Despite a superb all-round performance from Paynesville’s Aaron Cameron and a string of dropped catches, Lakes Entrance secured the points in their Bairnsdale Cricket Association round 15 clash at
AJ Freeman Reserve.
Chasing Lakes Entrance’s imposing first-innings total of 6/271, the Gulls were dismissed for 225, effectively ending their finals hopes.
The Seagulls remain in contention but will need results to fall their way. They sit sixth on 34 points, two points behind Orbost and Lucknow in the race for fourth spot. To qualify, Lakes Entrance must defeat Orbost at home in the final round and hope bottom side Meerlieu can upset Lucknow. It would also require the Seagulls to string together consecutive victories for the first
time this season.
Paynesville resumed day two at 0/42 and progressed confidently to 0/83 in the 17th over before the turning point. Caleb Marsh (20) was run out after a mix-up with Cameron, undone by sharp fielding from Ben John and Liam Allen.
Lachie Wilmott (1) and Nathan Schoultz (8) both faced more than 20 deliveries but were unable to convert their starts, departing at crucial moments with the Gulls’ season on the line. Schoultz’s innings reflected a mixed 2025–26 “A” grade campaign, scoring 248 runs at 24.8 across 10 innings, with his stronger form coming in the T20 format.
Noah Bennett (9) combined with Cameron for a 49-run fourth-wicket partnership before edging Scott Tite (4/36) to Allen. Cameron continued to anchor the innings in outstanding fashion, but when he was caught in the deep by Ben John off Kaleb Day (4/50) for a magnificent 142 from 159 balls, including 24 boundaries, the Gulls were 5/204 and still short of the target.
Cameron has been a standout inclusion in Paynesville’s “A” grade side this season, compiling 447 runs at 89.40 and claiming eight wickets at 26.60. However, his heroic effort proved in vain as the innings collapsed after his departure. The final five wickets fell for just 21 runs, with Day finishing off the tail to keep Lakes Entrance’s finals hopes alive.
Attention now turns to a high-stakes clash, with the Seagulls hosting Orbost in the final round. Orbost demonstrated its batting
firepower last week declaring at 4/377 against Meerlieu. While such a total may be unlikely against Lakes Entrance’s steady attack, the Seagulls’ batsmen will need to produce a decisive performance if they are to keep their season alive.
