A gutsy Taylors Lakes has secured its first points of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.
The points did not come exactly by design for the Lions, but they were well received nonetheless after playing out a draw with premiership contender Williamstown at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The Lions went into the second day’s play facing an enormous task. The undefeated Seagulls posted an imposing 304 off 78.4 overs, despite a five-wicket haul to Lions star Jarrod Wakeling.
If the big run chase was not daunting enough, Taylors Lakes also had to deal with changed conditions after rain in the lead-up to the second day caused havoc with preparation.
In the end, it would be rain – along with some gritty batting – that would save the game for Taylors Lakes.
Mother nature intervened at just the right time to ensure the Lions came away with a draw and claimed their first three points of the season.
The Lions dug in to finish on 9-152 off 64 overs before the heavens opened up. Once the rain came, it set in for the afternoon and the Lions gleefully accepted a share of the spoils.
If it wasn’t for Yoshan Kumara, Taylors Lakes would be zip and four and just about out of finals contention. Kumara featured in six partnerships to finish with 64 not out and just about save the game off his own bat.
Player-coach Paul Thomas also played a key role with 37, including an 85-run seventh wicket stand with Kumara.
Taylors Lakes has moved up to 12th on the ladder ahead of a tough two-day encounter with third-placed Plenty Valley at Lionheart Reserve starting on Saturday. The Lions will go in as underdogs, but will be desperate to snare victory to close the gap on the top six.
