Lakes Entrance skipper Jake Le Maitre delivered a commanding performance, belting a century as his side declared at 6/271 in their Bairnsdale Cricket Association round 15 clash with Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve.
Both sides took to the field desperate for victory, with hopes of pushing for outright wins to boost their finals chances. Paynesville sent the visitors in aiming to strike early, but it was the Seagulls’ batsmen who dominated, posting their highest total of the season after a setback against St Mary’s Nagle in a crucial match last week.
Le Maitre walked to the crease at 4/88 in the 33rd over and finished last man dismissed in the 75th over, prompting a declaration as Lakes Entrance looked to take wickets late in the day. His busy 112 came from just 118 balls, featuring 15 boundaries, marking his second top-grade century.
A pivotal fifth-wicket stand of 146 with Noah Dodd (45 not out) in 30 overs swung the match firmly in Lakes Entrance’s favour. Earlier contributions came from Ryan Hooper (25), Liam Allen (28), Kaleb Day (16), Ollie Chaplin (13) and Ben John (21), all of who got starts but were unable to build substantial innings.
Veteran Campbell Holland led Paynesville’s bowling, finishing with 3/49 from 16 overs. Lakes Entrance faced a late challenge with Paynesville reaching 0/42 off just five overs by stumps. Aaron Cameron provided a flash of brilliance, finishing 34 not out from 18 balls, including eight boundaries, five of which came off the final over of the day bowled by Ollie Chaplin — though some suggested Sam East might have been the more suitable choice.
The day one points went to Lakes Entrance, but both sides have plenty of work ahead to secure victory this Saturday.
