Things will hot up in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association this week, with round six seeing the top two unbeaten sides, Lakes Entrance and Lindenow South Glenaladale going head-to-head at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
Both sides have been faultless in the first five rounds, and certainly are not one-trick ponies, with different players stepping up and being match winners every week.
The class player of the match, Bulls’ Haydn Erfurth, is as always the key wicket, given these pivotal clashes are the games he usually performs, as they say the cream always rises to the top.
New addition to the Bulls roster in 2024/25, Nathan King, will play his first game against his old side, adding further spice to the match.
Orbost will chase its first win this week at home against Wy Yung, who sit in fifth place, two games ajar of the top four, they can’t afford to see that extended to three games, even at this early juncture of the season.
Both sides are more than capable but the Tigers are playing with more consistency at present.
Another side looking to cut the two-game deficit from the top four is Metung Swan Reach, who currently sit in fourth and host arch rival Paynesville.
There is very little between the two sides on paper, and the result may well come down to whether Paynesville import, Nathan Schoultz, who made a sensational 184 last match against Meerlieu, turns on the magic.
If he does it might make for an interesting day travelling on highway one.
St Mary’s Nagle are at home to West Bairnsdale, who have gained plenty of momentum in recent weeks, with numerous options with the ball and a solid batting line-up led by Sam Stewart and Brodie Anderson.
The Saints will need something special from leaders Ricky Tatnell and Brayden McCarrey if they are to walk away with the points.
Meerlieu will host Lucknow, who will be in trouble if Jay Peiris and Connor Mitchell continue their outstanding form.
Rico Fourie impressed last match for the Magpies, and it will be crucial for him to continue to progress in that manner if Lucknow are to cause an upset.
UMPIRES
“A” grade (round six): Orbost v Wy Yung (Anna Quinsey Munro, Ron Smith), St Mary’s Nagle v West Bairnsdale (Ian Kyle, David Kinsey), Metung Swan Reach v Paynesville (Martin Blennerhasset, Dennis Stevens), Lakes Entrance v Lindenow South Glenaladale (Shane Rabbitt, Chris Lane), Meerlieu v Lucknow (Damien Tubb, Steven Lind).
