Cricket premierships went to West Bairnsdale, Buchan and Lakes Entrance on the Bairnsdale Cricket Association final weekend of play for season 2023/2024.
West Bairnsdale won the toss and elected to bat in the “A” reserve decider at Hudson- Alvin Oval, bowled out for 204 from 64 overs, a total that looked around par.
Leading the way for Wests were man of the match, David Wolfe (73), Ray Stevens (38) and Steven Lind (24), the trio’s experience certainly pivotal in the biggest match of the season.
English import, Adam O’Brien was again sensational for Metung Swan Reach, taking 6/53 from 21 well directed overs, with Richard Hobson chipping in with 2/17.
Wests did fall away late when a score of 230 looked likely, but runs on the board are always crucial, particularly in final with the added pressure.
The Swans certainly didn’t handle the pressure, wilting for just 104, with Daniel Jones top scoring with 21.
The Wests’ bowling attack of Jai Nichols (2/25), Jet Kellow (3/18), Jacob Zumach (2/28) and skipper Matt Curnow (2/17) was superb, well supported in the field by their team mates, with some handy catches taken.
“B” Grade
Extraordinary scenes at Bruthen, where Buchan claimed a remarkable two-run victory over minor premier, Orbost, who was the dominant side in the competition all season.
Orbost captain, Mark McDonald won the toss and asked the Cavemen to bat first, the Blues quickly gaining control of the game.
Opening bowlers, James Steel (2/13) and Campbell Macalister (1/18) were quickly among the wickets, picking up the valuable scalp of Buchan openers, Tim Davidson and Chris Mathers, in his 100th game for the club.
The Cavemen stabilised late before drinks to be 4/45 after 20 overs, on a wicket that looked pretty good.
McDonald (3/3) and Peter Clay (3/4) were introduced just before the drinks break but it wasn’t until play resumed that they made an impact.
The pair cleaned up the last five batsmen for just five runs, Buchan all out for just 50, with Rowan Ingram the only batsmen to reach double figures with 22.
The small totals can often be the hardest to chase, as followers of the Australian team can attest to and the Blues were quickly in trouble at 4/14, before Braden Ross (10) and Tim Osborn (19) steadied the ship some what, taking the score to 34 before Ross was dismissed.
Osborn pushed on and almost got the Blues home, before being bowled by Ingram (2/9), with the score 9/47.
Jack Welsh joined Jordan Ross and was quickly off the mark, but disaster struck shortly after when he was bowled by Buchan skipper, Jim Davidson (5/14).
Orbost bowled out for 48, Buchan home by two runs, with record buffs throughout the state still yet to find a side that won a premiership in senior cricket after making just 50.
The Blues inconsolable, as the Cavemen celebrated back-to-back premiership success.
“C” Grade
Lakes Entrance, who finished third on the ladder after having to forfeit several games early in the season, have peaked over the last month, stringing together four impressive wins to end the season, culminating in victory in the biggest match of the season, over minor premier, Lindenow South Glenaladale.
The Bulls won the toss and elected to bat, the Seagulls set the win up with a near faultless bowling performance.
The Bulls were bowled out on the last ball of the 35th over for just 97, with Darcy Sumner (3/22) the Lakes’ leading wicket taker, getting great support from Ben Rotheram (2/8 from seven overs) and Eddie Di Fiore (2/12 from seven overs).
The Seagulls batting has been impressive in recent weeks, racking up big scores but with consistent wickets falling on Saturday, the middle order was put to the test and passed with flying colours.
Jacob Daly (14), Michael Poynton (10) and Ben Rotheram (18) all got starts but got out when looking to assert their authority.
At 4/46, the Bulls were up and about sensing victory, but a match-winning fifth wicket stand between player of the match, James Daly (19) and Darcy Sumner (23 not out) quickly doused the fire.
James Daly and Anna Quinsey Munro got out with victory in sight, but Sumner put the Bulls out of their misery shortly after, hitting Stephen Greaves over mid wicket for a huge six, creating pandemonium with the premiership cup heading Lakes’ way.
