Hearty Lions made to pay

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

Expect BCA title contenders Darley to waste little time lamenting Saturday’s two wicket loss to Wendouree as the penultimate round of the home and away season concluded.

The Lions set the Reds a mediocre 170 runs for victory on day two and were seemingly in the box seat for a period as strike bowler Madushanka Ekanayake led the way with a five wicket haul to have the visitors in trouble at 8/110. But just as the likelihood of an upset victory loomed reality, the Reds steadied to remain wicketless, seeing out the run chase with six overs to spare.

Despite the narrow loss and what the Reds may themselves consider ‘the great escape’, Lions coach Brian Wheelahan was proud of his boy’s effort with the ball.

“Ekka bowled one of the finest spells to put us in a winning position,” he said.

“His pace, control, line and length bowling was phenomenal.

“We lost the game last week pure and simple by not posting enough runs and building partnerships, including the tail which is exactly what they did.”

According to Wheelahan the hit-out against ‘the now’ ladder leading Reds was the ideal preparation ahead of the business end.

“Although we didn’t get the six points, the game was played with finals intent,” he said.

“We certainly need to get a few things right heading into the last game and we’re confident the boys are ready to take full responsibility for what lies ahead.

“We’re fully committed leaving no stone unturned, particularly with our preparation,”

Wheelahan concluded his Round 16 brief acknowledging the effort of the Reds recovery, eventually reeling in the Lions total after a scare of their own.

“All credit to Wendouree and Heath Pyke’s unbeaten 80 to steer them home,” he said.

For the record, it was the fifth time in nine innings this season Pyke has remained unbeaten. As a result, the Reds wicketkeeper batsman boasts a healthy 87.5 average from his ten games.

*Don’t forget Saturday February 25th – Darley (Parwan) Cricket Club’s 40th Anniversary night of nights at the Public Hall, Main Street Bacchus Marsh. For last chance tickets, phone Rod 0400 611 310.

RESULTS
BCA 1st GRADE – (Round 16)
Darley 169, Overs 60.5, Dr Locke 39, H. Wickramasinghe 31.
Wendouree 8/170, Overs 73.5. M. Ekanayake 5/45.
Darley lost by 2 wickets.

BCA 2nd GRADE – (Round 12)
Buninyong 105 & 8/99, Overs 43. B. Ward 2/11, M. Seager 2/14.
Darley 5/250, Overs 60. A. Morton 90*,J.Murphy 51, L. Cornford 34.
Darley WON on 1st innings.

BCA 3rd GRADE – (Round 12)
Darley 185, Overs 54.1. J. Spence 53.
Lucas 8/366, Overs 75.1. J. Martindale 4/55, G. Martindale 3/40.
Darley lost on 1st innings.

BCA 4th GRADE – (Round 12)
Darley 88 & 7/106 Overs 40. B. Densley 37, T. Gallagher 25.
Brown Hill 181, Overs 50.5. P. Jarvinen 3/42, J. Hynes 3/47.
Darley lost on 1st innings.

BCA 5th GRADE – (Round 17)
Golden Point 6/222, Overs 40. A. Bird 2/36.
Darley 85, Overs 28.2. B. Azzopardi 30.
Darley lost on 1st innings.

Women’s League – (Semi Final)
Macedon 5/138, Overs 30.
Darley – In progress.