By Todd Whelan<\/p>\n
Despite another solid bowling performance on the road and stoic half century from former Captain Bradley Barnes, the Lions lost their final match ahead of the Christmas break, falling 36 runs shy of Wendouree. <\/p>\n
After winning the toss, the Lions were on top early having the hosts in trouble at 4\/50 including notable big guns Cole Roscholler (16), Heath Pyke (16) and Liam Brady (13) all gone cheaply.<\/p>\n
Wendouree were able to rebuild some momentum through the middle and lower order before being bowled out in the 49th over for a modest 169.<\/p>\n
In reply, the Lions were immediately on the back foot in their run chase when the top order capitulated to be 4\/15.<\/p>\n
A fight back ensued as Bradley Barnes and Brodie Ward combined for a 66 run fifth wicket partnership before Barnes was dismissed for a gallant 51.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately that would be all she wrote for the Lions resurgence following another collapse that would see the Lions go from 4\/81 and some hope to 9\/94 and virtually none.<\/p>\n
A dashing cameo innings from spinning all-rounder Liam Cornford (28*) provided some cheek late for the tenth wicket but the degree of inevitability was confirmed in the 41st over when number 11 batsman Chamika Sattambi (11) was dismissed. <\/p>\n
While there was merit in some areas of the fight from the Lions, the one wish above all on their Christmas list will be for runs in the New Year. The recent back-to-back title winners and last season semi-finalists find themselves in seventh place,18 points out side of the top four.<\/p>\n