It was a disappointing result for Lakes Entrance in round 14 of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association, defeated by West Bairnsdale on the first innings on the initial day of the two-day fixture at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
With plenty to play for, including a potential top of the ladder finish, the Seagulls were outplayed by a West Bairnsdale outfit which needs to win to keep its hopes of defending last year’s premiership victory.
The Seagulls won the toss and batted, but that was as good as their day got.
They constantly lost wickets, slumping from 5/60 to be all out for just 69 in the 49th over.
Ben John (14), Phani Kumar (13) and Kaleb Day (13) added some respectability in the middle, but for a side regarded as a premiership contender, it was the worst possible scenario in the final two-day hit out prior to finals action.
Wickets for West were shared between Brodie Anderson (3/0), Jack Lind (2/11), Chris Hammond (2/13) and Patrick Halford (2/25).
By stumps West had reached 3/74, with Anderson (29) and skipper Ryan Halford leading the way, Josh Sackfield picking up 2/21 for the Seagulls.
After returning to form and regaining their confidence on Sunday in the one-day final, Lakes will be looking for a much-improved showing in the second innings against a hungry West line up that will be keen to push for an outright victory and snare the last semi final spot, if St Mary’s Nagle happens to beat Meerlieu.
In “B” grade Lakes Entrance was too good for Orbost at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
Orbost won the toss and elected to bat and at the completion of its 40 overs had reached 8/108, with Brett Boyd (3/10) and James Daly (2/12) leading the way.
In reply the Seagulls knocked the runs off in just 24 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
Jack Reggardo was in great touch, pushing his case for an call up in the finals with a classy 52 not out from 80 balls, while the skipper Jacob Daly made 35.
The “B” grade season will come to its conclusion this Saturday with an away game against Lindenow South Glenaladale at the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve.
The under 13 season concluded last Friday night with the Maroon side going down to Lucknow by 71 runs, and the White side losing to Buchan.
Player of the week awards went to Chad Richardson (Maroon) and Mikaela Walker (White).
