Last week with Orbost having a bye in the “A” grade Bairnsdale Cricket Association competition, the attention and pressure fell onto the “B” grade side, chasing its first win for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the inclusion of talented imports, Luke Humphries and Joshua Court, the Blues still found the third-placed Paynesville a task too big at AJ Freeman Reserve.
Batting first Orbost was dismissed in the 34th over for a disappointing 104, with Chris Davis top scoring with 29, closely followed by Jordan Ross with 21.
Humphries contributed 10 and Court failed to score.
In reply the Gulls chased the total down in the 28th over with four wickets in hand.
At 4/37 the Blues looked a big chance, but it wasn’t to be, the major wicket takers Ross (3/22) and Atinderdeep Singh (2/28).
In “B” grade action this week, the Blues will play arch rival, Lakes Entrance at the Orbost Recreation Reserve, while in “A” grade, Orbost will take part in a top-of-the-ladder clash with Lindenow South Glenaladale, who sit in top spot by a game, from the Blues, who are ahead of third-placed Lucknow by percentage.
The Bulls will take confidence from the dominant win over St Mary’s Nagle last week, highlighted by another Haydn Erfurth batting masterclass and a well rounded bowling display, the Blues will need to be refreshened and ready to play after the bye, if they are to take the points.
In the under 16s Bruthen/Orbost went down to St Mary’s Nagle at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
The combine were bowled out for just 60, with Nagle knocking the runs off in 15 overs for the loss of one wicket, which was taken by Kailam Lang.
This week the under 16 side have a bye.
There was drama in the under 13s with Orbost and Wy Yung playing a tie at Cameron White Oval in Wy Yung, both sides locked on 78 after 20 overs.
This week the youngsters will welcome Bruthen Black to Orbost Community College.
