Orbost has moved off the bottom of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) ladder courtesy of an impressive victory in round 13 over Lucknow at Hudson-Alvin Oval last weekend.
Now sitting ninth on the table, the Blues will be hoping they can continue their good form when they tackle Metung Swan Reach in a two day fixture at Swan Reach commencing this Saturday.
Lucknow won the toss and elected to bat, proving to be disappointing after being bowled out for just 126 inside 46 overs, with skipper Jarryd Floyd the only batsman to get on top of the bowling.
The hard working all rounder battled hard for 62 not out from 125 balls, striking four crisp boundaries.
He was part of three partnerships of between 25 and 30, but eventually he ran out of partners, as a relatively inexperienced Magpie side crumbled under the pressure asserted by an eager Blues line-up.
Nick Davis again impressed with the ball, taking 3/31 and was well supported by Alfie Lindsay (2/16) and Luke Endley (2/46).
The Magpies were in the game early at 2/40, with Orbost’s best batsman this season, Jayden Price run out early, but a 107 run unison between Lindsay (78) and Alex Hulme (52 not out) saw the advantage quickly turn the way of the improving Blues.
It was an impressive all round performance from Lindsay, by far his greatest output for the season.
Stumps were drawn early on Sunday, with the Blues 4/155 off 61 overs, maintaining their unbeaten February campaign.
Floyd capped off a good game personally, picking up 2/20 with his left arm tweakers.
Slow starters in recent seasons after their 2022/23 premiership, the Blues have impressed with improved form since the Christmas break, where they have registered two of their three victories.
In “B” grade, it was a dirty day for the Blues, dismissed for just 36 at the Orbost Recreation Reserve in just 21 overs against Meerlieu.
The Tussocks knocked the total off in just seven over for the loss of three wickets, with Jordan Ross picking up 2/14.
There was disappointment also in the under 16s with Orbost/Bruthen needing to win to keep their final hopes alive, but it wasn’t to be.
Unfortunately batting first they were restricted to 9/83 from 25 overs, with Mitchell Farley top scoring with a classy 31 not out.
In reply Nagle/Wy Yung impressed amassing an impressive 4/142 from their allocation.
Orbost were winners in the under 13s over Lakes Entrance Maroon last Friday night in Lakes.
This week in the final match of the season, they will host Paynesville on Friday night at the Orbost Recreation Reserve.
