BCA: Darley in the doldrums after Sebastopol defeat

Darley is still searching for its first win of the Ballarat Cricket Association first grade season.

The Lions hold a 0-2 record after failing to chase down Napoleons-Sebastopol’s day one score of 247.

PICTURE GALLERY: Darley v Napoleons-Sebastopol

In reply to the big total, Darley could manage only 133 with the Lions bowled out in the 58th over.

However, it was better news for the Darley second XI, which raced to a huge win over Napoleons-Sebastopol.

Like their first grade counterparts, the Lions were chasing when play resumed on Saturday, but it was the much more manageable target
of 177.

Darley went on to smash 6-329 from 72 overs to secure the impressive win.

Meanwhile, it hasn’t taken Melton’s Michael Allen long to get back into the groove of Victorian sub district cricket.

In just his second match back after missing the 2013-14 season with a broken leg, Allen blasted 116 to guide his side to an easy win against Altona on Saturday.

Opening the batting, Allen was rarely troubled throughout his innings, batting through all 58 overs until the Lions passed the A’s’ target of 206.

From his two matches this season, Allen has 144 runs and has been dismissed only once.

He was well supported by Michael Alexander and Thomas Rogers, who both made 28 and notched up 50-run partnerships with Allen.

Nathan Geisler also chipped in with 23 to cap off a great day for the Lions.

Andrew McCammond was the pick of the bowlers for Altona, taking 1-68 from his 17 overs, while Jake Cullen also took a wicket.

Saturday’s win is Melton’s first of the season and puts the club as one of eight VSDCA sides holding a 1-1 record.

The Lions take on the undefeated Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows this week.

In other VSDCA round two results, Williamstown is the only undefeated western suburbs-based team after its win over Ivanhoe at the weekend, while Yarraville got the better of Werribee and Kew proved too good for Sunshine.

In the Gisborne District Cricket Association, Diggers Rest was far too strong for East Sunbury, winning by five wickets.

Set 127 for victory, Diggers Rest had no trouble trumping its target, losing just five wickets and with two overs to spare.