Orbost fell at the final hurdle in its quest for a spot in the 2025/26 Bairnsdale Cricket Association finals.
Needing only to overcome arch-rival Lakes Entrance at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve, the Blues were unable to get the job done last Saturday.
Blues skipper Curtley Farley won the toss and sent the Seagulls into bat, and they posted a competitive 154, bowled out in the final over – not a huge score, but when your season is on the line, the pressure can be immense.
Ben John looked strong at the top of the order for Lakes Entrance making 19 from 20 balls, while Liam Allen continued his late-season resurgence with a patient 36 from 73 balls, including three boundaries and a maximum, before being run out.
Ollie Chaplin (17), skipper Jake Le Maitre (19) and Noah Dodd (18) all made handy contributions as the Seagulls prioritised wicket preservation in a tense final match.
Alex Hulme starred with the ball for the Blues taking 4/24 from eight overs, including two in his first three balls, with left arm spinner Josh Court the only other multiple wicket-taker with 2/25.
The Blues were quickly in trouble at 3/17 with key batters Luke Humphries and Jayden Price back in the shed, as Scott Tite (2/14) bowled aggressively.
Alfie Lindsay worked hard for 33 from 75, putting on 33 for the fourth wicket with Luke Endley (27 from 20) before Endley was dismissed caught behind.
With Lindsay and Mikael Hulme (18 from 46) at the crease, the scoring rate slowed and Chaplin (3/12) eventually removed Lindsay, before Kaleb Day (3/26) wrapped up the tail, including Alex Hulme.
The Blues fell 42 runs short with 66 balls remaining, dropping from fourth to sixth on the ladder.
After winning their first four matches, they finished the season with five wins and six losses, losing momentum after a series of byes and washouts despite a strong start.
It was not a totally wasted season for Orbost, however, as they claimed the competition’s 20/20 championship.
