Orbost remains in third place on the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade ladder, despite going down to boom side, Wy Yung last weekend in round 12 at the Orbost Recreation Reserve in a high-scoring contest.
The Tigers remained unbeaten through November and December for the second consecutive season, and have started the new year in a similar vein of form.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat and were dismissed late in the day for 243, with eight of the 11 batsmen getting to double figures, including important half centuries to import Luke Humphries and all-rounder, Luke Endley.
The Blues looked set for a bigger total at 3/163 in the 58th over, with Humphries (68) and Endley (81) in full flight, but they fell away late in the day, leaving the door ajar for the fast scoring Tigers.
Humphries batted for 159 balls and hit nine boundaries and two maximums in his patient accumulation, he got solid support early from Mikael Hulme (16), Alfie Lindsay (10) and Jayden Price (16) who all worked hard against some quality bowling, ultimately dismissed when their innings were beginning to prosper.
Endley’s entertaining innings of 81 from 102 included 10 boundaries and two maximums before being bowled by Darcy Murray (5/52), when a deserved ton was on the horizon.
He combined well with Tim Osborn (10), skipper Curtley Farley (14) and Alex Hulme (14), who all lifted the run rate late in the day, as the Blues looked to set a total around 260-270.
Darcy Murray was again superb, his 23 overs, containing eight maidens, backing up his four-wicket haul against reigning premier, Lindenow South Glenaladale in the last fixture prior to the Christmas break.
He got good support from Damian Vicary (3/59) and spinner Charlie Thompson (1/49).
The Blues’ quest for victory spiked significantly early on day two, when gun Tiger bat, Cameron McPhan, who has made two centuries this season was dismissed for 23 from just 21 balls, including five crisply struck boundaries.
He was Jasmeet Singh’s first “A” grade wicket after being included after a couple of “B” grade matches.
But that was as exciting as it got for the home side, with Todd Murray (77) and Daniel Gledhill (131) combining for a match-winning 182-run partnership in 38 overs, as the Tigers showed why they are probably the current premiership favourite.
Todd Murray and Ray Stevens got out as Wy Yung closed in on victory, but it mattered little, the Tigers cruising to victory in the 51st over, for the loss of three wickets.
Todd Murray’s 77 came from 145 deliveries and contained 10 boundaries, but the big story was Gledhill, who monstered the bowling to all parts of Orbost.
His innings came from just 131 deliveries, including 18 boundaries and three clean strikes that cleared the fence.
Wy Yung’s strength is its depth with both bat and ball, with their consistency created by the ability of a quality player being always able to step up.
Ultimately last Saturday’s round of matches had minimal impact on the much anticipated run to the finals, with at least two finals spots looking to be up for grabs in the final four matches of the season.
Last year’s two-day grand finalists Lindenow South Glenaladale (50 points) and Wy Yung (46) have worked clear of the chasing pack and look safe, after again banking wins.
The other match was won by St Mary’s Nagle (18) who dented Paynesville’s hopes of climbing the ladder whilst several of the other finals contenders enjoyed an extended Christmas bye.
Victory could have seen the Gulls climb into the top four or be fifth at worst.
Orbost (30 points) sits third on percentage ahead of Lucknow, while West Bairnsdale (28) is fifth, two points clear of Lakes Entrance (26).
The Blues will finish the season with a one-day game at Hudson Alvin Oval against Lucknow followed by two-day encounters against West Bairnsdale (away), Meerlieu (home) and Lakes Entrance (away).
Weather could be a factor this week with rain forecast for late in the week and over the weekend.
Lucknow and Orbost look well matched, the Magpies’ strength has been the way they have been able to get solid contributions from experienced and younger players, as well as exciting import Rico Fourie.
