Darley had a solid first day of its final round match with local rival Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
For a second straight season, the Lions face Bacchus Marsh in the final round of the season.
Last year the Bulls won to play finals and ultimately win the premiership.
This season, the Lions would need a lot to go wrong if they were to miss out on finals.
Bacchus Marsh is playing for pride, after their hopes of defending their title ended the previous round when they just missed out on an outright win to keep them in contention.
Lions coach Nathan Yates said they felt pretty confident they would play finals and the result would likely decide if they finish third or fourth.
Yates said they were keen to take some winning form into finals.
On Saturday, the Bulls won the toss and decided to bowl on a wicket that was difficult early on.
It was hard work at the top of the order for the Lions with none of their top five scoring more than 20.
Yates was the key into middle of the order as he showed composure as wickets fell around him.
Yates finished 69 not out off 167 for the Lions.
The Lions finished their 80 overs at 9-196 as the lower order stuck around long enough to give the Lions a competitive total to defend.
“The pitch was tough,” Yates said.
“It was two-paced and it was up and down. “One ball would roll and then the next would bounce really high.
“It was challenging and it was about occupying the crease most of the day.
“You’d get people in and then lose a wicket. It was hard to get going.”
Angus Jones took 3-17 for the Bulls to be the pick of the bowlers.
Yates said the total gave them something to defend heading into day two.
“We can attack the game and still have some runs in the bank,” he said.
“Chasing 200 is a tricky score and you need one or two people to bat well. It’s very competitive.”
Yates said they felt they were in a good position coming into this time of the season.
“We have improved on last year and made steps in the right direction,” he said.
“We want to keep moving that way and be very positive.”
Elsewhere, Darley’s second XI is hoping to finish its season on a high in the division 1 competition.
After day one of their match with Dunnstown they are on top.
Dunnstown was bowled out for 110 with Darley to resume 1-14.
