Orbost have squandered a golden opportunity to move back into the top four, with a demoralising round 14, day two “A” grade loss to West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday.
The Blues began the day at 2/49 chasing 134 for victory, but could only make 101.
The Blues remain in fifth place on 30 points, trailing the best four sides in the competition at the present time, Lindenow South Glenaladale (58), Wy Yung (52), West Bairnsdale (40) and Lucknow (36), Paynesville (30) and Lakes Entrance (28) are still mathematically in the race but face forlorn tasks.
Orbost have an attractive draw in the final two rounds, playing Meerlieu (home) and Lakes Entrance (away).
Their greatest worry is that they were unbeaten on top of the ladder after four rounds, and now we have seen the completion of round 14, they are still stuck on four wins, hardly the form of a finals contender.
No batsman was able to get on top and dominate at the City Oval on day two, with Atley Williams 53 from 71 balls on day one, the difference between the two sides.
Alfie Lindsay (15 from 51), Jayden Price (18 from 41), skipper Curtley Farley (17 from 36), Mikael Hulme (14 not out from 78) and Nicholas Davis (12 from 26) all tried hard to work themselves in but found scoring difficult and were eventually worn down by the consistent West attack, who play and execute at their home ground extremely well.
Patrick Halford was the star, picking up 6/47 from 16 overs, well assisted by Jack Lind and classy spinner Chris Hammond, who picked up 2/19 from 14 overs in a miserly spell.
The Blues will be disappointed with their performance, but can’t afford to dwell, they need to hit top form and force their way back into contention.
A big positive is playing at home this week, where they play their best cricket.
Meerlieu have a few tricks and players capable of turning it on if given the chance with the bat and ball, it will be interesting to see what the Blues’ mindset is, in another crunch game for the seasons early boom side.
Orbost will play off in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association 20/20 competition grand final next Tuesday night against West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval from 5.30pm.
