Lions bounce back on the road

By Todd Whelan

A match-winning 158 from star opening batsman Dilon Chandima has led the Lions to a 143-run win over Wendouree in Ballarat at the weekend.

The ‘little master’ smashed the Reds attack to all parts, amassing 22 fours and five sixes during his 140-ball innings,  leaving Lions coach Brian Wheelahan scratching his head in complete awe and appreciation.

“Dil’s knock was a privilege to witness,’ he said.

“He just ‘middled’ everything (off the bat). Clearly he’s in super nick and reaping the benefits of playing cricket all year round.”

Wheelahan went as far to say the reigning EJ Cleary Medalist left a double ton out there, having been just the third man dismissed with the best part of 10 overs still remaining in the 50 over format. The Lions lost 6/50 including Chandima at the back end of the innings, chasing quick runs before setting the home side 276 runs for victory.

When strike bowler Madushanka Ekanayake (2/16 off 6ov) dismissed dangerous Reds opener Cole Roscholler first ball, the Lions never looked back on the hard wicket of Victoria Park. The flag contenders struggled to impact on the run chase, blowing the asking rate out to more than seven runs per over just 12 overs in. Ever reliable Benny Longhurst (1/10 off 6ov) partnered ‘Eka’ with the ball, denying the hosts a chase on their terms while spinners Hasi Wickramasinghe (1/15 off 10ov) and newcomer Liam Cornford (1/17 off 7ov) maintained the frugal nature of the bowling performance. Not to be outdone with ball in hand, Chandima’s golden day continued with four wickets of his own to cap off what is likely to remain the most influential individual performance of the BCA 22/23 season.

THE SUPPORT ROLES

Seventeen-year-old Lions opening bat Rockey Hoey 18(44) combined with Chandima for a second successive 50 run partnership. Furthermore, the Lions welcomed the return of popular batting all-rounder Harry Killoran 17(25) as he and ‘Hasi’ 25(36) enjoyed a birds eye view of the Chandima masterclass, adding 45 and 118 respectively for the second and third wickets. Drew Locke 21(17) and wicketkeeper Andrew Pickett 14*(11) hit quick runs late to push the Lions to their highest score since November 24, 2019 (Rd6 5/363 – Killoran 164*, Danza Hyatt 116 vs Buninyong). Ironically the Reds’ Liam Brady 38(74) featured in both Lions run feasts having made the move from Buninyong in the offseason.

NOT ALL ROSES

While clearly delighted with the win over quality opposition, Wheelahan wasn’t getting too far ahead of the situation.

“(We had) a great win but there’s plenty of work for us to do in the field,” he said.

“We must have dropped three or four (catches) and we let a few ‘ground balls’ through (for runs).”

The Lions have the bye in round four, and will use Saturday as the perfect opportunity to hone their skills.

BCA Second Grade returns on Saturday at Darley Park, weather permitting.

Play starts at noon.

BCA FIRST GRADE – (ROUND 3)

Darley 8/275, Overs 50. D.Chandima 158, H.Wickramasinghe 25.
Wendouree 132 all out, Overs 42.3. D.Chandima 4/23, M.Ekanayake 2/16.
Darley won by 143 runs