No ‘3-peat’ for Lions

Darley Cricket Club – By Todd Whelan

Darley fell 56 runs short in its run chase against Golden Point in Saturday’s BCA Grand Final at Eastern Oval. The result ends a dream run for the club following back-to-back Premierships.

After winning the toss, the Lions sent the opposition in, hopeful of any advantage from a wicket on the ‘offering’ for seam bowlers. And indeed, it did. The Lions enjoyed the perfect start taking three quick wickets as Benny Longhurst (2/18) and Madushanka Ekanayake (1/40) struck, elevating the reigning dual champions into the drivers’ seat.

After former Lion Lachie Herring (33) was dropped first ball, Golden Point began their recovery mission to restore the innings and avoid a repeat of the club’s Grand Final loss 12 months ago. Golden Point batting allrounder Manjula DeZoysa (74*) led the charge to set the Lions 192 for victory from their 50 overs.

Darley’s response with the bat was dealt a cruel blow when newly crowned Cleary Medalist Dilon Chandima (19) was caught, flushing a ball straight to mid-off. According to Lions coach Brian Wheelahan a metre either way off Chandima’s bat would have found the boundary, but it wasn’t to be.

“It just wasn’t our day”, Wheelahan said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-03-29/22

in the 29 March 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.