By Tara Murray
Darley’s nightmare start to the Ballarat Cricket Association season has continued with a third straight loss.
After struggling with the bat in the first two rounds, the Lions’ woes continued against East Ballarat.
The Lions were bowled out for just 118 in the last over.
Lions captain-coach Michael Alexander said it wasn’t good enough.
“It’s the same story, we batted poorly,” he said.
“You can’t be competitive with totals like that and we were never in the hunt.
“We couldn’t get partnerships going and when we did, our best two partnerships ended with run outs.
“We were giving up wickets with silly decisions.”
Ryan Ali top scored with 44 at the top of the order, with only two other batsmen reaching double figures.
East Ballarat had little trouble getting the runs, making 2-121 with more than 20 overs remaining.
Dayle Locke and Mitchell Ward were the wicket takers for the Lions.
Alexander said they have to turn their batting around if they are to rescue their season. He said the issues were mental ones, not technique.
“We’ve being doing a lot of talking trying to rectify it,” he said.
“There’s 14 games this season, which gives a little bit more grace.”
To add to their woes, the Lions are still missing their two imports. Alexander said they were unsure when they would arrive.
All-rounders Danza Hyatt and Hasitha Wickramasinghe are expected to boost the Lions’ batting and bowling.
“It’s still in the hands of immigration.”
The Lions were also without former captain-coach Heath Pritchard and Alexander said they did not know when they would get him back.
“He was good to have in the middle order to add an experienced player,” he said.
“Unfortunately he got injured. It’s a wait and see how his body is.”
Buninyong, Ballarat-Redan, Mount Clear and Brown Hill were the other winners on Saturday.
The Lions this week face Brown Hill.
