Orbost will begin its 2026/27 Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) campaign this Saturday with a home fixture against arch rival, Lakes Entrance at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
The Blues finished sixth last season, missing the finals by six points, after winning their initial four matches and finishing with five victories for the season.
On paper that appeared to be disappointing, but they were very competitive against the good sides, byes and washouts weren’t their friend, and they could put up a valid case that they were unlucky to miss finals.
They regain premiership captain, Max Welsh from Stratford and are hopeful having an overseas import in the very near future.
They have lost Josh Court, Luke Humphries and Alfie Lindsay from last year’s side, but still have the nucleus of a good outfit.
Nick Davis will lead the attack, Luke Endley is an exciting prospect with bat and ball, and there are few better sights in the competition than Jayden Price when he is on song, despatching the ball to all parts of the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
Welsh and skipper Curtley Farley will be looking for early runs, while the Hulme brothers are both talented and reliable.
There is no better place to bat in the competition than Orbost, which gives a Blues a head-start.
Lakes Entrance will be a tough proposition first, now led by reigning BCA Cricketer of the Year, Scott Davidson.
They have added some shiny new recruits, who will be a long way from home they make it out into the middle.
The Blues will be hoping to win the toss and post a big score, and test the Seagulls batting which has lacked consistency in recent seasons.
The visitors will be hoping they have the right mix to rectify that deficiency.
The BCA lower grade and junior competitions are set to commence next weekend.
