Lions win season opener

DARLEY gave new playing coach Nathan Yates the ideal start to the new Ballarat Cricket Association season with a hard-fought 22-run win over his former club and last year’s semi finalist Mount Clear last Saturday.

After winning the toss on their home deck, the Lions opted to bat with the ‘runs on the board’ approach, despite a slow outfield and a wicket providing just reward for bowlers who could land the ball in the right areas.

Lions opening pair Dilon Chandima and Rockey Hoey made a safe and steady start putting on 61 for the first wicket before Chandima was caught for a typical, near run-a-ball 38 (41).

Star recruit Sajith Dissanayake lasted just three balls before he was sent walking. Ironically it was the reigning EJ Cleary Medalist’s second duck in a row at Darley Park – different club, same result.

When Hoey departed not long after for an encouraging 30, Yates joined returned Lion Lachie Herring for the innings rebuild with the visitors back in the game at 3/77.

The season newcomers put on 37 for the fourth wicket – tough going for the batters before Herring went for 24 (62).

Yates (31), Bradley Barnes (16) and bit contributions from the tail saw the Lions reach 181 before they were eventually bowled out with four balls remaining in the 50th and final over.

While Yates acknowledged the output from the batsmen first up, it was one small step in the scheme of things.

“We batted really well with a number of us getting a good start,” he said. “To take the next step we need to go on with it.”

Chasing 182 for victory was always going to be a tough ask for Mt Clear against a proven Lions attack bolstered with the inclusions of Yates and Dissanayake.

Both made valuable contributions in their support roles of Madushanka Ekanayake and Benny Longhurst, dismissing four of Mt Clear’s top seven batsmen.

Chandima chimed in with four wickets of his own including the prized scalp of Joel Moriarty 41 (64) who looked dangerous combining with Tom LeLievre 43 (98) for a 66-run third wicket stand.

Moriarty’s departure gave the hosts some breathing space as the target became more of an uphill battle for the visitors.

Mt Clear lost their last eight wickets for just 62 runs to be bowled out for 159.

While it was all smiles in victory for the Pride, Yates was keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

“Our bowlers did well and took their chances when given the ball, ‘ he said. “(But) we have a bit of work to do on our fielding having missed four or five half chances.

“When it comes to finals we need to take these, so this will be a focus for us moving forward.”

The Lions are on the road this week for a 50-over, one-day fixture against Buninyong who won their season opener over Naps-Sebas by nine wickets.

RESULTS – Round 1

BCA 1st GRADE

Darley 181, Overs 49.2. D. Chandima 38, N. Yates 31, R. Hoey 30.

Mt Clear 159, Overs 46. D. Chandima 4/41, N. Yates 2/22, S. Dissanayake 2/27.

Darley won by 22 runs.

BCA 2nd GRADE

Brown Hill 9/157, Overs 33.3. M. Ellis 5/24, Dan. Hynes 3/29.

Darley 2/159, Overs 22. A. Pickett 99*, J. Martindale 28.

Darley won by 8 wickets.

BCA 3rd GRADE