tara murray
Darley bounced back with a win following its first loss since early 2019 in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
After an uncharacteristic performance against East Ballarat last weekend, the Lions were on fire at home against Ballarat-Redan in Saturday’s one-dayer.
The Lions bowled Ballarat-Redan out for 150 with six balls remaining of the 50 overs.
Dayle Locke and Hasitha Wickramasinghe took two wickets each for the Lions.
The Lions, led by Danza Hyatt, made light work of the chase, reaching the mark with just over 22 overs remaining.
The Lions made 2-151 with Hyatt finishing unbeaten on 80, in an innings which included seven fours and three sixes.
Speaking before the game, Lions coach Brian Wheelahan said they had spoken about their poor performance during the week.
He said they knew they could play better.
“We were outplayed a little,” he said.
“We had a quick chat about it. We were really embarrassed about it, as it’s not us.
“The [winning] run had to come to an end but not like that as we departed from all aspects of our game.”
Wheelahan said they had been confident of bouncing back and that’s exactly what they did.
The win has the Lions in fourth spot after three rounds.
Wheelahan said overall they were happy with how things had gone so far.
“Golden Point was the side we were meant to play in the grand final and we beat them in round one,” he said.
“It’s a really even competition and if you’re not on your game, anyone can get you.
“Hopefully last week was a reality check.”
Wheelahan was among the interested onlookers on Sunday, to see what restrictions Premier Daniel Andrews would ease.
With the regional and metro ‘ring of steel’ in place, Wheelahan, who lives in metro Melbourne, hasn’t been able to attend any training or games the first three rounds.
With the border going down, Wheelahan will be back at training this week and at the game on Saturday.
In a boost for the Lions, Rahmatullah Khwaja, who like Wheelahan lives in Melbourne, is now available for selection.
“It has been frustrating just talking on FaceTime,” Wheelahan said.
The Lions this week face Buninyong at home.
In the Gisborne and District Cricket Association regional club competition, Bacchus Marsh handed Gisborne its first loss since the 2018-19 season.
Gisborne made 143 with Mick Allen top scoring with 59.
Nicholas Strangio took three wickets for the Bulls.
Skipper James Lidgett made 50 not out as the Bulls finished 7-145.
Romsey proved too strong for Woodend.
Woodend made 9-122 from their overs with Darin Jewell taking 6-30.
Romsey made the runs with ease, finishing 4-131.
