Bairnsdale Cricket Association’s season restarts this Saturday with “A” grade returning to the field for a vitally important round.
The top five teams have separated themselves from the bottom three at the halfway point, however with seven rounds remaining there is still time for change.
Reigning premier, Wy Yung, stormed into the Christmas break and now sits six points clear of West Bairnsdale, while St Mary’s Nagle is two points adrift with Lindenow South Glenaladale rounding out the top four a further two points back.
Orbost is fifth, equal on points with the Glen Swamps, however lagging in percentage after dropping their final match before the break outright to the Saints.
Only 10 points separate the top five teams with sixth placed Lakes Entrance 12 points behind.
All the more intriguing and significant over the coming three weeks is the one-day ladder.
The Blues sit atop the pile, equal with Lindenow South Glenaladale on points, with West Bairnsdale and Wy Yung less than a game behind.
Orbost takes on West Bairnsdale at City Oval this Saturday and a win for the Blues, who are yet to lose a one-day match, could open up an important gap over their opponent.
Likewise, the Glen Swamps have not yet lost a one-day encounter and will fancy their chances against St Mary’s Nagle, who have won just one.
Meerlieu and Lucknow are yet to win a one- day match, but that will change this week as the winless pair take on each other, while Wy Yung is hopeful of keeping its grand final hopes alive when it welcomes Lakes Entrance and celebrates Pink Stumps Day.
✩ SUPPORTING MCGRATH FOUNDATION
With only “A” grade playing this weekend, Wy Yung Cricket Club (WYCC) has taken the opportunity to raise money for the Jane McGrath Foundation through a Pink Stumps Day. The foundation supports breast cancer research and breast cancer nurses. “With “B” and “C” grade having the bye and many women and girls involved at WYCC as players, members, supporters and family it made sense to promote a great cause for women where they can have a good time with each other while raising awareness and funds for the foundation and watching some entertaining cricket,” club coach, Ben Saxon, said.
“We are putting on a luncheon from 1pm until 3pm for $20 per person which includes a drink.
“There are also some of brilliant raffle prizes up for grabs. Tickets for the raffle can be pre purchased (contact the club) or on the day. Prizes include a Lakes Entrance apartment voucher, gourmet butchers voucher, Momentum Health voucher, Nicholson River Soaps gift pack, Sun Cinema movie tickets, Truecare Physiotherapy initial appointment session, a Light & Type one-hour photography session and many more on the day.
“Get yourself and friends along. There will be a jumping castle and snacks for the kids and our local breast care nurse will be tossing the coin.”

IMAGE:
Wy Yung Cricket Club’s Ben Saxon and Erin Moreland promoting Pink Stumps Day, which will be held this Saturday when the “A” grade Tigers take on Lakes Entrance at Tigerland. (PS)