Lions in box seat for home win

SEVENTH-placed Darley requires a further 94 runs for victory to keep its remote top four chances alive when day-two action begins on Saturday at Darley Park.

The Lions routed bottom side Buninyong for a modest 156 on what coach Nathan Yates described as a potential 250-run wicket to have the hosts ‘unofficially’ in front despite losing three wickets in reply, one of those coming with just three balls remaining in the day’s play.

“The pitch and outfield were in good condition with a warm day at hand,” Yates said.

“The boys bowled well all day after we lost the toss.

“Ekka (Madushanka Ekanayake 3/44) was crucial for us picking up three early wickets to have Buninyong on the back foot at 3/14.”

Batting all-rounder Dilon Chandima reminded everyone he can be just as dangerous with his spinners after the former Cleary Medalist returned from a dislocated finger, finishing with match figures of 4/13 to have the Lions in the box seat.

While the two-game winning visitors struggled to 156 and could not surpass their fifth wicket partnership return of 36 for the afternoon, some resistance was shown for the final wicket, progressing from 9/135 to be all out for 156 – a handy 21-run bonus to aid the asking total.

Lions star all-rounder Sajith Dissanayake looked well set at the crease, unbeaten on 34 before stumps were called to cap an interesting game of cricket at the halfway mark.

“I think the state of the game is evenly balanced,” Yates said.

“If anything it would be fair to say we have our noses in front but we need a good partnership at the start of day two to make sure of the result.”

The Lions will take nothing for granted despite holding the upper hand, given the group has passed 156 just once with the bat at home in their previous five attempts this season.

A win for Yates’s group cannot be understated despite immeasurable talent at their disposal.

The Lions’ record at home is humble to say the least, with just one win from five outings.

Ironically, the Lions’ one success at home this season came against the then top side and legitimate title contender Wendouree.

While cricket is renowned to be a funny game, it can also break your heart.

It is fair to conclude that the fate of the Lions this Saturday remains entirely in their own hands.

Play resumes at Darley Park from 1pm.

BCA FIRST GRADE –

(RND 12)

Buninyong 156, Overs 55.1. D. Chandima 4/13, M. Ekanayake 3/44

Darley 3/63, Overs 20.3. S. Dissanayake 34*, D. Chandima 18.

Darley (now 7th) trails by 93 runs.

BCA SECOND GRADE –

(RND 12)

Darley 138, Overs 53.3. B. Hughes 40, Drew Locke 35.

Golden Point 2/69, Overs 23. J. Oorloff 1/17, J.Burns 1/20.

Darley (now 2nd) leads by 89 runs.

BCA THIRD GRADE –

(RND 12)

Darley 4/302, Overs 70. A. Myers 82*, H. Hoey 54, M. Turner 47.

Creswick-Imperials (yet to bat)

Darley (now 3rd) leads by 302 runs.

BCA FOURTH GRADE –

(RND 13)

Darley 7/145, Overs 40. B. Densley 52, A. Berry 47.

Dunnstown 8/146, Overs 38.3. V. Hooda 3/37, K. Faulkhead 2/16.

Darley (now 8th) lost by 2 wickets.

BCA FIFTH GRADE –

(RND 13)

Darley 9/150, Overs 40. K. Beck 42, J. Penny 35.

Ballan 2/153, Overs 29.1. A. Bird 1/18, K. Semmens 1/22.

Darley (10th) lost by 8 wickets.

GDCA – WOMEN’S FIRST XI – (RND 11)

Darley 8/126, Overs 28.1. K. Bessell 54, J. Shelton-Burr 37.

Lancefield Yellow 1/128, Overs 19.5. J. Shelton-Burr 1/16.

Darley (2nd) lost by 9 wickets.