Lucknow is on the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade winners’ list.
The Magpies claimed a hard-working two-wicket win over rival Wy Yung at Hudson-Alvin Oval last Saturday, the home side chasing down 160 with two overs to spare.
Sent into bat the Tigers overcame the early loss of Darcy Murray as Daniel Gledhill (24 off 39) combined with Cameron McPhan (68no off 102) as they helped set the platform for a decent total.
Youngster Harry Forbes also played a key role in taking the Tigers to 8/160 with a hard working 24 off 60 balls, however spinners Jarryd Floyd (2/26) and import Rico Fourie (2/26) tightened the screws late in the innings.
In the hunt for quick runs the Tigers lost regular wickets, however the innings ended with a bang, McPhan hitting Taj Corben for six off the final ball of the innings.
Lucknow’s run chase got off to a positive start, Fourie showing his intent taking 11 runs of Darcy Murray’s first over as he powered to a run-a-ball 35 with four boundaries.
However, Wy Yung was otherwise all over the rest of the Lucknow top order – Matt Corbett, Myles Danaher and Jack Bull all failed to reach double figures.
Luke Hedger fought back, the wicket keeper in good touch as he scored 51 from 69 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. He was aided by 15 from Floyd and a quick-fire 28 from Isaac Love.
However wickets continued to fall and the Magpies’ lower order was required to step up. Sam East and Beau Haslam showed poise as they knocked off the runs with two overs to spare, the latter finding the boundary off the final ball of the 43rd over.
Wy Yung captain Stevie Bertino claimed 4/40, while Ben Saxon, Harry Forbes and Damian Vicary were the other wicket takers.
