Lions eye home semi, Saints sit pretty

Taylors Lakes will be hunting an outright win in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association clash against Avondale Heights this week.

The Lions dominated day one on Saturday and have already secured first innings points on the back of a blistering bowling performance.

It started with opening bowler Romesh Kaluarachchi, who claimed two early wickets before first change Kamal Guraya delivered the knockout blow. Guraya ripped through the middle order, taking a staggering 6-14 from 8.4 overs. His spell included five maidens.

It left the Avondale Heights innings in tatters, the team being wrapped up for 85 in the 38th over.

Taylors Lakes had little trouble securing the target. The Lions recovered from losing two early wickets to coast to victory well before stumps.

Middle-order batsman Adam Dudderidge is not out on 64, while Lachlan Marr is with him at the crease on 21. First drop Dilan Chandima was also impressive, striking a well-made 31.

Taylors Lakes resumes its innings at 3-131 this week.

If the Lions were to secure an outright win, it would be a great boost to the club’s quest for a home semi-final.

Taylors Lakes is 10 points clear of third- placed Aberfeldie, with only one match left in the home and away season after this week.

Meanwhile, top-of-the-table St Albans continued its dominant run through the competition, easily accounting for Westmeadows.

The Saints bowled Westmeadows out for just 52, with all five of the club’s bowlers taking at least one wicket. Opening bowler Andrew Pizaro led the way with 3-10.

In reply, the Saints had no trouble with the small target, reaching 2-104 at stumps.

George Wells resumes this week on 50, while Christopher Gayas is the other not-out batsman on 36.

Should St Albans secure the outright win, it will be the club’s fourth of the season.