Tara Murray
Darley’s Dilan Chandima put on a masterclass to help his side get their first win of the Ballarat Cricket Association.
After a loss in round one and then round two washed out, the Lions were keen to get on the board against Wendouree on Saturday.
While most competition’s called off action on Saturday due to more heavy rain throughout the week, the BCA changed things to ensure there was some cricket for the top grade.
Two matches were played on the Saturday, with the other two games on Sunday, using the same two grounds to get all the games underway.
Lions’ coach Brian Wheelahan said it was unbelievable that they actually got to play on the weekend.
He was glad that they did with Chandima guiding his side to their first win of the season.
The Lions made 8-275 from their overs, with Chandima making 158 off 140 balls which included 22 fours and five sixes.
“It was an unbelievable individual performance by Dilan,” Wheelahan said.
“It was a chanceless knock and it was one of the best knocks I’ve seen. Comments by the opposition were about how classy it was.”
Wheelahan said they thought they had left 20 to 30 runs out there, after Wendouree pulled things back late in the innings once Chandima went out.
With it being a small ground and Wendouree being a quality side they knew it would be hard work defending that total.
Wheelahan said he believed Wendouree were the premiership favourites.
Madushanka Ekanayaka got the Lions off to the perfect start with the ball, getting Cole Roscholler out knicking on the first ball.
Wendouree was bowled out for 132, with Chandima backing up his batting, taking 4-23.
Wheelahan said the win was important with a bye this weekend, with the side evening the ledger and sitting 1-1.
He said they believed they were in a good position to be involved at the pointy end of the season, but know they can’t take anyone lightly. The Lions finished runner-up last season after winning the two premierships before that.
“Danza [Hyatt] will be right for the next game and Harry [Killoran] played on Saturday,” Wheelahan said. “He’s a class act.
“We are pretty confident where we are at. It’s such an even competition and we’re not talking finals or anything, if we play our best cricket we’ll be there at the end.”
Wheelahan said they had plenty of depth at the club which they hope will set them in good stead.
He’s said the future looks bright for the club.
“Liam Cornford is a young kid who made his debut yesterday and held his own,” he said. “He bowled beautifully getting 1-17.
“Our twos were full of kids last season. The development of most of the kids was really good. Most are between 15 and 22 and they are really striving for improvement.
“They’re easy to coach and we’re hopeful the whole club will have a good year.”
