Top of the tree Lindenow South Glenaladale have made a huge statement, defeating second-placed Lakes Entrance on day one of their two day clash in round six of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association at the Lakes Recreation Reserve.
Lakes skipper Ben John won the toss and elected to bat, with the Seagulls bundled out for just 113 in 43 overs, with the Bulls finding themselves to 5/145 by stumps, already with a handy 33 run first innings advantage.
Despite losing John early for a duck, the Seagulls rallied hard and at 4/94 were working their way back into the game, only to lose its final six wickets for the addition of just 19 runs.
A familiar foe in Mel Irish working his way through the tail with ease, finishing with a remarkable 6/10 from 14 well directed overs, including a staggering 10 maidens.
He claimed 8/14 in the corresponding clash last year, and seems to have the Seagulls batsmen measure presently.
Lakes got solid contributions from the inform duo of Liam Allen (30) and Jack Timms (26) but they were unable to get the solid partnerships and batsmen to seize the opportunity after getting a start, which has been the catalyst for their victories in the first five rounds.
The hard hitting Scott Dare led the way for the Bulls in their innings, making a robust 77 from 93 deliveries including six boundaries and three maximums.
Haydn Erfurth again oozed class, accumulating 31 from 32 balls as the Bulls rammed home the advantage late in the day, with quick runs likely to be the order of the day when play resumes on day two.
An outright win over the second ranked side would be both confidence boosting for the Bulls and morale sapping for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance will be keen to make a firm statement with the bat in their second dig, hoping to right the first innings debacle off as an aberration.
