LIONS coach Nathan Yates has adopted a glass half full approach in his assessment of the state of play at the conclusion of day one’s do-or-die clash with Bacchus Marsh.<\/p>\n
“(I) think we have our nose just in front at this point,” he said.<\/p>\n
Bacchus Marsh would beg to differ despite being bowled out for 125. The Bulls’ response with the ball had the Lions in trouble at 4-35, and requiring a further 91 runs for victory.<\/p>\n
“Losing a couple of late wickets was not ideal but with the target under 100 we are happy,” Yates said.<\/p>\n
The run chase for the Lions began with star opener and leading run-scorer Sajith Dissanyake forced to retire hurt with cramp, with Yates later confirming he will be right to go this week.<\/p>\n
The third edition of the local derby since Bacchus Marsh’s move into the BCA was not dissimilar to the first two, with the Lions seemingly on top with the ball, dismissing the Bulls for 125.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for Lions fans, their previous two run chases against the Bulls have fallen short despite modest tallies.<\/p>\n
It’s season on the line stuff for the Pride who will need to find a way without Rockey Hoey, Dilon Chandima, Lachie Herring and Yates, who make up the four Lions scalps already taken.<\/p>\n
But Yates made no excuses neyond what was outside his side’s control.<\/p>\n
“Darley Park was in outstanding condition for the match with a well prepared wicket and amazing outfield,” he said.<\/p>\n
Yates was full of praise for his bowlers, who continued to take wickets while restricting the Bulls to a miserly run rate of 2.3 per over.<\/p>\n
“All our bowlers bowled well to take 10 wickets for 125,” he said.<\/p>\n
“They had one good partnership but once we broke that just before the tea break we ran through the rest of them.<\/p>\n
“Hasi’s (Wickramasinghe) bowling was outstanding.<\/p>\n
The popular all-rounder finished with 4-21 with spinning partner Sajith Dissanayake adding another three wickets to his season tally to finish the innings with economical figures of 3-25.<\/p>\n
The Lions bowlers were once again well backed up in the field.<\/p>\n
“The boys fielded really well and created outstanding pressure,” Yates said.<\/p>\n
At the halfway mark, the equation is simple for the LIons \u2013 reel in the 91 runs needed or it’s season over.<\/p>\n
Yates has full faith in his group eaning the points and a prized finals berth that comes with it.<\/p>\n
“We are one good partnership away from from the win,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have our destiny in our hands so that will be enough for the boys to be in for the fight.”<\/p>\n
It should be a compelling conclusion when play resumes on Saturday from 1pm.<\/p>\n
All welcome.<\/p>\n