Lion’s emphatic response

By Todd Whelan – Darley Cricket Club

Darley has passed its first acid test without star batting all-rounder Danza Hyatt with a morale boosting 112 run win over Buninyong at the weekend.

Classy opener Dilon Chandima (112) guided the Lions to 6/192 in trying conditions before the bowlers skittled the visitors for just 80. The satisfaction and relief shown by Chandima as he notched up his second century of the season was palpable. The little master hurried through for a quick single before an elated ‘fist pump’ gave every indication of how much this innings meant to an otherwise unflappable talent, renowned for going about his business.

The Lions were in trouble early after losing Brodie Gellie (0) and Brodie Ward (3) cheaply before an in-form Hasi Wickramasinghe (44) joined Chandima for a match-winning 114 run partnership. At one stage the Lions were eyeing off a total in the 220 range but were restricted to 192 on the back of some tight bowling in the latter overs.

Quick wickets for the Lions in their response with the ball would go a long way putting the asking target beyond reach – and again, coach Brian Wheelahan wasn’t to be let down.

When ‘evergreen’ seamer Benny Longhurst struck with the score on eight, the Lions never looked back. The visitors struggled to 24 before the rot set in. The Lions took 4/0 to have the (then) sixth placed Buninyong reeling at 5/24. Longhurst (3/27) and Mitch Ward (2/4 off six overs) did all the damage before Chandima (2/13), newcomer Jake Oorloff (2/7 off five overs) and Rahmatullah Khwaja (1/15) chimed in with confidence building returns of their own to finish off an elongated tail.

Wheelahan was proud of his boys first up following the departure of Hyatt.

“While I thought we left 30 (runs) out there, are philosophy is we make our totals enough,” he said.

“Dil’s knock was all class and Hasi continues his solid form.

“The chemistry those two Sri Lankan boys share came to fruition with that valuable 100 plus partnership.”

According to Wheelahan, the bowling group continue to impress and reap rewards off their own selfless nature.

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

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-02-08/21

in the 8 February 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.