Lakes Entrance continues to play consistent cricket and are emerging as one of the sides to beat in this season’s Bairnsdale Cricket Association premier league competition, the unbeaten Seagulls amassing an impressive 9/259 against an under pressure Lucknow last Saturday at Hudson-Alvin Oval.
Batting first at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, the Seagulls’ new-found batting depth was again to the fore, despite losing co-captain, Ben John early for just four.
But the ability to put together partnerships, something that has been sadly missing in recent seasons, means last year’s scores in the 130-150 range are now being converted into above par totals.
Stylish Englishman opener Josh Sackfield led the away with an impressive 76, dismissed just prior to the tea break when a big score beckoned.
He rode his luck early and was dropped twice. At one stage he was dropped then caught on an illegal delivery in consecutive balls, but he has certainly adapted to batting better on Australian pitches in his second trip down under.
Ryan Hooper (22) looked good, getting out after most of the hard work had been done. A big score looms for the hard-working clubman.
Import Jack Timms (44) continued his consistent start to the season with another classy contribution, while Daniel Bryant (31) entertained the small crowd with several blows in his most significant innings of the campaign.
Phani Kumar (24) again turned the strike over in the middle order, while valuable late order contributions from Kaleb Day (21) and Liam Allen (18) enabled the Seagulls to post a total that looks slightly above par.
Lucknow skipper Jarryd Floyd was the pick of their bowlers, taking 7/71 from 28 well controlled and directed overs.
It did appear that a couple of the Magpies other bowlers may have gone into the match a little underdone, with Floyd required to do a huge amount of work.
The Seagulls will be keen for early wickets this Saturday in their quest to dismiss Lucknow cheaply, the form of Floyd bringing a smile to Lakes’ key spinner Sam Kincaid, who would have liked what he saw on day one of the two-day fixture.
Lucknow has plenty of quality batting, led by skipper Floyd who is in good nick presently. He can bat for a long time if required and like the Seagulls, partnerships will be key. Solid contributions from players such as Luke Hedger and import Rico Fourie will be important.