Lakes Entrance continued its outstanding 2024/25 form, accounting for Meerlieu in Bairnsdale Cricket Association round 10 action at the Meerlieu Cricket Ground.
It was the Seagulls’ ninth win from 10 outings. They currently sit second on the competition ladder, four points behind the only side to beat them this season, Lindenow South Glenaladale.
Lakes Entrance is 20 points ahead of third and fourth teams, West Bairnsdale and Wy Yung, with a finals spot now locked away.
Meerlieu’s defeat saw it replaced in the top four by the emerging Wy Yung, the Tigers taking all before them in the last three months.
Lakes went into the clash without last week’s hero, Tom Stubbs, who was unavailable, and co-captain, Ben John, who looks likely to miss most of the remaining matches in the home and away season with a knee injury.
The Seagulls won the toss and elected to bat and were quickly in trouble at 2/13, with Jarryd Leworthy and Liam Allen both back in the pavilion.
Josh Sackfield (28) and Jack Timms (87) worked hard to get the Seagulls back into the game, but when Sackfield went at 3/61, Timms got solid support from Jake Le Maitre (16) and Ryan Hooper (13 not out).
Timms’ superb knock came to an end on the final ball of the innings when he was bowled by key Tussocks all rounder, Connor Mitchell (3/25).
Timms’ 125-ball stay at the crease pushed his side to 8/182 from its 45 over allocation.
His ability to create worthwhile partnerships with Sackfield (48), Le Maitre (35) and Hooper (34) were pivotal in the competitive total and ultimately the victory.
Lakes Entrance sprung a surprise opening the bowling with two spinners, Kaleb Day and Sackfield (2/44).
It paid dividends with Sackfield picking up both hard-hitting Tussocks openers, skipper Rohan Blandford and Jay Peiris, both for five.
Veteran Reagan Kyle (29) and Mitchell (34) worked hard to get the Tussocks back on target for victory, Mitchell looking set for a huge score hitting four boundaries in his brief 33-ball cameo, but his patience got the best of him, holing out to Timms in the outfield who took a magnificent catch off the bowling of Sam Kincaid (4/24).
The game looked set for an early finish at 6/90, but some stoic batting by Des Frew (24) and Toby Jones (22) saw the Tussocks push on, although victory was never likely.
Fittingly man of the match Timms picked up both Frew and Jones, capping of a sensational personal performance with 3/17, with Meerlieu bowled out in the 42nd over for 144.
This Saturday sees the finals of the T20 competition and the regular competition having a week off due to the Australia Day long weekend.
Lakes Entrance will host West Bairnsdale in round 11 on February 1 at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
In “B” grade Lakes Entrance suffered a disappointing loss to bottom side Buchan, the Seagulls now sitting three games outside the top four in eighth place with a finals spot almost impossible with five rounds remaining.
Batting first at the Lakeside Oval the Seagulls were bowled out in the 33rd over for just 113 with contributions from Jack Reggardo (29), James Daly (15), Max Stevens (16) and Jacob Daly (13).
The Cavemen made light work of the run chase, knocking off the total in just 23 overs for the loss of just one wicket with James Daly picking up 1/15.
The next match for “B” grade is on February 1 when it does battle with Metung Swan Reach at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.
The under 13s are in recision for the Christmas holidays, with the next match on January 31 when Lakes Entrance White and Maroon will go head-to-head at St Brendans.
