For the second time this season, bottom side Orbost has taken the game up to ladder leader, Lindenow South Glenaladale, but last Saturday at the Orbost Recreation Reserve it was the Bulls who were victorious by 33 runs.
On paper it looked a mismatch but given the Blues only win for the season was against the Bulls in round seven at Lindenow South, Lindenow South Glenaladale’s only loss for the season, the match did have added interest.
Ultimately it was another Haydn Erfurth batting masterclass, smashing 137 not out from just 119 balls, that saw the Bulls home on an outstanding wicket and slick outfield.
The Bulls won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first, a decision they may have re-thought at 2/26 but a series of outstanding partnerships around that man, Erfurth, saw them post the imposing score of 5/256 from their 45 over allotment.
Scott Davidson impressed early at the top of the order, making 21 from 22 balls, before a 103-run third wicket unison between Erfurth and promising young wicket keeper/batsman, Zach O’Keefe (43), saw the score to 3/129.
Logan Dunkley (15) joined Erfurth who was now in full flight, the pair adding 49 in even time, before Luke Endley (2/50) picked up Dunkley and Nathan Pollard, in for his first “A” grade game of the campaign in quick succession.
That brought Seth Smith (22 from 17) to the crease, the athletic all rounder adding 74 unbeaten for the sixth wicket with the dynamic Erfurth in just eight overs.
But the story of the match was the unstoppable Erfurth, who has now made 487 runs for the season at an exceptional average of 81.66, which includes two half centuries and Saturday’s exceptional century, which included nine boundaries and five huge maximums.
Other wicket takers for the Blues were Nick Davis, Alex and Mikael Hulme.
Despite chasing a huge total, Orbost was positive in the run chase, a 73 run opening partnership between Jayden Price (37 from 39) and Mikael Hulme (37) setting them up for a possible tilt at victory, but when Alex Hulme (12) and Luke Endley (13) both got starts, but departed when looking to prosper, the Blues found themselves in strife at 5/114.
But some courageous batting from Freddie Wilkinson (22) and Tim Osborn (60 from 59), saw them eventually dismissed for a respectable 223 with 19 balls still remaining.
Osborn has been impressive in his two innings at top grade level this season, making 47 against St Mary’s Nagle prior to Christmas.
Major wicket takers for the Bulls were Davidson (3/30), Pollard (3/44) and Dunkley (3/50).
This Saturday sees the finals of the 20/20 competition and the regular competition having a week off due to the Australia Day long weekend.
Orbost will feature in the 20/20 semi-finals, taking on Wy Yung in the semi-finals at the Bullumwaal Road from 10am, hoping to progress to the afternoons grand final.
Orbost’s next “A” grade match will be on February 1, when they host Metung Swan Reach in a one day fixture.
In “B” grade, Orbost was comprehensively outclassed by
fourth-ranked Wy Yung, who accumulated 8/239 from their 40 over allotment, dismissing the Blues for just 108.
Orbost’s next game will be on February 1, when it plays West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
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.
