DARLEY’S four-pronged bowling attack helped elevate the Lions into second place on the BCA table following a comfortable 55-run win over bottom side Naps-Sebas at the weekend.<\/p>\n
Madushanka Ekanayake (3\/23), Ben Longhurst (3\/31), Nathan Yates 2\/26 and Sajith Dissanayake 2\/10 needed just 28.2 overs to clean up the hosts for just 90, well shy of the 146-run target set by the Lions earlier after they were sent in on a tricky deck.<\/p>\n
Lions coach Nathan Yates was rapt with the effort of his team despite a familiar pattern with the bat.<\/p>\n
“A lot of the boys got good starts on a wicket that was seaming around like it had been under the covers for a few days,” he said.<\/p>\n
“While we struggled our way to 140-odd, we thought our original aim of 150-plus would be enough.”<\/p>\n
“Our effort in the field was the highlight of the day as we took every chance that came our way.<\/p>\n
“Everyone who was given the ball bowled well and they too took their chances.”<\/p>\n
Five of the Lions’ top seven batsmen made it to double figures under trying conditions, balanced out to a degree with a rewarding outfield.<\/p>\n
The win came in the form of a one-day fixture following a washout of play in week one.<\/p>\n
While the Lions are doing plenty right on the ladder front and are just two points behind Mt Clear, the scope for this team under Yates has no ceiling.<\/p>\n
And Yates is not taking any points for granted in a very even season for the BCA.<\/p>\n
“We have two more games ’til the break,” he said. “Getting a couple more wins will be the key to cementing our position.”<\/p>\n
The Lions remain unbeaten away from home ahead of another road trip this week, a one-day meeting with sixth-placed Golden Point at Eastern Oval.<\/p>\n
Play starts Saturday from noon.<\/p>\n
BCA FIRST GRADE – (ROUND 7)<\/p>\n
Darley 145, Overs 39. N. Yates 21, M. Ekanayake 20*<\/p>\n
Naps-Sebas 90, Overs 28.2. M. Ekanayake 3\/23, B. Longhurst 3\/31.<\/p>\n
Darley (2nd) WON by 55 runs.<\/p>\n
BCA SECOND GRADE – (ROUND 7)<\/p>\n
East Ballarat 82, Overs 35.1. M. Ellis 4\/21, Dan Hynes 3\/0.<\/p>\n
Darley 1\/83, Overs 10. J. Murphy 62*(36), J. Martindale 10*.<\/p>\n
Darley (3rd) WON by 9 wickets.<\/p>\n
BCA THIRD GRADE – (ROUND 7)<\/p>\n
Darley 109, Overs 31.4. A. Ward 28, B. Densley 24.<\/p>\n
Lucas 0\/110, Overs 15.5.<\/p>\n
Darley (2nd) lost by 10 wickets.<\/p>\n
BCA FOURTH GRADE – (ROUND 8)<\/p>\n
Mt Clear vs Darley (7th)<\/p>\n
Match cancelled.<\/p>\n
BCA FIFTH GRADE – (ROUND 8 )<\/p>\n
Ballarat Fire Brigade vs Darley (9th)<\/p>\n
Match cancelled.<\/p>\n
GDCA – WOMEN’S FIRST XI – (ROUND 8)<\/p>\n
Darley 1\/154, Overs 20. B. Ward 50*ret, K. Bessell 50*ret.<\/p>\n
Macedon 8\/47, Overs 16.5. K. Bessell 3\/1, E. Beck 2\/14.<\/p>\n
Darley (1st) WON by 107 runs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DARLEY’S four-pronged bowling attack helped elevate the Lions into second place on the BCA table following a comfortable 55-run win over bottom side Naps-Sebas at the weekend. Madushanka Ekanayake (3\/23), Ben Longhurst (3\/31), Nathan Yates 2\/26 and Sajith Dissanayake 2\/10 needed just 28.2 overs to clean up the hosts for just 90, well shy of […]<\/p>\n