Unbeaten ladder leader, Lindenow South Glenaladale have come through their biggest test in 2024/2025 Bairnsdale Cricket Association season, easily accounting for Lucknow at the Glenaladale Recreation Reserve in round five.
The Bulls sit comfortably on top of the table, heading into this week’s top of the table clash with second-ranked Lakes Entrance, while Lucknow, who continue to show plenty of promise are languishing in eighth spot, with one win, going into another tough assignment with the big hitting Meerlieu.
Lucknow fancied its chances of chasing down the Bulls first day total of 8/233, but they were never in the hunt, capitulating to the spin of Logan Dunkley, who helped himself to career best figures of 7/18 from 13 overs.
Import Rico Fourie set Magpie innings alight early making 62 from just 46 balls, including 10 boundaries and a maximum.
Such was his scoring dominance; the score was just 63, when he became Dunkley’s first victim, safely caught by Griffin Sherritt.
All-rounder, Seth Smith again impressed in his first spell, picking up 2/27.
Despite some stoic batting from Magpie skipper, Jarryd Floyd (10 from 53) late in the innings, his side struggled, unable to rotate the strike, as Dunkley dictated the pace and ultimately their downfall.
Lucknow bowled out for 112 in the 38th over and promptly asked to bat again by Bulls co-captains, Mel Irish and Haydn Erfurth.
Lucknow certainly batted better in the second attempt, but there were some shaky moments at 4/61, and after losing two quick wickets at 6/106, when the Bulls believed that maximum points were a possibility.
Fourie again impressed with 46 from 45 balls, helping himself to five boundaries and a maximum, while promising young batsman, Mitchell Johnson again impressed with a well compiled 34, he looks a real player of the future.
Another youngster Harvey Abraham (16) also impressed, the Magpies looking to have some emerging talent at their disposal.
Floyd was again pivotal making 20 not out from 40 balls, assisting in the averting of an unlikely outright late in the day.
Dunkley had a day out, picking up another three-wicket haul to finish with 10/69 for the match, while Jamie Donnelly chipped in with 2/15, with his left arm swingers.
Lucknow 7/142 when stumps were drawn, the Bulls focus now turning to Lakes Entrance.
