Deer Park’s hopes of a second straight premiership remain alive with the side through to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division grand final.
Facing minor premiers Haig Fawkner in the semi final, it wasn’t without drama with the match postponed a week.
While legal action surrounding the suspension of several Haig due to ball tampering is still going, the match went ahead with those players playing.
Deer Park in a statement said that if the game didn’t go ahead it could be weeks before it was played and in worst case scenario, no premiership would be awarded.
Haig won the toss and sent in the Lions with their batter enjoying spending time in the middle.
The top six all got starts as the Lions went on to make 9-280.
Mohammed Alfar top scored with 54, while Fawad Malook made 53.
Charith Mendis took six wickets for Haig.
The Lions got an early wicket before Haig took control of the game to be cruising at 1-91.
The Lions took four quick wickets to have Haig in trouble at 5-100.
Haig found another partnership to take the score to 5-100.
Once the sixth wicket fell, the Lions bowlers got on top to bowl Haig out for 179 in the 60th over.
Malook was the star with the ball, taking 5-36, while Lachlan Fitzgerald and Upul Bandara took two wickets each.
The Lions will face Yarraville Club in the grand final. The Clubbers had to week off after beating Aberfeldie in the other semi final.
A premiership would cap off a strong first season in the senior division. The Lions were undefeated in division 1 last season, earning promotion into the top grade.
