Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) action resumes after the Australia Day long weekend competition bye on Saturday, with Orbost keen to force its way back into the top four after dropping out for the first time in Round 13.
The Blues are currently in fifth place on 30 points, trailing Wy Yung (52), Lindenow South Glenaladale (52), Lucknow (36) and West Bairnsdale (34).
There are three rounds to play, all two-day matches to finish the home and away season, with Orbost playing West Bairnsdale (away), Meerlieu (home) and Lakes Entrance (away).
The Blues certainly have the fire power to match West with both bat and ball, but one senses that Orbost would be more comfortable playing on their home deck, which better suits their attacking game.
Tom Hudson, Brodie Anderson and Ryan Halford loom as the big wickets for the Blues attack, with the trio relishing batting at City Oval.
Orbost will be hoping to regain the form that saw it win the opening four matches of the season, sitting on the top of the ladder for many weeks.
They haven’t necessarily played bad cricket in their slide down the ladder but have struggled for momentum with a horrid run of washouts and byes.
They will be looking for big efforts from their stars and experienced players in the coming weeks, like skipper Curtley Farley, attacking batsman Jayden Price, all-rounders Luke Endley, Luke Humphries and Joshua Court, as well as the reliable Hulme brothers, who always rise to the challenge and give 100 per cent.
Victory against West Bairnsdale would be great for morale, as well as setting the Blues up for winnable clashes against Meerlieu and Lakes Entrance, whose run at the finals could be in tatters by the final round.
In “B” grade, Orbost will play a home match against Buchan.
The Blues under 13s will resume on Friday night when they host West Bairnsdale at Orbost Community College.
The Bruthen/Orbost under 16s will host Meerlieu at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve on Saturday morning.
