Minor premier Lindenow South Glenaladale is the 2024/25 Bairnsdale Cricket Association premiers after overwhelming premiership favourite Wy Yung last weekend at the Meerlieu Cricket Ground.
After being in trouble early at 3/22 the Bulls managed to tough it out until the final over of day one, finally dismissed for an impressive 236 on a ground that certainly didn’t have a lightning outfield.
The Bulls got outstanding contributions under pressure from Nathan Pollard (62), Scott Davidson (45), Seth Smith (36) and Logan Dunkley (33).
Darcy Murray toiled hard up the hill for the Tigers, taking 4/51 from 22 overs, well supported by skipper Stevie Bertino who picked up 3/78.
Despite a promising start the Tigers never really got into the match after finding themselves 5/44.
Ben Saxon top scored with 32 while Bulls co-captain Mel Irish was again sensational, picking up 6/50 from 29 accurate overs.
In “B” grade Wy Yung got up with just two balls remaining and just one wicket in hand against Bruthen at Orbost.
Bruthen set a competitive 5/191 after its 40 overs, with Rhys Kennedy top scoring with 61 and significant contributions from Jack Hodson (38) and Graeme Gardam (30 from 17 balls).
Kennedy was again pivotal with the ball taking 4/34 but it wasn’t enough to get his side home, an inspiring 25 not out from Tiger skipper Beau Hack getting his side home after Jordan Hack (65) and Callum Forbes (42) had set the game up for the late charge.
Batting first in the “C” grade finale, Sarsfield’s 7/198 was enough to defeat minor premier Lucknow who finished their overs on 5/164.
Sarsfield skipper Craig O’Brien returned to form after a rare failure last week, helping himself to 51 retired, while Rajantha Dissanayake (37) and the unbeaten Jamie Hartley (26) kept the score ticking along in the second half of the innings.
Tate Aumann picked up 3/21 for the Magpies, who got runs from Paul Corben (51 retired), Chris Dudley (42 retired) and Stephen Bull (31).
