UPDATE: The Darley Lions clinched a dramatic victory over Ballarat Redan, ensuring their undefeated status in the Ballarat Cricket Association on Saturday, December 2, 2023. After weeks of rain delays, the Lions finally got to showcase their skills, finishing the match with just three overs to spare.
Captain-coach Nathan Yates expressed relief at being able to complete the game after two consecutive matches were washed out. “It was nice to have the chance to get the results,” he said. The Lions previously faced significant disruption due to weather conditions, which had left them sidelined while other teams continued to compete.
In this latest encounter, Ballarat Redan posted a challenging 213 runs, with the Lions initially facing a daunting task after the opposition reached 110 runs without losing a wicket. Yates acknowledged the pressure, stating, “To bowl them out for 213, we were really happy. It was looking like we would be chasing 300-plus. It was a great fightback in the second half of day one.”
As the game progressed, the Lions aimed to take the chase deep, needing just 3.5 runs per over to secure the win. Despite losing a few early wickets, Yates remained optimistic. The captain finished the match unbeaten on 58 runs, supported by Jarrod Burns who scored 57 runs, leading the team to victory with a total score that confirmed their position in second place, just three points behind Mt Clear.
“The first part of the season has been great; we have not lost a game yet,” Yates highlighted. The Lions are focused on maintaining their momentum with critical matches upcoming. “If we can get a couple more wins before Christmas, we’ll set ourselves up,” he added.
In a contrasting match, the Bacchus Marsh Bulls suffered a severe defeat against Mt Clear, collapsing for just 125 runs while chasing a target of 342 runs. The Bulls’ top scorer, Alex Porter, managed only 39 runs, as only two players reached double figures. The Bulls are set to face Golden Point in their next outing.
As the season progresses, the Lions aim to build on this victory against Brown Hill in a Saturday-Sunday clash this weekend. Fans and followers are eagerly anticipating how the Lions will continue to perform in the lead-up to Christmas. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!
