It was another exciting round of Bairnsdale Cricket Association action with finals places still up for grabs and the premiership favourite not obvious.
After the completion of round 12 with still a couple of two-day fixtures remaining, West Bairnsdale (44 points) sits on top of the ladder, six points clear of Meerlieu (38), who are one of six teams separated by just eight points.
Third-placed Lindenow South Glenaladale (38) finally broke a five-game losing sequence when it ended any hope WyYung (22) had of mounting a late charge.
Despite going down, Lakes Entrance (36) remains in fourth spot, with St Mary’s Nagle (34), Lucknow (32) and Orbost (30) nipping at its heels.
West Bairnsdale’s defeat of Lucknow in a tough day for batsmen at the Bairnsdale City Oval has all but assured it will play in finals in a few weeks.
The Magpies resumed at 3/9 in quest of 131 for victory, but in difficult conditions could only manage a disappointing 46.
West skipper, Ryan Halford, continued his great recent form picking up 6/21, while new ball partner Jack Lind was impressive taking 3/14.
West faired marginally better than Lucknow in its second dig lipping to 6/57 when a halt to play was called, highlighted by a classy 30 from Mitch Toms.
Beau Haslam bowled his best spell for the year for Pies, taking 4/23.
With its back to the wall, Orbost scored a sensational victory over Meerlieu to keep its dream of back-to-back premierships alive.
Beginning the day at 5/20 in pursuit of 167 for victory, the Blues batted with purpose and dedication to the task at hand, passing the Tussocks late in the day with two wickets in hand.
Skipper Max Welsh (49) was superb, combining in two vital partnerships, firstly with fast bowler Nicholas Davis (18), the pair adding a vital 50 for the sixth wicket.
Welsh then paired up with import Max Seedall to add 87 for the seventh wicket, the Englishman playing a crucial knock, his 67 coming off just 55 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and two lengthy maximums.
Meerlieu had a sniff when Welsh and Seedall fell in consecutive overs, the score 8/148, but Mikael Hulme (15) and promising youngster Campbell Macalister (7) knocked over the required runs with minimal fuss given the pressure of the situation.
Despite having a huge week at Country Week, Frankie Mostert was again pivotal for the Tussocks taking 5/34 from 19 well directed overs.
Orbost faces tough matches against Lakes Entrance and the Bulls in the coming weeks with the reality they could win both and miss the finals or could sneak in with momentum and given the quality of player the current side contains, and the evenness of the competition, the Blues would be a legitimate chance to go back-to-back.
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Wy Yung was never in the hunt against the Bulls, bowled out before tea for just 80 with Marcus Latham top scoring with 25 not out.
Skipper Mel Irish (3/16) and Nathan Pollard (3/8) were among the wickets for the relieved Bulls.
An impressive rearguard action by Lakes Entrance has denied St Mary’s Nagle outright points and allowed the Seagulls to ultimately stay above the Saints.
Starting its second innings 104 runs behind the Saints, the Seagulls were well aware that a capitulation similar to last week’s disastrous first innings total of 93 would see the grateful Saints take their place inside the top four.
But it wasn’t to be, Lakes Entrance posting its highest score of this campaign, an imposing 5/220 off just 60 overs, when play was called to a halt early with an outright result unobtainable.
Co-captain Ben John continued his re-emergence with a sensational 74 from just 93 balls, including three boundaries and six maximums.
John is hitting the ball as clean as any player in the competition at present. If he can continue his red-hot form it will go a long way towards booking his
side back-to-back finals appearances.
Daniel Bryant (36), Jake Le Maitre (30 not out) and Jack Kesteven (28) all looked to be in good touch.
RARE OCCURENCE
In the “B” grade match between Buchan and Lucknow, two players took hat-tricks, which certainly doesn’t happen everyday.
Buchan skipper Tim Davidson finished with the figures of 4/5, which included his hat-trick, while Magpie, Stephen Bull snared 3/8, as part of his trio.
MOLINEUX RETURNS
Local cricket star Sophie Molineux returned to the Australian team last week in its impressive innings and 284-run test match victory against South Africa.
Recently returning from a knee reconstruction, Molineux has been in good form for Victoria, where she is the captain.
Molineux made a solid 33 with the bat in Australia’s first innings and impressed with the ball in the second innings, despite going wicketless.
During her absence from injury Molineux lost her Australian contract while injured which she will be keen to get back with some consistent performances in the green and gold in the coming months.
MORGAN SELECTED
Meerlieu wicket keeper Justin Morgan has been selected in the Australian side for 2024 Deaf International Cricket Council T20 World Cup.
The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates from March 6-12 with Australia scheduled to play pool matches against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and India.
THIS WEEK
It is another huge round of matches this week, with sides keen to bank the vital six points for a win in the two-day fixtures that will be played on Saturday and Sunday.
Any side that is lucky enough to jag an outright victory over the next two weeks will certainly put themselves in the box seat for finals action.
Wins are crucial for Orbost, St Mary’s Nagle and Lucknow who cannot afford to lose if they are to stay in the race.
Many of the sides will have a close eye on the scores at the other venues as sides jockey for that all important finals spot.
Umpires – “A” grade: Wy Yung v Lucknow (John Hine); Lindenow South Glenaladale v West Bairnsdale (Geoff Brew, Ron Smith); Orbost v Lakes Entrance (Martin Blennerhassett); St Mary’s Nagle v Meerlieu (Don Haley). “A” reserve: Paynesville v Metung Swan Reach (Damian Tubb).
