By Todd Whelan<\/p>\n
Darley Cricket Club<\/strong><\/p>\n Darley has fallen short in its first hit-out of the new cricket season, going down to Golden Point by seven wickets.<\/p>\n After the Lions were sent in, favourable momentum was scarce as wickets fell with frustrating regularity despite seven batsmen getting starts, reaching double figures.<\/p>\n A 61-run sixth wicket partnership between Drew Locke (30) and Brodie Ward (22) was the highlight of the afternoon with the bat for the Lions. The gritty left hand combination helped salvage an innings that was looking every bit perilous when Ward joined Locke with the score at 5\/72.<\/p>\n But just as the recovery mission was beginning to look \u2018comfortable\u2019, Locke departed, and Ward shortly after, leaving Madushanka Ekanayake 19* (26) and Ben Longhurst 15 (16) with the task of chasing quick runs. The innings ended with a below par yet defendable score of 186.<\/p>\n The home side wasted no time finding their groove with the bat with a 111-run opening stand before promising spinner Liam Cornford (1\/20) finally broke through. When Simon Olgivie 65 (52) went moments later there was a glimmer of hope for the visitors.<\/p>\n However, all honours with Golden Point as they steadied to run down the target with seven wickets in hand and 15 overs up their sleeve. Opening quick Madushanka Ekanayake was the pick of the Lions bowlers with 2\/42 from his 10 overs. <\/p>\n While the loss to the Lions was convincing by nature, a chance to atone comes in the form of a round two meeting this Saturday against Buninyong at Darley Park.<\/p>\n Come and check out the new facility and watch the Pride attempt to square the ledger with a \u2018W\u2019 on their home deck.<\/p>\n