Orbost will meet West Bairnsdale in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association one-day “A” grade grand final.
The Blues edged out Wy Yung and Lindenow South Glenaladale by percentage after all three teams secured convincing round 11 wins. West had already locked in its grand final berth a week earlier.
The Tigers made the biggest play, thumping St Mary’s Nagle by 143 runs, however Orbost’s three-wicket win over Lucknow was enough to secure it second spot and a grand final berth.
The Lindenow South Glenaladale Bulls won a tough chase against Lakes Entrance, hunting down 185, while West trounced Meerlieu by nine wickets as its hunt for consecutive one day flags ramped up.
The grand final will be held at Bairnsdale City Oval on Sunday, February 14.
Those results mean Orbost and Lindenow South Glenaladale edged to within two points of third placed St Mary‘s Nagle on the overall ladder, the Saints’ loss meaning West Bairnsdale is 10 points clear in second spot with Wy Yung four points further ahead.
Orbost accounted for Lucknow at Hudson-Alvin Oval, chasing down 124 with three wickets and three overs to spare.
The Magpies did their best despite setting a below par total, however despite a flurry of late wickets, were unable to cause an upset.
Matt Corbett was the star for Lucknow, the opener batting through the innings for 59 to help set up the total of 7/124.
Nick Hulme took two wickets for the Blues with Luke Endley, Max Welsh, Alex Hulme and Lachie Donchi claiming one each.
While Jayden Price fell early, Curtley Farley (31 off 50), Alex Hulme (18 off 43) and Donchi (27 off 54) put the Blues in control.
Some persistent bowling from the Magpies kept their hopes alive, however it was too late as Orbost locked in victory.
Orbost’s B grade contest with West Bairnsdale Green was abandoned due to a wet wicket.
IMAGE
“A” grade opening bowler Luke Endley. K1546-442 (2019)
