Lions return home success

Darley Cricket Club

By Todd Whelan

Stand-in Captain Bradley Barnes’ unbeaten 61 (84) proved the catalyst in the Lions all important four wicket win over Brown Hill last weekend.

Chasing 189 runs for victory after winning the toss, Barnes wandered to the crease, joining Harry Killoran with the game in the balance at 3/65. Dilon Chandima (2), Rockey Hoey (23) and Hasi Wickramasinghe (4) were the ‘already departed’. Barnes and Killoran put on a match winning 80 run fourth wicket partnership in good time, before the English import went for 53 (92). Conditions on Darley Park were super given the recent rains, that has seen the Lions play just three of their scheduled opening five games as ground availability remains scarce across the wider BCA competitions.

Barnes and Killoran combined for 11 boundaries, one more than Brown Hill could muster from their entire innings. For Barnes however, his return with the bat was timely to say the least. The knock would become the 29-year old’s fifth First Grade half century in 151 games and his second against Brown Hill. Lions coach Brian Wheelahan could not have been more proud.

“Barnesy was back to his best,” he said.

“His partnership with Harry (Killoran) got us over the line – both were simply brilliant with their maturity summing up the conditions and state of play.”

Wheelahan also offered words of encouragement for third gamer Rockey Hoey for his efforts at the top of the innings.

“Rockey continues to grow and looks more than comfortable at this level.

“He continues to work really hard during the week and is reaping the rewards.”

The dual Premiership Coach acknowledged the efforts of the bowling group without their Captain and leader Benny Longhurst (calf) and Mitch Ward (ankle) who look set for a period on the sidelines.

“Dayle Locke (4/41) took some really key wickets for us while our spinners bowled quite well,” Wheelahan said.

“Hasi (0/14 off 10 ov) put the clamps on, and second gamer Liam Cornford (1/22) bowled some beautiful deliveries.”

Wheelahan later described wicketkeeper Andy Pickett’s glove work that included four catches and a stumping as ” simply outstanding”.

Despite the win, the Lions fielding remains a work in progress according to Wheelahan.

“By our own admissions our effort in the field was below our standards with ground balls and dropped catches,” he said.

The Lions will be buoyed by the return of star batting all-rounder Danza Hyatt for their round six meeting on the road with Buninyong that begins this Saturday.

RESULTS

BCA 1^st GRADE – (ROUND 5)

Brown Hill 9/118, Overs 50. Da Locke 4/41, H. Killoran 2/37.

Darley 6/189, Overs 46.3. B. Barnes 61*, H. Killoran 53.

Darley won by 4 wickets.

BCA 3rd GRADE – (ROUND 4)

Ballarat-Redan 6/193, Overs 40. L. Bona 2/17, J. Hynes 2/38.

Darley 8/125, Overs 40. E. Thewma 41, S. Cornford 18.

Darley lost by 68 runs.