By Tara Murray
Darley is hoping to get some consistency heading into the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league finals.
Last season’s premiers, the Lions sit fourth heading into the final round of the season.
After a long break between Christmas and the final few rounds, the Lions have now been getting back into it.
Captain-coach Aileen Kilmartin said they were hoping to be back firing for the last couple of rounds and finals.
“I wasn’t playing much cricket, but I watched a lot of cricket in January,” she said.
“I was watching a game in Brighton and realised I hadn’t picked up a bat in nine weeks and now we have to play.
“There’s two games left and hopefully we can get up in both games. We might meet Bacchus Marsh in the finals again.
“It’s been even throughout the season.”
The Bulls, who made last season’s grand final, have been the Lions nemesis this season, winning both games including last weekend.
Kilmartin said while there was a little bit of cross town rivalry, it wasn’t as big as the men’s teams and the football sides.
“I really like what they have done,” she said. “They were down at the bottom for a few years and were able to work their way up.
“We’ve had a couple of losses to Bacchus Marsh, it is what it is. We always have a drink with them after the game.”
Kilmartin said things had been going well with the club and they were seeing more players wanting to get involved.
She said sometimes it was a juggling act making sure everyone got their opportunity to play.
“It’s nine a side on the field,” she said. “You have to bat or bowl to have it qualify as a game.
“We usually get everyone to bowl an over to get everyone qualified. Come finals it will be about playing the best team.
“Hopefully next season the competition can go to 11 players per side on the field.”
The Lions faced Gisborne on Sunday and dropped a third straight match to slip to fourth.
The Dragons were hoping to bounce back from a loss in the previous round, while the Lions had dropped their last two games.
The Dragons made 8-176 as they were bowled out with one ball remaining.
Woodburn continued her good form, as she made 104 off 84 balls.
Her innings had nine fours and four sixes.
Kim Bessell and Kirsty Sanders took two wickets each for the Lions.
The Dragons got early wickets, including that of Bessell for just nine, to have the Lions crumble to 6-45.
They never recovered and were bowled out for 8-83 in the 26th over.
The top spot is already sealed by Bacchus Marsh, which scored its third straight 250 score in a row.
The Bulls made 0-250 with Ashley Gillard, Sarah Bamford and Emily Kennedy all scoring half centuries.
Kilmore finished 7-139.
Tara Murray
