The first day of round 18 of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade competition was washed out, reducing the vital round to a one-day fixture.
This removes the possibility of outright points and makes Lakes Entrance Cricket Club’s final-round quest for a finals spot simple to understand, but still difficult to achieve.
The Seagulls remain in contention but will need the final-round results to fall in their favour. They currently sit sixth on 34 points, two behind Orbost and Lucknow in the race for fourth spot.
To qualify, Lakes Entrance must defeat Orbost at home 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 – not impossible, but if they are to play finals, they must earn the privilege.
Matches between Orbost and Lakes Entrance are traditionally close contests, with both sides eager for bragging rights over their nearest cricketing neighbours. The stakes are huge this time, with the local derby almost serving as a semi-final, particularly for the Blues, who need only to win to return to finals action after a couple of lean years.
Both sides were productive with the bat last round, with Jayden Price and Jake Le Maitre posting centuries in big first-innings tallies. There is plenty of variety in both bowling attacks, and fielding will be vitally important. The Seagulls will not be able to give Orbost as many lives as they did Paynesville last week if they are to get the points.
Hopefully, the weather will behave and the final spot in the top four will be decided out in the middle.
