Lions wild about Harry

By Todd Whelan

Darley Cricket Club

A marathon century on the road from top order batting all-rounder Harry Killoran has put the Lions into the box seat against third placed Naps-Sebas following day one at the weekend.

The popular English prodigy’s return to the fore was timely to say the least when he made his way to the crease at 2/22 after the Lions were sent into bat. Killoran’s previous seven innings this current season had amounted to 115 runs at a tick over 19. But there was never denying the talent of this skillful right hander, whose work ethic alone suggested a big knock was just around the corner. When reigning EJ Cleary Medalist Dilon Chandima and opening partner Rockey Hoey went early, there was a sense of occasion for Killoran to deliver, just when his team needed it the most.

His near four-hour knock of 135 off 193 balls included 13 boundaries and a six was not dissimilar to his unbeaten 164 (14x4s,1×6) against Buninyong back in 2019/20. Harry aside, there was none happier than Lions Coach Brian Wheelahan.

“We all know the class of Harry,” he said.

“His innings showed all the leadership and maturity of a fine player.”

Killoran’s potential match-winning return was aided by the support roles of Drew Locke (51), Danza Hyatt (47) and better than a run-a-ball 28 late, from Madushanka Ekanayake. Hyatt was the third Lion to be dismissed after he and Killoran put on 54 to help restore the innings. But when Hasitha Wickramasinghe and Bradley Barnes departed, the Lions were again in trouble at 5/116.

A timely half century from middle order left hand bat Drew Locke saw he and Killoran add a game saving 133 for the sixth wicket, taking the total to a far more respectable, defendable tor that matter 6/249. Wickets fell sporadically late but not before the Lions tail along with Killoran helped extend the asking target ahead of day two to 9/310 from their 80 allotted overs.

Wheelahan’s tone was one of pride and relief at the end of the day’s play, citing the job clearly not done, merely halfway.

But that didn’t stop the dual Premiership coach recognising the importance of not only Killoran’s knock, but an invaluable support crew.

“Danza (Hyatt) looked a million bucks and looked in for a big one before he went, and Drewy (Locke) was pivotal with his contribution which should prove a major confidence builder for him,” he said.

“Ekka’s cameo at the back and just the running between wickets all helped us beyond 300.”

Play (Day 2) resumes on Saturday from noon.

BCA FIRST GRADE – (Round 15)
Darley 9/310, Overs 80. H.Killoran 135, Dr Locke 51, D.Hyatt 47.
Naps-Sebas
Naps-Sebas need 311 runs to win.

BCA SECOND GRADE – (Round 11 – Day 1)
VRI Delacombe 9/227, Overs 80. T.Cox 3/38, M.Seager 1/19.
Darley need 228 runs to win.

BCA THIRD GRADE – (Round 11 – Day 1)
Coronet-City 4/114, Overs 40.
Darley 2/155, Overs 40. M.Ingvorsen 83, D.Hoey 51*.

BCA FOURTH GRADE – (Round 11 – Day 1)
Darley 3/113, Overs 40. S.Ward 55, T.Gallagher 21.
Golden Point 5/88, Overs 40. P.Jarvinen 2/9, A.Bird 1/11.

BCA FIFTH GRADE – (Round 14) – Bye