Hat trick of wins

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

The Darley Lions moved into third place on the BCA table following a hard fought ten run win on the road against Napoleons-Sebastopol.

Despite a hat-trick of wins, the Lions won’t be getting too far ahead of themselves knowing their successes have come over the bottom three sides, albeit four rounds into the new season. With the Lions next four matches scheduled at home, then one away game before the Christmas break, consolidation inside the top four looms paramount for Dilon Chandima’s men.

After the Lions were sent into bat last weekend it was an all too familiar picture, outlined by the top and middle order batsmen as five of the seven (again) got starts reaching double figures but failed to put their opposition to the sword. Lachie Herring’s (48) return to the club continues on a promising trajectory, while cameo knocks from inform duo Madushanka Ekanayake (38) and Drew Locke (26) were crucial again given the low scoring nature of the 50 over affair.

In response, only four Naps-Sebas batsmen could make it to double figures as strike opening duo Madushanka Ekanayake (2/27) and Benny Longhurst (1/40) again raised the alarm with three quick wickets to have the hosts on the backfoot, and looking every bit nervous.

Enter experienced Lions newcomer Chamika Sattambi.

Just as Naps-Sebas found some continuity with their batting and threatened to close in on the gettable target, the frugal right armer chimed in for match-wininng figures of 4/15 off his 9.2 overs, including the prized wickets of opener Sajith Dissanayake (32) and number eight batsman Lachlan Sheridan (37). Upon reflection, the Lions attack was rewarded for their accuracy with the ball dismissing five of the hosts top seven batsmen LBW. Notably, it was the third time in as many weeks the Lions have bowled out their opponents defending a total inside 50 overs.

While at home until December 16, matches scheduled for the interim at Darley Park won’t be any easier as Ballarat-Redan (2nd), Bacchus Marsh (7th), East Ballarat (5th) and Mount Clear (6th) look to stay in touch with some consolidating of their own. The Lions December 16 one-day match ahead of the Christmas break, is away to Wendouree (4th).

RESULTS
BCA 1st GRADE – (R4)
Darley 164, Overs 48. L. Herring 48, M. Ekanayake 38.
Naps-Sebas 154, Overs 43. C. Sattambi 4/15, H. Wickramasinghe 2/18.
Darley WON by 10 runs.

BCA 2nd GRADE – (R4)
North Ballarat 5/140, Overs 45. M. Seager 2/17.
Darley 3/145, Overs 29.4. J. Martindale 42*, A. Pickett 41.
Darley WON by 7 wickets.

BCA 3rd GRADE – (R4)
Lucas 9/224, Overs 40. Z. Agius 3/32.
Darley 112, Overs 35.4. J. Higgins 28, R. O’Brien 22.
Darley LOST by 112 runs.

BCA 4th GRADE – (R3)
Darley v Mt Clear
*Match in progress

BCA 5th GRADE – (R3)
Darley v Buninyong
*Darley WON on forfeit