Orbost has dropped out of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) “A” grade top four for the first time this season, after being narrowly defeated by Lucknow in round 13 at Hudson Alvin Oval last Saturday.
The Blues are currently in fifth place on 30 points, trailing Wy Yung (52), Lindenow South Glenaladale (52), Lucknow (36) and West Bairnsdale (34).
All sides will enjoy a weekend off this week for the Australia Day long weekend, with Orbost to finish with two-day matches against West Bairnsdale (away), Meerlieu (home) and Lakes Entrance (away).
After winning their opening four matches, the Blues have struggled for momentum, with a horrid run with washouts and byes.
Orbost won the toss and elected to bat and were quickly in trouble, slumping to 2/16 after just seven overs.
Luke Humphries (32 from 79) was a constant at the top of the order as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
When he was dismissed the score was a disastrous 7/75 in the 28th over, with a score less than 100 likely.
But a 95-run, eight-wicket partnership between Joshua Court (61 from 66) and Alfie Lindsay (22 not out from 33) breathed some life into the match.
The Blues finished their 45 over allotment on 9/172, a competitive total and something that was possibly defendable.
Taj Corben was back in the Magpie line up and impressed in an unfamiliar role, bowling first change, taking 4/24.
Court (3/30) took the new ball and claimed Rico Fourie and Mitchell Clague early, both cheaply.
When Corben (13 from 35) was stumped by Endley, another victim for Court, Lucknow was 3/45 in the 15 over, in trouble and potentially dropping out of the top four.
But experienced players Ayush Verma (63 from 81), Adam Bull (25 from 40) and skipper Jarryd Floyd (40 not out from 58) steadied the ship and pushed on in two solid middle order partnerships, as the Magpies got home with seven balls remaining with four wickets in hand.
There were some tense and anxious moments in the past 10 overs, but Lucknow’s newfound confidence and belief, and a good mix of experience, youth and overseas imports, saw them home in a vital match for their
finals aspirations.
Luke Endley was the only other multiple wicket-taker for the Blues, finishing with 2/40.
