Rain caused the abandonment of the second day of round six of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association last Saturday, with the big winners from the round being Metung Swan Reach and Lindenow South who both got first innings points on day one.
West Bairnsdale would be rueing the lost opportunity after making 4/425 in its first innings off the back of an outstanding double century from Brodie Anderson.
The Orbost versus Wy Yung and Meerlieu versus Lucknow fixtures looked set for thrilling finishes, so we will never know who would have got the major share of the points.
This week is round seven, the final two-day fixture before the Christmas break, with some crucial match ups in regard to finals aspirations and confidence going forward.
Second-placed Lakes Entrance, who tasted defeat for the first time last round at the hands of the brutal Bulls, this week welcomes another contender in the fourth-ranked Meerlieu.
The Tussocks play an attacking brand of cricket led by match-winning batsmen Jay Peiris and Rohan Blandford, throw in Reagan Kyle and the all round ability of Zimbabwean Connor Mitchell, and the Tussocks are a formidable foe.
Lakes Entrance will hope to wear the Meerlieu bowling attack down which will be led from one end by the tireless Mitchell and his aggressive spinners.
Josh Sackfield and Jack Timms have impressed with the bat this season and with co-captain Ben John due for a big performance, the Seagulls have plenty to look forward to as they try to prove to themselves and the cricket community they are a legitimate finals contender.
Ladder leader Lindenow South Glenaladale will host bottom side Orbost at the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve.
The Bulls have taken all before them this season and are the current premiership favourite.
The Blues will be looking for some significant performances this week from their leaders, including captain Curtley Farley, Luke Endley, Jayden Price and the Hulme brothers if they are to take the game up to their hosts.
The Bulls have numerous match winners led by co-captains Haydn Erfurth and Mel Irish, who get great support from the likes of Seth Smith, Scott Dare, Logan Dunkley and Nathan King.
Third ranked West Bairnsdale will play Wy Yung at Bullumwal Road, with the Tigers needing to get the man of the moment, Brodie Anderson out if they are to restrict West to a total that Cameron McPhan and co can chase.
The Tigers are two games outside the top five and will need to post a win to stay in touch.
Lucknow, arguably the league’s most unlucky side having won just one game and lost four, will be eager to upset the recent good form of Metung Swan Reach.
The Swans are fifth and have made a strong start to their “A” grade run, however of their three wins, two have come against fellow “A” grade newcomer Paynesville.
The draw gets tougher from now on and the Magpies will be keen to kickstart a positive run on their home turf.
In the final game of the round St Mary’s Nagle takes on Paynesville with the Saints poised to claim their second win of the season.
