Darley hopes a productive off-season will lead to the perfect reward when the Ballarat Cricket Association season kicks off this week.
After a disappointing 2014-15, when the Lions won just three matches and finished eighth, Darley attacked the break like an opening bowler steaming in with a new ball in hand.
In May, the Lions signed Victorian Sub-District star all-rounder Heath Pritchard, who joined after two outstanding seasons with Werribee.
In his first year there, Pritchard took 47 wickets and played a huge role in the Tigers reaching the VSDCA grand final.
He continued that form in his second season, hitting 293 runs and taking 30 wickets.
Pritchard will coach the club and captain the first XI.
He isn’t the only exciting recruit to join, with the Lions adding two English imports, both from Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club.
Harry Killoran will bat in the top order and bowl off-spin, while all-rounder Rick Moore will also bat at or near the top.
Pritchard said Darley had struggled with the bat last season so a big focus was being placed on strengthening the top order.
“There’s no doubt the club has bowled well over the journey and bowling sides out has never really been an issue.
“Consistency with the bat is the biggest factor; that’s been our focal point.
“We want to make sure guys have specific roles in the team so they know what’s expected.”
It will be a tough start to the season for the Lions, who visit reigning premiers Brown Hill in round one.
They then host finalist Wendouree at Darley Park in round two.
It isn’t just the first XI where Pritchard is seeking improvement. After only one senior side qualified for finals last year, he wants to see all of Darley’s senior teams in the top four this time.
“Good clubs have successful teams all through the grades,” he said.
“If we want to be a successful club, it can’t be about just the first XI. It’s got to be the seconds, thirds and fourths doing that as well.
“The only way the Darley Cricket Club is going to improve is by getting multiple teams in finals every year.”
