Fourth spot is up for grabs heading into the final round of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade season following a remarkable turn of events over the weekend.
Some results went as expected, while others defied logic, as the top four was turned on its head.
The biggest twist came at Nagle where St Mary’s Nagle, which was third heading into the round and could have locked in its finals spot, went from destroying Lakes Entrance’s top order, reducing the Seagulls to 6/3 in first half an hour, to losing outright by 48 runs with less than two overs to play late on Sunday afternoon.
Lakes fought back from a disastrous start to post 98 in its first innings, thanks mainly to a counterattacking 68 from first gamer, Craig O’Brien, and despite outstanding figures of 7/17 from Ricky Tatnell, who at one point had 5/0.
Lakes plugged away late on day one to have the Saints 6/65 at stumps before taking 3/3 to dismiss the Saints for 91 early on day two with Ryan Hooper collecting the final wicket on his way to 4/14.
Leading by eight runs, the Seagulls would then blast 5/170 declared from 34 overs, led by a classy 70 from Hooper, to set St Mary’s a chase of 178 for victory from 29 overs – essentially a run-a-ball.
Despite a fast start from Brayden McCarrey, the Saints faltered and just when it appeared they would shut up shop and see out the remaining three overs, Ryan Hooper bowled Brad Toohey without offering a shot – the second time he had done so in the match - and then Liam Allen ended the contest with a brilliant leg side stumping off Leigh Walker to dismiss Dan Eastman with the first ball of the penultimate over.
Cue massive celebrations for the Seagulls who at 1.30pm on Saturday were licking the wounds of a disastrous start.
Walker finished with 5/21 for Lakes.
The Seagulls had completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory, in the process keeping a very slim finals hope alive and in the process dropping the Saints from third to fifth and now in deep danger of missing the finals.
The Seagulls must win outright in the final round against Wy Yung and hope other results fall their way to have any chance of playing finals.
The Saints dropped out of the four on the back of Lindenow South dismantling reigning premier Wy Yung, by 113 runs, signalling its intent on making a finals impact.
The Bulls meet St Mary‘s in the final round.
Orbost also jumped ahead of the Saints, but did it the hard way, beating Meerlieu by one wicket. Chasing 140, the Blues were 9/121 before number 10, Nick Hulme, dragged his side over the line with a rearguard unbeaten 40 off 110 balls alongside youngster, Nick Davies, who held firm for three not out of 24 balls.
Meanwhile, West Bairnsdale jumped to top spot with a 95-run win over Lucknow, who lost their final five wickets for no runs. Jack Lind picked up 5/24 for West.
The weekend’s results mean essentially three teams are fighting for third and fourth spot – Lindenow South Glenaladale, Orbost and St Mary’s Nagle. West Bairnsdale and Wy Yung are locked away at the top of the table.
With the Bulls taking on the Saints, a win for the former will see them and the Blues make the four, however if St Mary’s can win, Orbost must beat West Bairnsdale if it’s to be assured of a final spot. If the Saints are victorious and the Blues lose, St Mary’s will play finals and most likely Lindenow South thanks to a better percentage than Orbost.
It’s all to play for over the next two Saturdays.
✩ BLUES BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH
Orbost jumped ahead of St Mary’s Nagle, who lost outright to Lakes Entrance, but did it the hard way, beating Meerlieu by one wicket.
Chasing 140, the Blues were 9/121 before number 10, Nick Hulme, dragged his side home.
The Tussocks got an even contribution on day one with Rohan Giblett (22), Reagan Kyle (22), Michael Richardson (29) and Liam Vaughan (15) to post 140 and give themselves a real chance at their first victory of the season.
Davies and Lachie Donchi led the way with the ball taking three wickets each while Alex Hulme claimed two.
In reply the Blues had a horror start with only Curtley Farley (11) reaching double figures of the first five batsmen.
Youngster Oscar Millward fought hard for 14 off 70 balls, while Tim Osborn provided a valuable 25 at number eight, however when he departed at 9/121, Orbost’s hopes of victory and finals chances were slipping away.
Step up Nick Hulme. Prior to Sunday he had just two “A” grades scores in double figures this season. His unbeaten 40 could not come at a better time.
The Blues meet West Bairnsdale in the final round and victory will all but assure finals action, however a loss could see them slide outside the top four.
✩ BULLS IN CONTENTION Lindenow South validated its decision to bat first at Wy Yung, making an impressive 258 from 76 overs, in the process showing the reigning premier it is primed for the business end of the season. With the finals approaching the Bulls turned on a very even team performance with Scott Dare (21), season standout, Haydn Erfurth (41), and the recently returned, Sam Howden, who top scored with 71. Will O’Keefe also added 30 and Scott Davidson 50.
Wy Yung toiled hard in the hot conditions with Nick Carroll the best bowler for the Tigers taking 5/88 from 29 overs.
The Tigers struggled through their innings with only the reliable Ben Saxon (56no) offering any real resistance before they were all out for 145 in the 58th over.
Mel Irish was pick of the Bulls’ bowlers taking 5/60.
✩ WEST MOVES TO THE TOP Admirably led by Ray Stevens (73) and Brodie Anderson (60), West Bairnsdale comfortably went about building a competitive total of 191 off 73.3 overs against Lucknow at Bairnsdale City Oval. The Magpies were consistent with leg spinner Connor Taylor taking the excellent figures of 5/37 off 17 overs.
Lucknow spent a lot of time at the crease on day two, but unfortunately only Matt Corbett, Ryan Mitchell, Daniel Bryant (20) and Jarryd Floyd (10) got starts before the Magpies were all out for 96, losing their final five wickets without adding to their total.
Jack Lind was the standout in place of injured captain, Ryan Halford, taking 5/24.
✩ ONE-DAY GRAND FINAL Orbost meets West Bairnsdale in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade one- day grand final this Sunday at Bairnsdale City Oval, starting at 10.15am. The Blues snuck into the decider on percentage ahead of Wy Yung and Lindenow South Glenaladale while West locked in a grand final spot and a shot at back-to-back one- day glory.
Only a few weeks back Orbost suffered a 12- run defeat against the reigning one-day premier, however it did show enough to suggest it can upset the charging West outfit on its day.
West is likely to be without injured captain, Ryan Halford, leaving a gaping all-round hole with its scoring power weakened and bowling stocks lessened, however West has show it has enough depth to cover the loss.
Orbost will need to fire with the bat having struggled to build partnerships in recent weeks. Alex Hulme holds the key, but it young guns Curtley Farley and Max Welsh who can give their side impetus with the bat and post a big score.

IMAGE:
West Bairnsdale veteran, Ray Stevens, top scored with 73 during his side’s round 13 Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade victory over Lucknow at Bairnsdale City Oval. West moved to top spot on the ladder after Wy Yung lost to Lindenow South Glenaladale. (PS)