Lakes Entrance was defeated by Paynesville in the first round of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) 20/20 competition last week at AJ Freeman Reserve.
The Seagulls batted first and were disappointingly dismissed in 13 overs for just 79, with import Scott Tite top scoring with 22 from 15 balls opening the batting.
Sam East was the only other player to reach double figures, making 12 from 16 deliveries.
Isaac Love (3/18) and Nathan Schoultz (4/10) impressed with the ball for Paynesville.
The Gulls knocked the total off in 10 overs for loss of just four wickets, Rodney Clack top scoring with 30 from 10 balls, including four massive sixes.
Noah Bennett (13 not out) and Lachie Wilmott (13) were also productive.
Kaleb Day was the leading wicket taker for Lakes taking 2/9 from two overs.
The Seagulls enjoyed a bye in “A” grade cricket last week, as did the whole senior competition with rain washing out the play.
Currently sixth on the ladder after the completion of a full round of one day matches, the Seagulls will be keen to build on their three wins, four losses, one no result and a bye when they resume this week in the first of the two-day fixtures for the season.
They will head along Bengworden Road to Meerlieu where they will take on the Tussocks, who they outclassed early in November in a one-day match at the Lakeside Oval.
Meerlieu is always a tougher proposition in two-day cricket with reigning BCA Cricketer of the Year, Connor Mitchell, able to utilise his full skill set and fitness, operating for the majority of the day from one end.
With Mitchell, Rohan Blandford and Reagan Kyle always capable of making big scores, the Tussocks certainly can’t be taken lightly by the Seagulls, who will be keen to bounce back after being outplayed by Wy Yung in their most recent assignment a fortnight ago.
In “B” grade, the Seagulls will host Wy Yung at Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve. It’s a big game with Lakes currently sixth on the ladder, and the Tigers rated fifth.
