Cricket returns – Lions fall short

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

Darley’s finals aspirations suffered another setback last weekend after losing on the road to Ballarat-Redan, as BCA cricket returned for 2024.

After winning the toss, the hosts made a bright start with the bat in the 50 over fixture as the Lions attack struggled to break through for quick wickets.

If not for a stellar run-a-ball century from Ballarat-Redan opening bat and Captain Randhir Sandhu 131 (131), the hosts were kept relatively in check, but the enormity of Sandhu’s contribution would essentially prove the difference. The Lions were later set 229 runs for victory.

Partnerships would be the order of a successful run chase for the Lions aiming to avoid a fifth successive loss. Unfortunately, when the Lions did a lose a wicket more often, another would follow. Dilon Chandima (68) and Alex Morton (22) were the only two Lions batters to make it beyond 20 despite a few making a start before losing their wicket and, any momentum with it.

The next three matches will surely define the Lions season with matches against the bottom three sides Buninyong (11th-1 win), Brown Hill (8th – 2 wins) and Naps-Sebastopol (9th – 1 win). Wins alone at this stage will do for the Lions but any finals conversation will most certainly require an outright win (or two) to pinch a top four berth. One step at a time.

The home and away season fixture for the Lions ends with three successive matches on Darley Park following this week’s Round 11 road trip to Naps-Sebastopol. A Round 14 meeting with undefeated Golden Point also lays in waiting.

Let’s hope the Lions are still in contention.

The Lions 2nd XI hold third spot on the ladder while the thirds enjoyed a rare win on the back of an unbeaten century from Tim Gallagher (110*).

RESULTS – Round 10
BCA 1st GRADE
Ballarat-Redan 7/228, Overs 50. D. Chandima 2/23, C. Sattambi 2/52.
Darley 174, Overs 38.5. D. Chandima 68, A. Morton 22.
Darley (now 7th) LOST by 64 runs.

BCA 2nd GRADE
Darley 9/181, Overs 45. J. Murphy 53, E. Thewma 38.
Bacchus Marsh 145, Overs 41.4. J. Martindale 4/13, G. Martindale 2/22.
Darley (now 3rd) WON by 36 runs

BCA 3rd GRADE
Darley 3/236, Overs 40. T. Gallagher 110*, D. Hoey 53, S. Ward 34..
Ballarat-Redan 9/208, Overs 40. T. Gallagher 2/23, A. Ward 2/39.
Darley (now 10th) WON by 28 runs.