Lakes Entrance returned to the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade winners’ list last Saturday with a dominant victory over Meerlieu at the Lakeside Oval.
After a promising start to the season, recent losses to Orbost and Lucknow put the Seagulls in a precarious position, but after banking some much-needed points, they are now fifth with three wins, trailing the fourth-rated Wy Yung on percentage.
The Seagulls batted first and amassed an impressive total of 229, despite being bowled out in the final over.
Ben John continued his good form making a hard hitting 58 from 48 balls including eight boundaries and a maximum, impressing despite battling hamstring tightness.
He kept the score ticking along nicely early, before significant contributions in the middle order from Ollie Chaplin (48), Kale Day (22) and Jake Le Maitre (36 from 27) helped build the total.
The Tussocks never gave up and were working back into the game at 5/147, but Chaplin, Le Maitre and Sam East (13) ensured the score ticked over 200 and beyond.
Will Hamilton (1/21) bowled well for the Tussocks, Connor Mitchell was hard to get away despite going wicketless, with off spinner Mehul Jirage (3/46) and Jack McConachy (2/32) were the leading wicket takers.
In reply, Meerlieu’s innings looked promising early at 3/77 but it fell away quickly, bowled out for 115 with several soft dismissals certain to enter the players’ thoughts this week.
Mitchell top scored with 36, getting out caught at square leg off Le Maitre (3/16) when he looked set for a big score.
Rohan Blandford (20 from 17) looked in good form, with a big score not too
far away, while Hamilton (16) and Jirage (15) offered some resistance.
Imports Chaplin (3/17) and opening bowler Scott Tite (2/33) again were effective for the Seagulls who were delighted to claim the points.
Wy Yung will be a dangerous opponent this week with players like Cameron McPhan, Ben Saxon and Daniel Gledhill all hitting the ball well, but Lakes
has shown if it plays to its best it is capable of beating any side.
The proof is in the pudding – Lakes is the only side to have claimed victory over current competition measuring stick, Lindenow South Glenaladale, this season.
