Lakes Entrance recorded its fifth consecutive win in round five of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association, with Orbost holding on bravely late in the day to avert an outright victory at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
The Blues resumed at 2/19, chasing the Seagulls massive first innings total of 6/358 declared, and despite seven players reaching double figures, it was only Luke Endley with 35 that made any significant contribution.
The measly Lakes Entrance, who sit second on the ladder, kept the pressure on the Blues, able to use attacking field placements to advantage with a plethora of runs in the bank.
The winless Orbost bundled out for just 124 inside of 44 overs, much to the delight of the confident Seagulls outfit, who immediately asked them to bat again.
Lakes Entrance’s imports were again to the fore, with orthodox spinner, Sam Kincaid claiming 5/47 and medium paceman, Jack Timms 3/23.
Jake Le Maitre and Josh Sackfield both claimed wickets.
Orbost were required to bat 47 overs in the second innings to avoid outright defeat, and at 5/58 things didn’t look good, but some brave lower order batting by Alfie Lindsay (21 not out), Fletcher Morgan and Endley saw them keep the Seagulls at bay in a tense final hour, finishing at 6/100 at stumps.
Earlier Jayden Price (23) and Mikael Hulme (20) had got starts, but as was the case in this match, Orbost batsmen were dismissed when they had done the hard yards to get in and set.
Jarryd Leeworthy was the leading wicket taker in the second dig for Lakes, taking 2/22, with single wickets to Caleb Day, Sackfield, Kincaid and Timms.
The Seagulls new found ability to bat and form valuable partnerships, with batsmen pushing through and establishing decent scores, was pivotal in another outstanding win.
In “B” grade, Wy Yung outclassed Lakes Entrance at Cameron White Oval.
Batting first, the Seagulls assembled a respectable 6/136 from its 40 overs, with Laurie Thomson again in good form making 62, including seven boundaries.
Ashok Patibandla (21) and Tully Davis (20) also made valuable runs.
In reply, Wy Yung mauled the Seagull attack, knocking the runs over in just 17 overs, for the loss of two wickets.
Max Stevens again impressing with the new ball, taking 2/18.
In the under 13s, Lakes Entrance Maroon had the bye, while Lakes Entrance White went down to Meerlieu 754 at the Bairnsdale Secondary College by 23 runs.
THIS WEEK
Lakes Entrance will host Lindenow South Glenaladale at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve this week in a two day
match, the match a classic first verses second fixture.
Both sides have taken all before them this season, unbeaten after five rounds, going into the clash in outstanding form.
All eyes will be on Nathan King, the former Seagull visiting his old club for the first time as a Bull.
With Logan Dunkley in outstanding form with the ball for Bulls last week, it could become a spin off with Lakes’ Kincaid, who has taken all before him in his first season with the Seagulls..
Hayden Erfurth again looms as a big wicket for Lakes to secure early, but both sides have shown in their winning streak that they aren’t one trick ponies with the bat or ball.
In “B” grade, Lakes Entrance will host Orbost at St Brendan’s in a one day game.
In the juniors, Lakes Entrance White have a bye, with Lakes Entrance Maroon playing Paynesville at St Brendan’s.
