Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) action begins this Saturday with the Orbost Cricket Club keen to make an early impression.
Premiers in 2022/23, the Blues had a slow start to last year’s campaign and found themselves chasing the pack from a long way out.
To their credit they finished the season strongly, winning five matches to finish sixth on the table, missing finals action by just eight points.
New president Luke Endley and his committee have been working hard behind the scenes, looking to put things in place that ensures a productive start.
Though it hasn’t been all plain sailing, with difficulties with player visas and grading concerns at association level causing issues.
The club has entered two teams in the BCA for season 2024/25, graded to play in the premier “A” grade competition and “A” reserve.
The Blues second side will be predominately made up of older players and junior players, which the club thinks isn’t suitable for that level of cricket.
The club is currently working through the situation with the BCA.
Recruiting of overseas players is always fraught with danger, Orbost having put considerable time and effort into securing two South African players who have been unable to secure visas.
With Max Welsh playing with Sale Maffra Cricket Association club Stratford this season, and overseas players Darius Govender and Max Seedall not returning, the club is still hopeful Alfie Lindsay will return and former Meerlieu player Nicholas Adendorff can be part of the roster.
Orbost will be captain/coached this season by Curtley Farley, who showed in the second half of last season what he is capable of when he is on song.
Orbost “A” grade will play a one-day away game this Saturday against Wy Yung, with “A” reserve scheduled for a home fixture against Lindenow South Glenaladale.
It seems unlikely that the match will take place at this stage.
Endley thinks the Blues still have the nucleus of a good side in “A” grade.
“Curtley Farley is a good player, expecting big seasons from the Hulme brothers, Alex and Mikael, we will be hoping to play finals,” Endley said.
The club will participate at both under 13 and 16 level, with the under 16 team in partnership with Bruthen, but based in Orbost.
The highly successful Blasters program will run again, providing a cricket pathway for local youngsters.
The first session will be held on Thursday, October 31 from 4-5pm at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
