Orbost was defeated by second-placed Lakes Entrance by Duckworth Lewis Method in round nine Bairnsdale Cricket Association action at the Orbost Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The game was still up for grabs when rain intervened with the Blues at 3/106 in the 23rd over, in pursuit of Lakes Entrance’s 9/244 from its 45 over allotment.
Mikael Hulme led the way for the Blues with an unbeaten 50, which included seven boundaries.
He was at the crease with the teams leading run scorer for the season, Luke Endley who had worked his way to 13.
With 20 overs played in the second innings of the match, the result is decided by the Duckworth Lewis system which is a mathematical formulation designed to calculate the target score (number of runs needed to win) for the team batting second in a limited overs cricket match interrupted by weather or other circumstances.
The system deemed Lakes to be in front at the time of the deluge that ended play for the day.
Lakes co-captain Ben John won the toss and elected to bat on a belting wicket, but it certainly wasn’t smooth sailing for the Seagulls despite posting an imposing total.
In trouble early at 3/54, it was the Seagulls’ new found belief and ability to manufacture partnerships that has held it in good stead all season that enabled it to post a score, which was around the par mark, given the quality of the wicket and fastness of the outfield.
Josh Sackfield again impressed early making a classy 25.
But it was three significant partnerships that enabled the Seagulls to post what turned out to be a winning total.
Consistent import, Jack Timms (41) and co-captain Jake Le Maitre (40) worked Lakes back into into the game with a solid sixth wicket unison after Phani Kumar and Kaleb Day were dismissed in quick succession.
At 6/128 when Timms departed, Orbost was well on top, but enter Stubbs who added 64 with Le Maitre at run a ball pace to even the ledger back up.
The reintroduction of Blues opening bowler, Nicholas Davis (4/49) saw him claim Le Maitre, Ryan Hooper and Stubbs in quick succession, Lakes looking likely to be a few runs short at 9/213, but an enterprising unbeaten last wicket partnership between Joel Barnett (19 from 20) and Sam Kincaid (11 from six) wrestled the ascendancy back the way of the Seagulls.
Travis Price impressed in his first game for the season for Orbost, taking 3/37.
In reply, Orbost had made its way to 3/106 in the 23rd over, when the heavens opened, with no further play possible.
Orbost will host Lindenow South Glenaladale hoping to emulate their effort earlier in the season, where the Blues inflicted the ladder leaders only defeat of the campaign thus far.
In “B” grade, Orbost’s battle with fellow bottom side, Buchan was rained out after, the Cavemen posted a very healthy total of 7/213 from 40 overs.
Victory to Buchan would have seen, the Blues reverted to the bottom of the table.
Jack Welsh impressed with the ball for Orbost taking 3/39.
Orbost will host Wy Yung this week at Orbost Community College.
The junior competition is in recession for the school holidays, with the under 13s next match against Lucknow on January 30, with the under 16s playing Lindenow South Glenaladale at the Glenaladale Recreation Reserve.
