Lions bounce back on the road

THE Lions recorded their second one-day win of the season with an encouraging twenty-six-run win over potential finalists Ballarat-Redan at Alfredton Oval.

New recruit and reigning EJ Cleary Medalist Sajith Dissanayake was the all-round star of the show picking up six wickets, and a team high 34 runs with the bat.

‘Saji’ put on 56 with Rockey Hoey (29)for the first wicket to lay the foundations of the innings for the middle order after the LIons lost the toss and were ‘sent in’ on a wicket that played ‘pretty well’, complementing a fast outfield where batsmen earned value for their shots.

While Lions coach Nathan Yates acknowledged the importance of the good start, he cited clear areas for improvement.

“We just struggled a little in the middle order which will be the focus for us moving forward,” he said.

After cruising at 0/56 the Lions ended up 9/149 before opening bowlers Madushanka Ekanayake (20) and Benny Longhurst (22*) added a game saving, quick fire 44 runs for the tenth wicket before the partnership came to an end on the final ball of the 50th over.

Defending 193 would ask questions of the Lions control with the ball and the ability to take their chances in the field, an area Yates thought could potentially make or break them come the business end.

All seemed rosy defending the run chase when Longhurst (1/31) broke through early to have Ballarat-Redan at 1/7 but like all good sdes came the resistance. Later, the hosts had moved into a favourable position to be 2/126 before the key dismissal of Zak Jenkins 60(82) who was judged LBW swung the pendulum of momentum back in favour of the Lions.

Enter ‘Saji’.

The LIons took 4/6, three of those scalps falling to Dissanayake to have Ballarat-Redan in real trouble, now 6/132 needing a further 62 runs to win.

The hosts gave fans a glimmer of hope as the score rose to 152, a handy 20 run contribution for the seventh wicket before Dilon Chandima uspet the rally. Not even Ballarat-Redan Captain and number five batsman Chris Egan 14(31) could deny Dissanayake another moment with ball in hand to seal the games fate.

‘Saji’ took the remaining three wickets to unofficially confirm his arrival into the Pride with a matchwinning spell of 6/32.

Yates was clearly happy man following the response shown by the bowlers and the back-up they received in the field.

“We bowled well to take 10 wickets and hold all our chances,” he said.

“It was a much better performance, Saji’s bowling was outstanding!”

This weekend marks the return of two day cricket for the BCA First XI competition when the Lions (4th)host East Ballarat (7th). Play starts from 1pm.

BCA FIRST GRADE – (ROUND 4)

Darley 193, Overs 50. S.Dissanayake 34, R.Hoey 29, D.Chandima 28.

Ballarat-Redan 167, Overs 44.4. S.Dissanayake 6/32, D.Chandima 1/16, B.Longhurst 1/31.

Darley WON by 26 runs.

BCA SECOND GRADE – (ROUND 4)

Darley 6/218, Overs 45. J.Murphy 98, J.Martindale 53.

Ballarat-Redan 7/222, Overs 34.3.