Darley is aiming to keep its unbeaten start to the Ballarat Cricket Association alive.
After their last match was washed out, the Lions are at home against Wendouree, which is still searching for its first win of the season.
The match is a special one for Archer Ward.
Ward, who is just 15, became one of the youngest ever players in club history to play in the first XI on Saturday.
The club said on social media he is a lifelong Lion with strong family ties and a record as a consistent performer within Darley’s junior ranks year on year,
“Archer’s selection highlights the strength of the club’s development pathway and the loyalty that runs deep through the Lions’ den.”
Wendouree decided to bat at Darley Park on Saturday.
After losing an early wicket, the rest of Wendouree’s top and middle order all got starts.
While it lost a number of wickets late, Wendouree finished the day with 202 as it was bowled out in the final over of the day.
Hasitha Wickramasinghe continued his good form with 6-60 while Madushanka Ekanayaka took three wickets.
The first debut wasn’t the only highlight for the Lions on Saturday.
Layla O’Brien made her BCA senior debut in the fifth XI having been part of the club’s women’s side a couple of years ago before having to pause her senior cricket until reaching the minimum age limit.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh will need early wickets on day two of its match with Brown Hill.
Brown Hill decided to bowl first and it was the Bulls who did the damage early on.
While both openers got going there wasn’t much support throughout the rest of the order.
There were four ducks for the Bulls in their innings as they were bowled out for 137.
Jayden White-Powell top scored with 46.
The Brown Hill openers batted with patience late on day one and managed to get through unscathed.
They will resume at 0-39 needing just 101 for victory.
