Ladder leader, Lakes Entrance, ended the first day of its rain interrupted two day fixture against Metung Swan Reach at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve in a commanding position.
The Seagulls headed into Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) round 12 clash with an imposing 10 wins and a solitary loss on this season’s record, and would have had in the back of their minds that the match-up against the struggling Swans would be a great opportunity to bank maximum points.
With rain interrupting all five “A” grade fixtures to some extent, including no play at Bullumwaal Road, Lakes Entrance may well have to be satisfied with first innings points on day two, though an outright victory still does look achievable.
Sent in to bat by Swans captain, Forhad Haque, the Seagulls had reached 7/207 from 49 overs when the umpires called a halt to proceedings due to the persistent rain and resulting slippery conditions.
With Metung Swan Reach yet to achieve a score over 200 this season, Lakes appear to have plenty of runs on the board, but they may push on for a few overs, hoping to get enough to prevent having to bat twice.
Not out batters, Phani Kumar (12) and Tom Stubbs (16) are both more than capable of keeping the scoreboard ticking over, Stubbs in his only outing for the season against Orbost, showing he can go big if the need arises.
The more than capable, Sam Kincaid and skipper, Jake Le Maitre are yet to bat.
The star for the bat this week for the Seagulls was consistent all rounder, Josh Sackfield, who took his seasons run total to over 578, at an impressive average of 48, to go with his 18 wickets.
Sackfield made an impressive 86 from 114 balls including 10 boundaries and a lusty hit maximum.
His consistent form has seen him rewarded with a trip to Melbourne Country Week as part of the BCA squad, with fellow Seagulls import, Jack Timms.
Sackfield was the only batsman to really master the wicket and the bowling, though Lakes did get solid contributions from Timms (20), Ryan Hooper (14), Harry Reed (11) and Liam Allen (11).
Major wicket takers for the Swans were Brendan Gallus (3/52) and Anthony Miller (2/41).
It was a disappointing result in “B” grade, with the Seagulls needing a win to stay in the hunt for a much sought after finals berth, unfortunately they were totally outplayed by Lucknow.
In dodgy weather conditions, Lakes Entrance batted first at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve and were dismissed inside 25 overs for just 73.
Laurie Thomson (26) and Will Forrester (20), put on 40 for the sixth wicket, after coming together at 5/18, but after Thomson went, another significant collapse saw the innings quickly concluded.
The Magpies were ruthless, with heavy rain looking likely, knocking off the total in just eight overs for the loss of just one wicket.
Sean Reid (1/6) was the pick of the bowlers.
Lakes now languish in eighth place on the ladder, three games outside the top four, with just three games remaining.
This week they will host Paynesville at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
Lakes Maroon won their fourth match of the season in the under 13 competition, with Sienna Matthews and Declan Bills named players of the week.
Having accounted for Meerlieu/754, they will now focus on an away fixture this Friday, against Bruthen at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
Lakes Entrance White will host Paynesville at St Brendans.
