Lakes Entrance sits in second place on the ladder after two rounds of the revamped Bairnsdale Cricket Association premier competition, with only the Seagulls, Lindenow South Glenaladale and Paynesville remaining unbeaten.
Yes, Paynesville – a late inclusion into the top grade last week with Metung Swan Reach, the Gulls remain unbeaten after beating Orbost last Saturday at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
Paynesville will play a catch-up game this Sunday against the Swans to get the competition back on an even keel.
The Seagulls welcomed Wy Yung last Saturday, both sides going in full of confidence after convincing round one victories, the Tigers proving too good for Orbost and Lakes Entrance winners over Lucknow.
Winning the toss, the Seagulls amassed an impressive 9/173 from their allotment of 45 overs, their third highest score over the past two seasons, led by a brilliant 73 not out from English import Jack Timms.
Timms featured in significant lower order partnerships with middle order players Phani Kumar (18) and co-captain Jake Le Maitre (13) of 29 and 55 respectively which helped bolster the total.
A rock in the middle order, Timms faced 109 balls and hit five boundaries in a classy innings that has set him up for a big season.
Earlier co-captain Ben John (15) and fellow opener Josh Sackfield (14) had got Lakes off to a good start, unfortunately both getting out when they were set to prosper.
Wy Yung’s Darcy Murray (3/21), skipper Steve Bertino (2/39) and Damian Vicary (2/31) were the major wicket takers.
The Tigers were quickly in trouble in reply at 5/44, as Le Maitre (5/31) and Sackfield (2/32) helped themselves to early wickets, including the big wicket of Cameron McPhan for just one, who wasn’t impressed with a send-off.
Wy Yung rallied in the middle order as Ben Saxon (47), Vicary (28) and Callum Forbes (28) worked hard to get them back in the contest.
Things were looking promising for the Tigers until Saxon was run out after some great work by the dynamic Sackfield at backward point, a vital piece of fielding when the Tigers looked set to make a charge.
The introduction of Le Maitre saw the tail mopped, although there were some anxious moments with a couple of dropped catches and Forbes hitting two majors, the Tigers caught 23 short with three overs still remaining in a competitive game of local cricket.
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John was delighted with the win and the form of the new imports, Timms and Kincaid.
“The lads (Kincaid and Timms) have been vital in both wins, they have both acclimatised quickly and look set for great seasons,” John said.
Lakes Entrance will host St Mary’s Nagle this Saturday in a one-day fixture at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve, which looks to be in magnificent condition at present, the outfield fast and wicket playing true.
Nagle was less than impressive against Lindenow South Glenaladale in round two after being washed out in round one. Led by gun all-rounder Ricky Tatnell they will be keen to bounce back in a danger game for Lakes Entrance.
