.
Nagle chased the total down with six overs remaining for the loss of just three wickets.
IMAGE: Meerlieu tailender Simon Hunter is bowled by Lindenow South Glenaladale’s Mel Irish on Saturday at the Lindenow South Oval. Irish took a match winning five for nine in his sides four wicket victory. (PS)
