Tara Murray
The batting power of Darley was again on show on Saturday in the Ballarat Cricket Association against East Ballarat.
Sitting on top of the ladder after seven rounds, the Lions again showed the damage they could do when they get the opportunity to open up.
After winning the toss, the Lions made 337 as they were bowled out in the final over.
Lions coach Brian Wheelahan said it was an unbelievable performance.
“We had one of our younger players, Rocky Hoey, and Dilan Chandima got us off to a great start and put on 89 for the first wicket.
“Rocky since stepping up from our seconds has acquitted himself really well.
“Then it was a masterclass with both Danza [Hyatt] and Dilan. They put on more than 100 runs and set the platform to get a big total.
“Hasitha [Wickramasinghe] then made a great contribution with a half century. We were delighted with 337.”
It was Chandima who was the star of the show, making 158. It’s the second time this season he has scored 158.
The performances back up last season, when he won the Cleary Medal as the best player in the competition and early signs would indicate he could be among the favourites again.
Wheelahan said he continues to put the work in to keep getting better.
“He’s one of those professional players who play in the winter, which has helped him,” he said.
“He’s been in great form and it’s great to watch.”
Wheelahan said despite the ladder showing a strong start to the season, there was still some work to be done. The Lions lost their first match, but have won all their completed matches since.
“We’re going along okay,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can up until Christmas and then we’ll rest up and then go again.
“We’re starting to click and get a terrific squad.
“As long as we worry about ourselves, the ladder and hopefully the latter part of the season will take care of itself.”
Wheelahan said there could be some selection headaches in the coming weeks with captain Ben Longhurst and Mitch Ward currently out injured.
“It makes my job harder, but it’s a good place to be,” he said.
Wheelahan said there had been up and down results across the club, with the wet weather having a big impact.
He said despite several matches being washed out, things were still really positive at the club.
“There is a buzz around the club,” he said. “The attitude is super positive from the playing group.”
Meanwhile, Buninyong has a challenge on its hand against Golden Point.
Buninyong made 7-126 from its overs on day one of its clash. Harrison Bond top scored with 79 not out.
In second grade, division 1, Ballan and Ballarat-Redan’s match ended in a draw after the game wasn’t completed.
