Taylors Lakes remains in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association finals hunt despite losing both games to start 2024.
In tricky conditions the Lions failed to put up a winning score against the competition’s best team Spotswood on the weekend.
The Lions won the toss and decided to bat, however, got away to a shaky start with both openers going for ducks. Steffan Roberts and Nilan Fernando were able to steady the ship, yet, it was not enough with the Lions eventually being bowled out for just 124.
Spotswood were able to chase it down in the same time of 32 overs with just three wickets remaining.
“The pitch was quite flat and when the toss was done it was dry and it was a lovely day and then just before the first ball it started to rain and the rain was constant throughout the day,” Lions’ captain-coach Aamir Raza said.
“At some stages the rain was quite heavy, I don’t know how we didn’t go off at any stage, but it was throughout the day, even when we were bowling, right up until the last 10 runs it was raining constantly, and obviously that did affect the game. The pitch became quite wet and the rest of the ground itself was quite wet.
“We obviously didn’t get off to the best start being two down very early on. But Steffan and Nilan steadied the ship and at one stage we were 2-65.
“I think Spotswood bowled very well, they’re not a team of superstars but they’re a well drilled outfit with a lot of experience at this level and they know what they are doing. They bowl very well according to the pitch.”
Raza said that Spotswood were strong and patient in the chase, however, with just 124 on the board, bowling in defence was never going to be easy. However he remains confident with his side just two wins off a top four spot, he said there is still plenty to play for.
“They started off very well, even though we got an early wicket, they were 1-50 at one stage. They just waited for the bad balls, we bowled a lot of no balls as well because it was wet and slippery,” he said.
“They just got ahead of the game and we were always chasing the game having been bowled out for 120.
“We brought it back and the game got quite close but I think it looks closer than it actually was in the end, but on a different day and a couple of decisions go the other way and it’s a different game.
“But by no means is our season done and dusted, there’s a few big weeks coming up and that’s the message I’m giving to the boys.
“There’s still a lot to play for, the league itself is very tight this year, so one win makes a massive difference in the league at the moment.”
