Lions put Reds in a spin

SPIN duo Sajith Dissanayake and Hasitha Wickramasinghe have bowled the Lions back inside the top four, combining for 18 wickets in a much needed outright win over Wendouree at the weekend.

Dissanayake (11/80) and Wickramasinghe (7/48) took full advantage of the spin friendly wicket to have the Reds in trouble on both days after the visitor’s were bowled out for a second time on day two for just 132 after the Lions declared with a lead of 101 runs.

Wendouree coach Liam Brady made no excuses for his previously unbeaten side.

“It was a disappointing result for us, we were clearly outplayed,” he said. “It’s back to the drawing board.”

Brady refused to blame the spin friendly wicket.

“Our shot selection was poor and we lost wickets in clumps,” he said. “Darley will be hard to beat at home all season.”

The Reds coach’s reference to losing wickets is validated in both innings having lost their last seven wickets for just 14 on day one and their last seven on day two for 51.

The dominant nature of Dissanayake and Wickramasinghe’s match figures has accelerated their season returns with the ball into the top echelon of BCA bowlers. ‘Saji’ now has 24 wickets at an average of just 8 while Hasi’s 10 wickets (@14.5 avg) are not to be sneezed at. The two have combined for 34 of the Lions 53 season wickets to date making up a tick over 64 per cent of all dismissals.

Injured Lions playing coach Nathan Yates who watched the action unfold from the sidelines was measured with his assessment of what could prove a season defining win for his new club.

“That was a very important win for us, the extra points earned through an outright win a bonus,” he said.

“We need to continue building when we meet Naps-Sebas up the highway next week in another two day game.”

While Naps-Sebas sit currently on the bottom of the BCA table with just one win, you can guarantee the Lions won’t be taking anything for granted in such an even competition.

Finally on the Lions batting front, trio Dilon Chandima, Locky Herring and Rockey Hoey showed positive signs with the bat giving every indication a big score is just around the corner.

BCA FIRST GRADE – (RND 6)

Wendouree 54 & 132. Overs 59.3. H.Wickramasinghe 5/37, S.Dissanayake 5/60.

Darley 9/155 dec & 0/33. Overs 6.3. R.Hoey 18*, L.Herring 15*.

Darley WON outright by 10 wickets.

BCA SECOND GRADE – (RND 6)

Naps-Sebas 170, Overs 55.3. Dan.Hynes 5/32, M.Seager 4/25.

Darley 4/231, Overs 62. E.Thewma 123, A.Pickett 42*.

Darley WON by 6 wickets.

BCA THIRD GRADE – (RND 6)

Darley 5/406, Overs 70. S.Sanders 136, A.Ward 117, D.Faulkhead 74.

Lucas 253, Overs 57.1. H.Hoey 3/10, S.Sanders 3/15.

Darley WON by 153 runs.