Given the season of competitive cricket the Bairnsdale Cricket Association has thrown up throughout the past five months, it’s fitting the spots for the finals will be decided on the final day of the home and away season.
With plenty at stake last Saturday, Meerlieu was the biggest winner, banking first innings points by stumps to ensure a finals berth despite going into the round in fifth place.
There are still numerous other possibilities for who will occupy the remaining three spots, with Lakes Entrance looking to be the side under the most pressure.
The Seagulls only have 50 runs to play with in their encounter with West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval, West still with six wickets in hand, but things can change very quickly at that venue.
If the Seagulls were to get over the line, the pressure will quickly turn to Lindenow South Glenaladale’s run chase against Orbost, with most observers of the opinion that St Mary’s Nagle’s gun bowling attack should be able to prevent an unlikely Lucknow win.
If West can beat Lakes, the only possible way the Seagulls can remain inside the top four is a reverse outright result or a Lucknow win.
Given the stakes are high in the final round, we can expect an outstanding final series, with anyone of the top five sides capable of winning the premiership on its day.
THE WRAP
Meerlieu won the toss and sent Wy Yung in at the MCG, a decision that was vindicated when the Tigers were dismissed not long after tea for just 111.
Nick Carroll (34), Daniel Gledhill (25) and Stevie Bertino (20) all got starts but no one was able to cash in, Tussocks skipper Rohan Blandford getting the best out of his bowlers when needed.
Nicholas Adendorff was the leading wicket taker for Meerlieu with 4/33.
With 35 overs remaining in the day, the Tussocks were keen to get the job done and bank vital first innings points and put the pressure back on the sides in the running for the top four spots.
By stumps they had done just that, moving along nicely to 4/118 with Frankie Mostert and Reagan Kyle still at the crease, Blandford (61) and Matt Busch (26), scoring the majority of the runs for the Tussocks.
With the pressure off Orbost showed what it is capable of posting a formidable total of 229 at Glenaladale.
The reigning premier was keen to finish off a disappointing season on a high note, eager to show what they are capable against a genuine title contender, Lindenow South Glenaldale.
Sent into to bat by the Bulls, the Blues top six batsmen all looked to be in good nick but got out when they looked likely to dominate.
But with Darius Govender (23), Curtley Farley (40), Alex Hulme (32), skipper Max Welsh (29), Jayden Price (26) and Luke Endley (34) all contributing, Orbost posted a score that will need plenty of hard work and dedication from the Bulls to chase down.
The tail fell away late, but Mikael Hulme (16 not out) kept the score ticking along to post some vital late order runs.
Seth Smith was impressive with the ball for the Bulls, taking his first five-wicket haul, finishing with 6/66 from 20 overs.
Max Welsh and Nick Davis tested the Bulls in the remaining three overs of play, but they held steady and will resume at 0/4.
The Seagulls were dismissed for just 111 against West Bairnsdale, who will resume day two at 4/62.
Sent into bat on an indifferent wicket, most Seagulls batsmen found the going tough aside from co-captain Ben John who starred with 44 at the top of the order, including five boundaries and a six.
However after that, only Liam Allen, Jake Le Maitre and Cooper Collins reached double figures as Pat Halford put a middle order stranglehold on Lakes picking up 5/31.
In reply West got off to a shaky start with Sam Watts trapped lbw first ball of the innings and fellow opener Sam Stewart also departing without scoring.
But Atley Williams dug in through to stumps unbeaten on 27 and will resume alongside consistent run scorer Tom Hudson on day two, with captain Ryan Halford and star batsmen Brodie Anderson still to come.
St Mary’s Nagle will be delighted to have registered 227 against Lucknow, a score that looked improbable several times throughout the afternoon.
At 6/120, it looked like the Magpies might be batting shortly, but the tail wagged, led by Johnny Lash who contributed a valuable 49.
George Read (20), Flynn Thompson (22), skipper Ricky Tatnell (57) and Scott Scicluna (23) all helped build the total.
Veterans Beau Haslam (4/78) and Jarryd Floyd (3/77) were among the wickets for the Magpies.
THE EQUATIONS
West Bairnsdale: win and in; a loss would see it reliant on a victory by Lucknow or Orbost to stay in top four.
Lindenow South Glenaladale: win and in; loss would need a victory by West Bairnsdale or Lucknow to stay in top four.
Lakes Entrance: win and in; lose and need Lucknow to win or claim a reverse outright result.
St Mary’s Nagle: win and in, lose and out. If there was no play on Saturday due to bad weather the Saints would miss out.
Meerlieu: Locked in.
JUNIOR FINALS
The under 16 finals will be played this weekend with Saturday morning seeing the contesting of the semi finals, with Lucknow hosting St Mary’s Nagle, and Meerlieu/Lindenow at home against Wy Yung.
Sunday will see the grand final played at a venue that is yet to be determined.
