Lakes Entrance opened its “B” grade Bairnsdale Cricket Association account in round two defeating Metung Swan Reach in the local derby at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve by 89 runs last Saturday.
With the top grade side in sparkling form, a flow-on effect is some depth is gathering in “B” grade, the Seagulls batting first and amassing an impressive 8/171 from their allotment of 40 overs.
Jacob Daly (15) impressed early before Jarryd Leworthy (35) and Michael Poynton (60) put together a significant partnership which set the innings up for Ashok Patibandla (36) who cashed in with some swashbuckling hitting, including two massive boundaries.
With wickets falling late, Laurie Thomson held the innings together with a valuable 14 not out against his old side, which helped push the target above par.
Alec McPhee was the pick of the bowlers for Metung taking 4/29, troubling most of the batters during his spell.
The visitors were never really in the hunt, losing consistent wickets, eventually bundled out just 82 in 33 overs, with only McPhee, who made 21 not out, looking like building any innings of substance.
Youngsters James Daly (3/21) and Max Stevens (4/8) did the damage with the ball in impressive spells.
Such was the depth of the bowling attack, Brett Boyd who opened the bowling in “A” grade in round one, wasn’t used until the 30th over and picked up the final wicket.
With no games in “B” grade this week, the next game will be on November 9 at AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville against the Gulls.
