By Tara Murray
Darley is slowly starting to hit its straps in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
After an up and down season, the Lions lived up to their potential against Napoleons-Sebastopol at the weekend to keep their slight finals hopes alive.
Lions coach Michael Alexander said they were closer to hitting their targets.
“It was a really good result and we batted well,” he said.
“We’ve been crying out to play the longer format as we think that suits us better.
“It’s nice to finish the season with three two-dayers.”
The Lions started the day needing 188 to win and that target proved an easy one as they went on to make 7-290.
There were contributions across the board as five players scored at least 20.
Alexander said the stats showed some good signs for the side.
“We had some good partnerships with one of 100 plus and another one that was nearly 50.”
Andrew Metcalf, in his second game for the club, top scored with 75.
Metcalf joined the Lions after playing with teammate Richard Moore in England.
Metcalf was well supported by Danza Hyatt (51) and Joel Cadman (62).
Alexander said he was thrilled with Cadman’s development.
“Joel is just 18 and is going to be a class player,” he said.
“He came in when we needed another 50 to 60 to win. He’s been our best batsman along with Danza all season.
“At 18 he’s coming in during tough periods and been playing really well.
“He’s matured.”
Despite the result, the Lions slipped further behind the top four and finals spot.
Fourth-placed North Ballarat had an outright win to increase the gap over the seventh-placed Lions to 16 points with three rounds remaining.
Alexander said the result wasn’t ideal while they were trying to close the gap.
“We need an outright now,” he said.
“We have three games left so all we can do is play good cricket and hope some results go our way.”
The Lions have a couple of big weeks in the T20 format as well.
On Monday (January 28) the Lions faced cross-town rivals Bacchus Marsh in the Cricket Willow T20 division 1 final.
The winner will go through to the Regional Big Bash T20 state finals.
They then play in the semi-finals of the BCA’s T20 competition on Sunday against Mt Clear, with the winner to play in the grand final on March 3.
Alexander said they had spoken about the importance of taking these games seriously.
“They’re not necessarily the finals we want to play, but it’s still a finals experience which is good for the players.
“Hopefully it helps.”
