Orbost’s best effort yet wasn’t enough for it to secure its first Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade points of the season, going down to Meerlieu in round three in a high-scoring battle by six wickets at Meerlieu.
The Blues rode their luck on their way to an impressive 6/212 on the newly resurfaced wicket at the MCG, led by an unbeaten 81 from Mikael Hulme at the top of the order, however it wasn’t enough as the Tussocks powered home with more than six overs to spare.
The Tussocks may have started the season with a nine-wicket loss to Lindenow South Glenaladale, however have quickly found their groove, captain Rohan Blandford pivotal in his side’s run chase with an unbeaten 75 from 87 balls.
After winning the toss and batting the Blues made a hot start, Jayden Price flying out of the blocks with two boundaries and a six in his 26.
Alfie Lindsay came and went but Alex Hulme (39 off 63), he and brother Mikael adding 121 for the third wicket, navigating the challenges of Zimbabwean spinner Connor Mitchell and the slew of Tussocks medium pacers.
Captain Curtley Farley added a quick fire 20 off 19 balls as the visitors passed 200, setting the home side a formidable total.
Mitchell was the best of the Meerlieu bowlers taking 2/37 with Jack McConachy, Ollie Simpson and Dermott Prout claiming one each.
Needing to score at almost five runs an over, Jayanga Peiris got the Tussocks off to a flyers, smashing seven boundaries in his 26-ball stay which gathered 46 runs.
Meerlieu powered to 80 within eight overs to mount the pressure back on the Blues.
Despite losing Justin Morgan and Des Hine rather cheaply, Mitchell provided a steady 20 before Blandford and Englishman Toby Jones (29no) combined for an unbeaten 102-run partnership to see their side home.
Curtley Farley was the only multiple wicket taker for Orbost with 2/45, with Alfie Lindsay and Luke Endley claiming one each.
The Blues’ best effort for the season was soured further by the loss of opening bowler Nick Davis and all-rounder Alex Hulme to injury.
Orbost hosts St Mary’s Nagle in the first of the two-day rounds this Saturday.
The Blues’ first “B” grade match of the season against Lindenow South Glenaladale was abandoned. They will take on West Bairnsdale at Orbost Community College this Saturday.
The Orbost/Bruthen under 16 side lost its round two clash against Meerlieu by 26 runs.
