Tara Murray
Golden Point ended Darley’s hopes of a three-peat in the Ballarat Cricket Association grand final on Saturday.
For a third straight season, the two sides made it through to the decider, but this season would end in a different result, with Golden Point getting the premiership glory.
After winning the toss, the Lions decided to send Golden Point in.
It looked like to be the right decision early, with Golden Point in trouble at 3-17.
But Golden Point responded and managed to make 9-191 from its overs. Manjula De Zoysa finished 74 not out.
Ben Longhurst, Rahmatullah Khwaja and Dilan Chandima took two wickets apiece for the Lions.
The Lions got off to an alright start, before losing Chandima, who won the competition’s best and first award last week, for just 19.
It was one of three quick wickets with the Lions going from 0-29 to 3-45.
The Lions weren’t able to get any big partnerships going, with the wickets continuing to fall.
The Lions were eventually all out for 135 in the 44th over.
Brodie Ward top scored with 23.
Andrew Warrick picked up three wickets for Golden Point.
It was a tough weekend all round for the Lions, with their third XI and under-17s also losing their grand finals.
President Tim Gallagher said on the club’s Facebook that they were proud of the team’s achievements this season.
“Not the results that our ones and threes set out for today, both teams beaten by better performances on the day,” the post said.
“Congratulations to both Golden Point in the ones and Mt Clear in the threes. Let’s not forget it’s still a fantastic effort just to reach a grand final.
“Thanks for all who have supported us today and throughout the year. Keep your heads held high everyone, remember it’s just a game of cricket that we all love.”
