By Todd Whelan<\/p>\n
Darley Cricket Club<\/strong><\/p>\n A seven-wicket haul from ageless Lions Captain Benny Longhurst, has put his chargers in the box seat for an all-important outright win over Buninyong ahead of Day two this Saturday.<\/p>\n The Lions were an aggressive unit with the ball from the outset after winning the toss and sending the hosts in. Just three bowlers were used to rout the lowly Buninyong, who struggled to build partnerships despite five of their top six batsmen making it to double figures.<\/p>\n Longhurst\u2019s 16.1 overs yielded match-winning figures of 7\/51, including four maidens as he and strike bowlers Madushanka Ekanayake (2\/40) and Chamika Sattambi (1\/41), played the support roles in what was essentially a ‘day out’ for the veteran leader. <\/p>\n While the Lions finals chances remain slim, the opportunity to secure an outright win this Saturday will do the pride no harm – in fact it’s a must.<\/p>\n Credit to the Lions top order in reply, not wasting time getting on with the chase despite their recent struggles. A mission, a chase for an outright, maybe just what the Lions were after as they comfortably overcame the hosts total just three wickets down and in good time prompting an immediate declaration.<\/p>\n Top order trio Dilon Chandima 41 (35), Axel Morton 47 (78) and Lachie Herring 40* (69) found their groove and will be the confidence building beneficiaries moving forward. “One step at a time”, was the phrase alluded to in last week\u2019s column and the Lions have responded well with plenty more still to play out come day two.<\/p>\n Buninyong were 1\/9 in their second innings at stumps. No surprise it was Longhurst (1\/6) again who struck, making it eight scalps for the match to date.<\/p>\n This Saturday’s conclusion amounts for compelling viewing – the Lions season is riding on it.<\/p>\n