After teasing all season, Darley’s Lachlan Herring has finally cracked a big score in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
Before Saturday, Herring had got starts in the first three matches, but hadn’t been able to go on and make a big score.
Against Brown Hill on Saturday, it was a different story as he put his team in a good position to chase the win.
Herring was patient early in his innings, but once settled he kicked on, finishing 134 not out as the Lions posted 8-291.
Lions captain-coach Heath Pritchard said Herring’s century was well deserved.
“He was really patient,” he said. “He was about 60 off 60 overs before he got going after tea.
“He made 75 odd in the last 20 overs. Speaking to players at the club, they don’t think they’ve ever had a player bat through an innings like that.”
Herring was well supported by Matthew Cape, who made 60 and put on a partnership of 121 with Herring after the tea break.
Hasitha Wickramasinghe chipped in with 36.
It’s the second time in three games the Lions have posted a score of more than 250.
A win would return the Lions to the winners’ list after a disappointing loss to Mt Clear in the previous round.
“We need to make sure that we bowl well and make sure we don’t let their good players off the hook,” Pritchard said.
It’s been a busy week for the Lions, as they’ve also played in two T20 matches as part of the BCA’s The Sporting Globe T20 Shield.
Each side plays three matches in the round-robin competition.
The Lions kicked off the competition with a loss to Ballan. The Lions made 7-121, Drew Locke top-scoring with 45.
In reply, Ballan made 5-126 from its 20 overs.
Cape, with two wickets, was the only multiple wicket taker for the Lions.
On Sunday, the Lions’ encounter with Golden Point was drawn.
Pritchard said the side was very much about using the T20 matches to give different players an opportunity to play in the top side.
“We’re looking at blooding the young guys,” he said. “For us, it’s not for the purpose of winning.
“We’re also looking at a couple of guys who have come to the club.
“Joshua Calvitto has come across from playing at Bacchus Marsh and gets a chance, while Allan Steenholdt is a former captain of the club who has returned.
“Hopefully, he’ll get into the weekend side after Christmas.”
