Lakes Entrance put up their worst performance of the season, in its top of ladder clash with Lindenow South Glenaladale in round six of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association last Saturday at the Lakes Recreation Reserve.
Skipper Ben John won the toss and elected to bat, with the Seagulls bundled out for just 113 in 43 overs, with the Bulls finding themselves to 5/145 by stumps, already with a handy 33 run first innings advantage.
Despite losing John early for a duck, the Seagulls rallied hard and at 4/94 were working their way back into the game, only to lose its final six wickets for the addition of just 19 runs.
A familiar foe in Mel Irish working his way through the tail with ease, finishing with a remarkable 6/10 from 14 well directed overs, including a staggering 10 maidens.
He claimed 8/14 in the corresponding clash last year, and seems to have the Seagulls batsmen measure.
Lakes got solid contributions from Liam Allen (30), Jack Timms (26) and Phani Kumar (17) but they were unable to get the solid partnerships and batsmen to seize the opportunity after getting a start, which has been the catalyst for victories in the first five rounds.
The hard hitting Scott Dare led the way for the Bulls in their innings, making a robust 77 from 93 deliveries including six boundaries and three maximums.
Haydn Erfurth again oozed class, accumulating 31 from 32 balls as the Bulls rammed home the advantage late in the day, with quick runs likely to be the order of the day when play resumes.
An outright win over the second ranked side would be both confidence boosting for the Bulls and morale sapping for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance will be keen to make a firm statement with the bat in their second dig, hoping to right the first innings debacle off as an aberration.
All lower grades were abandoned in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association due to the hot weather in the region.
Lakes Entrance currently sit seventh on the ladder in “B” grade, a game outside the top four, with this week’s match Lindenow South Glenaladale at St Brendan’s crucial if they are to stay in touch with the top four.
Paynesville (2/118) were too good for Lakes Entrance Maroon (3/80) in under 13 action, whilst Lakes Entrance White had the bye.
In this week’s matches, Lakes Entrance Maroon will do battle with Wy Yung on Friday night at Cameron White Oval, while Lakes Entrance White will host Bruthen at St Brendans.
