Lions set Hawks big target

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

Darley remains in the box seat to end a five game losing streak against bogie side East Ballarat dating back to March 15, 2020 following stumps on the first day.

The Lions, led by centurion star opening bat Dilon Chandima were finally bowled out for 337 in the last over of the day, the first score of 300 or more posted on Darley Park since October 20 of the 2012/13 season.  For the record, the asking total for the visitors could easily have been more, given the Lions lost 7/89 at the back end of the innings.

Lions coach Brian Wheelahan wasn’t the least bit concerned.

“In light of our foundations we tinkered with the batting order and gave license for players to chase quick runs,” he said.

“We are happy with our total.”

Talk of records and the impending aside, the day will largely be remembered for Chandima’s brilliance at the top. The reigning EJ Cleary Medalist put on a four-hour clinic with willow in hand on his way to a brilliant 158 (184) that included 20 fours and two sixes. Ironically, the damaging right-hander’s second century of the season ended on the same score as his round three knock against Wendouree 158 (140).

Wheelahan said, while clearly rapt for his top order and their returns with the bat was considerably measured with his appraisal given the game is merely halfway through.

“Dil (Chandima) looks in complete control of his game getting a massive hundred for a second time this year,” he said.

“Seventeen-year-old Rockey Hoey (26) is repaying his selection back in spades and looks right at home while Hasi (Wickramasinghe) wa s enormous again as the glue in the middle order notching up another half century 53 (64),”

The important contribution of spellbinding all-rounder Danza Hyatt’s 45 (74) was not missed by Wheelahan in the aftermath.

“In at (number) three, Danza joined Dil for a batting masterclass that lasted the best part of 100 minutes,” he said.

“To watch these two champions at work and effortlessly put on a 106-run partnership was a privilege.”

According to Wheelahan credit must be given to the curator for producing a wicket conducive for making runs given a horror bout of recent weather.

“Ash has done a terrific job to get the wicket in such good knick, we didn’t hesitate to bat after winning the toss,” he said.

While a favourable result for the Lions is deemed more likely, Wheelahan conceded there was more to play out and nothing will be taken for granted.

“We look forward to a polished fielding and bowling display (this Saturday) to secure the six points,” he said.

RESULTS

BCA 1st GRADE – (ROUND 8 – Day 1)

Darley 337, Overs 79.3. D. Chandima 158, H. Wickramasinghe 53, D. Hyatt 45.

East Ballarat need 338 runs to win off 80 overs.

BCA 4th GRADE – (ROUND 6)

Darley 6/160, Overs 40. T. Gallagher 51, S. Ward 32, DN. Hynes 25.

Coronet City 101, Overs 32.1. L. Huerst 2/13, F. Kilmartin 2/13, K. Beck 2/24

Darley won by 59 runs.