An improving Meerlieu has caused a huge upset win in round three of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association, knocking off reigning premier West Bairnsdale at the MCG, but with a day still to play, the game may still have at least one more twist.
After disappointment in their round one loss to Lindenow South Glenaladale, the Tussocks have impressed in recent weeks with defeats of Metung Swan Reach and Orbost.
West Bairnsdale won the toss and batted and could only muster 104 in less than 40 overs, with Brodie Anderson (13) and captain Ryan Halford (18) offering some early resistance, and only Mitchell Toms (34) looking likely to get a big score.
The tail offered light fight to former Zimbabwean under 19 spinner, Connor Mitchell who opened the bowling and operated unchanged taking a sensational 7/26.
Despite losing a couple of quick wickets, the Tussocks were quickly baring down on the total as Jayanga Peiris (50 from 53 balls) and Mitchell (52) scored at around five runs an over.
A typical classy 38 from Rohan Blandford ensured a first inning lead for the Tussocks, as the tale crumbled late under some good West Bairnsdale bowling, finishing at 9/167 when stumps were called.
Patrick Halford went through the lower order batters, taking 3/20, while Jacob Zumach finished with 2/44.
With the Tussocks not expected to score many runs, the pressure will then be back on West to knock off the first innings, before going about setting a possible target for the Tussocks.
The most likely outcome of the match is a Meerlieu win by first inning or gaining maximum points by chasing down a measly West second innings, it’s unlikely West could reverse the result, but a lot can play out in five hours of local cricket.
