The fairytale beginning to the season for Lakes Entrance in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association’s premier grade competition continued last Saturday, when the Seagulls defeated Lucknow by 95 runs at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
Defending a massive 9/259 from day one, Lakes Entrance co-captains Ben John and Jack Le Maitre had minimal concerns as the bowlers got the job done, dismissing the Magpies for just 164 in the 71st over.
The Seagulls remain unbeaten after four matches with only Lindenow South Glenaladale sitting above them on the ladder.
Opening bowlers Jack Timms (1/17) and Le Maitre (2/27) both picked up wickets in their opening spells, before Matt Corbett (30) and exciting youngster Mitchell Johnson (46) put together a dangerous third wicket partnership for the Magpies.
Just when it looked like it might prosper into a game changing unison, Irish spinner Sam Kincaid (4/77) struck, trapping Corbett in front of his stumps, much to the delight of the Seagull players.
Bowling in tandem with off spinner Kaleb Day, who took 1/40 from 21 consistent overs, Kincaid ripped the heart out of Lucknow’s middle order, with only former Sale-Maffra player Isaac Love (35) offering any real resistance.
Tailenders Beau Haslam (16) and Taj Corben (9 not out) delayed the inevitable late in the day, but it only took three balls from Josh Sackfield (1/2) to break the partnership, as Haslam was caught by the safe hands of Le Maitre.
The Seagulls begin a long run of home games this week, hosting arch rival Orbost who is yet to win a match this season.
Regardless of the standings of the two sides on the ladder, matches between the two sides are always close with this week’s contest expected to go down a similar path.
The Blues have some dangerous strikers at the top of the order, capable of taking the game away from any side quickly if on song, so Lakes will need to remain in the zone if it wants to make it five in a row.
Bairnsdale Cricket Association’s lower grade and junior cricket resumes this week after a week’s rest.
In “B” grade this week the Seagulls do battle with Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve.
Both under 13 sides play on Friday night, the White side up against West Bairnsdale/Wy Yung at St Brendans, while the Maroon side will play Metung Swan Reach at Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.
