The battle for a much sought-after Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) “A” grade finals spot was on the line at the Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday in
round 14 action.
Fourth-placed West Bairnsdale (34 points) and fifth-placed Orbost (30 points) battled it out for a vital six points, which could be instrumental in their push for finals action.
After 80 overs, it was the Blues who emerged slightly on top, with plenty to play out on day two, before any alterations to ladders are made final.
West was sent in by Orbost and struggled to 133.
When finally dismissed in the 62nd over, the Blues were quickly in trouble at 2/19 in reply before battling their way to 2/49 off 18 overs at stumps.
Batting certainly wasn’t easy, with batsmen struggling to keep the score ticking over, mindful that this could be both sides’ most important match of
the campaign.
Openers Brodie Anderson (25 from 96 balls) and Tom Hudson (12 from 32) worked hard early before Hudson became Nick Davis’ first wicket for the day.
West skipper, Ryan Halford (22 from 22) was his usual busy self, and looked set for a
prosperous stay at the crease, before he also fell to Davis (4/34), who was impressing with his pace and control.
West were soon in more
trouble, as 2/54 (17th over) suddenly became 5/77 (35th over), as Mitchell Toms, Jake and Brodie Anderson all headed back to the pavilion.
Orbost’s miserly bowling, led by Luke Endley (2/53) and Joshua Court, who took 3/28 from 15 overs, eventually forced mistakes from batsmen who were unable to get on top of
the bowling.
Toms was cleverly stumped by Luke Humphries off Court for five after facing 31 balls.
The majority of the remaining runs were scored by Atley Williams (53 from 71), who got good support from Oscar Clarke (3 from 51), but he was another batsman who struggled to
force the pace.
Tail enders Jack Lind, Bradley Daniels and Chris Hammond battled similarly, as their innings were purely based on survival.
The innings wrapped up
when Davis picked up the
aformentioned duo.
West were on top when Orbost lost Humphries in the fourth over, bowled by Lind, and Patrick Halford picked up Endley in
the next over.
There were plenty of anxious moments in the next 13 overs, as Alfie Lindsay (12 from 41) and Jayden Price (18 from 39) negotiated their way to stumps.
Patrick Halford and Lind were replaced by Ryan Halford and Hammond, who kept the pressure on, with keeper Williams operating up at the stumps.
But the Blues pair held their nerve, setting up an exciting run chase this week, with the contest set to have a few more twists before stumps are drawn.
Brodie Anderson will be another factor with the ball, while the Blues will be looking for runs from skipper Curtley Farley, Court and the Hulme brothers.
Price looked very comfortable at the crease and looms as the big wicket for West.
