Lions lock in semi-final berth

Darley Cricket Club – By Todd Whelan

Yet another masterclass 88 run knock from Lions’ opener Dilan Chandima, led the reigning dual Premiers to a comfortable 53 run win over Naps-Sebas at Darley Park on the weekend.

The win means Darley will finish at least second on the BCA table at the completion of the home and away season in a fortnights time.

After winning the toss the Lions steadied after losing promoted opener Madushanka Ekanayake (7) as young gun Brodie Ward (23) joined Chandima for a 66-run partnership in relatively good time. Ward has shown enough in the number three role over recent weeks to give the indication a big score will come sooner rather than later.

After Ward was dismissed, in form all-rounder Hasi Wickramasinghe (20) assumed the support for Chandima before he too was found leg before – with the Lions still in the driving seat at 3/122. The Lions would find their way to 7/189 at the completion of their 50 overs. Some lusty hitting from Drew Locke (22) and Chandima late ensured the total would be the true test for the visitors whose batting line-up has the full respect from their more fancied rivals.

Given a slow outfield, the Lions total felt like 200+ and on a turning wicket that favored the slower bowlers, the task was always going to be difficult.

According to Lions coach Brian Wheelahan, his bowlers denied Naps-Sebas any genuine ‘sniff’ and paid credit to each of his six bowlers used.

“The bowling group was super again,” he said.

“We didn’t even go to arguably the best leggie in the comp (Chandima).

“Unfortunately, we dropped five catches, an area we pride ourselves on and will continue work through ahead of finals.”

While five bowlers shared among the wickets it was Rahmatullah Khwaja (5/17) who claimed the honours with another example of change-up deliveries.

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in the 1 March 2022 edition
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