Lions aim to make history

Darley Cricket Club – By Todd Whelan

The wait is finally over.

Only Napoleons-Sebastopol stands in the way of Darley’s dream of making it to a third successive BCA Grand Final as the two sides prepare for Saturday’s sudden death Semi Final at Alfredton Oval, Ballarat.

While the Lions did lose their round 18 clash with Ballarat-Redan at the weekend, coach Brian Wheelahan believes there is no cause for concern.

“We’re not always going to produce, just as long as we do when it counts most,” he said.

“We’re proven performers, have played enough good cricket and now we’re a one-in-four chance creating something special.”

That something special happens to be a rare three peat achievement of BCA First Grade flags, back-2-back-2-back. There’s no denying the absence of star all rounder Danza Hyatt’s will make the Lions task that little more difficult but Wheelahan’s faith in his Pride remains unwaivered and steadfast.

“I have the utmost confidence in this group, we’re a proud bunch and we can’t wait for Saturday,” he said.

“We’ll ramp up our preparations this week and be raring to go.”

Let’s take a look at the likely Lions First XI, and how they’re shaping up……

Bradley Barnes (c) – rhb. Selfless leader who has put youth ahead of his usual top order role for the most part of the season. Smashed a better than run-a-ball 80 in round 14.

Dilon Chandima – rhb and leg spin bowler – Lions leading run scorer in his debut season with the club – has 767 runs @59.00 average ( 2x100s, 4x50s). Also 21 wickets at 14.48 avg. Chandima is the key at the top of the order. All class.

Mitch Ward – left arm seamer, rhb. Opened the batting for an hour at the weekend as the Lions try and find the right pairing at the top with Chandima. Has proven he can play a role with the bat in big games. Known more for his contributions with the ball – 18 wickets @ 15.17 avg.

Brodie Ward – rhb. Youngster who has spent considerable time in the number three position. Has had four solid starts since Christmas with a 32, 24, 17, 23. Ready to go on with it now, a big score is not far away according to Captain Bradley Barnes.

Madushanka Ekanayake – right arm quick – Lions leading wicket taker with 30 including 9/15 in round one. If ‘Eka’ can break through at the top early, the Lions chances will be greatly enhanced. No slouch with the bat either chasing quick runs in the later overs.

Hasi Wickramasinghe – rhb and off spin bowler. Often the glue through the middle order having his best season with the bat since joining the Lions. Has 441 runs @ 33.92 avg. Bowls important overs through the middle stages, has 16 wickets @17.88 avg. Has the best economy rate of all Lions bowlers (2.95).

Drew Locke – lhb – Versatile. Can be patient or aggressive whatever the situation. Has made a start in three of last four knocks – will be required to deliver on more of the same. Good gully fieldsman.

Rahmatullah Khwaja – rhb and right arm seamer. Excellent change of pace bowler with his own bag of tricks. Can take ‘big game’ wickets (24 @ 14.17 season average) and will be called on for a cameo role with the bat. Clever cricketer.

Benny Longhurst – right arm seamer – Opener who bowls his 10 overs out more often than not at the top. Has had a consistent year with 23 wickets @14.74 avg.

Andy Pickett – wicketkeeper – Lions coach Brian Wheelahan has been very vocal in his support and encouragement of Andy who continues to work hard on his craft. His gloves are always in the game with this attack who have taken more wickets than any side this season.

Jae Oorloff – right arm seamer – Youngster and newcomer to the side with eight First Grade games under his belt. Adds depth to the bowling group and has 3 wickets @22.67 avg from his 17 overs.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-03-15/21

in the 15 March 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.