Orbost recorded a well-deserved maiden victory in the 2024/25 Bairnsdale Cricket Association season, chasing down previously unbeaten ladder leader, Lindenow South Glenaladale, in round seven at the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve.
It was a hard-fought win with plenty of players making contributions with the bat, but ultimately it was the effort of all-rounder, Luke Endley, who belted 50 from 42 balls, including four boundaries and a couple of towering sixes into the trees, who got the Blues home with three wickets in hand, but there were some anxious moments.
Orbost resumed at 1/30 after losing hard hitting opening batsman, Jayden Price last week with stumps in sight for 14.
They got handy runs from Mikael Hulme (21), Alfie Lindsay (22), captain Curtley Farley (29) and Alex Hulme (14), who all threatened to take charge of the bowling but weren’t able.
The Blues looked to be cruising for victory at 5/173, but when Freddie Wilkinson (14), who had been a good ally for Endley, and Nicholas Hulme went in successive overs, the Bulls had a sniff.
But a cool headed knock from Braeden Ross (8 not out) under the supervision of Endley saw the Blues home and breathe a sigh of relief, happy to be on the board after a tough few months on and off the field.
Nathan King bowled superbly for the Bulls, taking 5/63 from 14 overs, his best performance with the ball since joining the team in one of the surprises of the pre-season.
Orbost will make the trip to Bairnsdale this week to play St Mary’s Nagle on the Nagle turf in a one-day fixture, high on confidence and a big chance to make it two wins in succession.
Nagle has also only recorded one win and were less than impressive last week, lucky to escape with a tie against an impatient Paynesville.
A win to the Blues would see them climb off the bottom of the table and set them up for a big finish to the second half of the season.
In “B” grade, Orbost was bowled out for 55 at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve, with Derek Hibberson top scoring with 10.
In reply, Metung Swan Reach reached the required total in under five overs, for the loss of one wicket, which was taken by Lucas Shanahan.
This week’s match is against Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville.
