A disappointing performance from Lakes Entrance has seen them embarrassed by Wy Yung in round eight of the “A” grade Bairnsdale Cricket Association 2025/26 season at Bullumwaal Road.
For the third time this season, the Seagulls were unable to string back-to-back victories together, as their inconsistency continues to be an issue.
After being prominent at the pointy end of the ladder, just a few weeks ago, they now sit in sixth place on the ladder.
But it’s not all doom and gloom; they are only one game behind the sides that sit second through to fourth, Wy Yung, Orbost and Lucknow.
The Tigers won the toss and elected to bat, and the Seagulls bowlers created some early chances, but they weren’t accepted and Lakes Entrance paid the price, Wy Yung amassing 9/249 from its 45 overs.
The Tigers, last season’s two-day runner-up, have got on a roll in recent weeks, playing with great confidence and belief, with plenty of options with bat and ball.
Cameron McPhan (61 from 42 balls) and Todd Murray (44 from 58) put on 112 for the opening wicket in just 17 overs, McPhan the beneficiary of a couple of missed catching opportunities early, which riled Lakes Entrance skipper, Jake Le Maitre.
Seagulls opening bowler, Scott Tite (2/41) was certainly not rewarded for his early efforts.
McPhan finally went in Ollie Chaplin’s first over, having struck seven boundaries and a couple of maximums.
The Seagulls fought back momentarily with Ben John (2/45) picking up Todd Murray and Harry Forbes, the Tigers 3/113 after 18 overs.
But Wy Yung didn’t rest on their laurels, veterans Daniel Gledhill (50 from 56) and Ben Saxon (28 from 37) pushed on, adding 80 runs in 15 overs, before Saxon was disastrously run out, when looking set.
Tite finally got a well-deserved wicket shortly after, Gledhill going leg before wicket, after a classy cameo.
Ben Channing (15), Damian Vicary (15) and unbeaten skipper, Stephen Bertino (20) worked hard in the final 13 overs to add 49, as the Seagull attack led by Laurie Thomson (2/12) bowled as tight as they had all day.
It was always going to be a tough run chase, with Seagull vice captain, Ben John going to be the key, with his ability to score fast and free, if Lakes Entrance was to generate a miraculous victory.
But it was not to be, with Tiger opening bowler, Darcy Murray going through the Seagull top order with ease, taking 6/29 from his nine over unchanged spell.
Lakes Entrance was a disappointing 5/30 after 10 overs, Le Maitre made a hard-hitting 24 in the middle order, adding some respectability to the final score, which eventually reached 86, when Ben Channing claimed his second stumping of the match in a classy display in the 28th over.
His victim Noah Dodd (12 from 40), who at least put some value on his wicket falling to Charlie Thompson (2/2), while Sean Phillipson also impressed taking 2/17.
The Seagulls will enjoy a week of rest, courtesy of the bye, before playing Meerlieu in the first of two-day matches of the season at the Meerlieu Cricket Ground on December 6 and 13.
