By Tara Murray
It was the Danza Hyatt show for Darley against Brown Hill in the Ballarat Cricket Association on Saturday.
The former West Indian international was in everything in a performance which coach Brian Wheelahan said he hadn’t seen before.
Wheelahan said Hyatt, who has now scored more than 400 runs at an average of more than 100 this season, had been outstanding throughout.
“Danza is a class above,” he said.
“It was an unbelievable performance. He made 60 odd and then took four wickets. He changed the game after they got off to a flyer.
“He also took a classic catch in the deep and was involved in a run out. It was a pleasure to watch.
“Watching him in action yesterday [Saturday] I have never seen anything like it, with someone being involved from go to woe.”
Darley won the toss and elected to bat, making 2-122. Hyatt finished 62 not out, with Anthony Taylor and Ryan Ali both scoring 22.
Wheelahan said he was unsure whether they had enough runs on the board, with T20s a funny game.
“They bowled beautifully to us,” he said.
“Any side can beat any side. We weren’t sure if we had enough, but we made it enough.”
Brown Hill got off to a flyer and looked on track to get the runs, before Hyatt stood up. He took 4-14 off his four overs to turn the game back in the Lions’ favour.
They would bowl Brown Hill out for 80. Wheelahan said they executed their bowling plans.
The win sees the Lions remain undefeated on the top of the ladder, 12 points clear of second.
Wheelahan said they had spoken at length about what they have to do in the back half of the season after such a strong start to the season.
“We need to really set a good platform to launch into the finals,” he said.
“We can’t get complacent. Any side can get you if you’re not on, you can’t drop off.
“We need to continue to play strong cricket towards the end of the season.”
