Lions conquer the Hill

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

Darley made it back-to-back wins, downing Brown Hill on the road by 51 runs.

Above all, it was the even spread of contributors with both bat and ball that was the most pleasing aspect of the performance after the Lions were sent in, according to coach Dilon Chandima.

“I am genuinely impressed with the direction our team is heading in,” he said.

“The unity among the players and their consistent contributions, rather than relying on a few individuals, is testament to our teams growth and potential.”

Chandima was looking for a response from his top order and was rewarded for his undeniable faith as Rocky Hoey 43 (68), Lachie Herring 35 (61), Hasi Wickramasinghe 30 (73) and in form dasher Drew Locke 37 (22) finished amongst the runs to lead the Lions to their highest score of the season to date, 7/221 from their 50 overs.

The Lions formidable reputation with the ball lost no admirers defending the total as star opening bowler Madushanka Ekanayake, again delivered to finish with game high match figures of 4/31 from his eight overs.

He, in partnership with ageless frontliner Benny Longhurst 2/20 (10 overs) had the home side in all sorts, reeling at 6/34. Game over.

While Brown Hill rallied to reach 170, this game was essentially done and dusted a while out.

Spinning duo Liam Cornford and Chandima broke through the tail while Locke (2/17) again showed his versatility, thriving with his new season confidence. After just three rounds Locke is averaging a tick over 29 with the bat and a handy 15.5 with the ball.

While Chandima made special mentions of Locke and youngster Hoey’s returns it was his number trump card that took the honours.

“Eka continued to exhibit his deadly form, which is not surprising considering his past exploits at the Western Oval have included a memorable nine wicket haul against Brown Hill a couple of years ago,” he said.

Darley are away again this week for their Round four clash against Napoleons-Sebastopol.

RESULTS
BCA 1st Grade
Darley 7/221, Overs 50
R. Hoey 43, D. Locke 37
Brown Hill 170, Overs 45
M. Ekanayake 4/31, D. Locke 2/17
Darley won by 51 runs.

BCA 2nd Grade
Darley 7/262, Overs 45
J. Murphy 111, A. Morton 61.
Buninyong 115, Overs 38
W. Kilmartin 4/4, D. Hynes 1/13
Darley won by 147 runs

BCA 3rd Grade
Coronet City v Darley
Match abandoned

BCA 4th Grade
Darley 9/120, Overs 40.
Dar. Hynes 38*, B. Densley 37
Ballarat Fire Brigade 1/126, Overs 14.2.
Darley lost by 10 wickets.

BCA 5th Grade
VRI Delacombe 6/249, Overs 40.
M. Apostalidis 2/16
Darley 2/173, Overs 22.3.
S. Sanders 109*, D. Faulkhead 40*