A final round win wasn’t enough for Darley to sneak into the Ballarat Cricket Association finals.
Needing other results to go their way to move into the top four, it wasn’t to be for the Lions, who had to settle for fifth.
The Lions entered day two in control against Brown Hill. They made 5-192 before declaring after 41 overs and had Brown Hill 6-80 at stumps.
The Lions needed quick wickets on day two for the outright win they needed to move into the top four.
The bottom side lost two quick wickets, before putting up some resistance. Brown Hill was eventually bowled out for 138.
Ben Longhurst took four wickets, while Hayden Jamieson did a lot of the damage on day two, taking 3-24.
In their second innings, the Lions were 1-60 after 14 overs before the game was called. Jamieson finished 32 not out, after being promoted up the order to opener.
The Lions finished six points outside the top four behind Mt Clear and North Ballarat.
Speaking before the last game, Lions coach Michael Alexander said it would be a disappointing result if they didn’t make finals this year, having finished runners-up the previous season.
It isn’t all bad news for the Lions with their second XI making finals for the first time since 2014-15.
