DARLEY continues to be the surprise packet of the Ballarat Cricket Association firsts season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Lions made full use of favourable bowling conditions to claim first innings points against Napoleons-Sebastopol at Napoleons on Saturday – the opening day of a third-round two-day fixture.
Led by new coach Heath Pritchard, Darley tore through the home team for just 47 in 30.2 overs.
The Lions then replied with 4-87.
Pritchard took the new ball and returned the sensational figures of 5-12 off 15.2 overs.
But the last thing Pritchard wanted to talk about was his own performance, which gives 12 wickets at a miserly 7.1 runs apiece.
"The toss went our way on a green wicket," he said after sending Napoleons-Sebastopol in.
He said it was a strong bowling performance all round, which was well supported in the field.
Brad Barnes returned from the seconds to get 3-16 and Matt Cape was again influential with 2-19.
Barnes set the momentum going to have Naps-Sebas 2-5.
Then Pritchard and Cape made their mark as the wickets tumbled, with socreline being 6-28 before three wickets fell with the total at 35.
Only Jacob Eyers reached double figures - reaching 18 as he soaked up 44 deliveries in a 37-minute stay at the crease.
Darley also found the going tough with runs coming at less than two an over in 46 overs.
However, led by Ricky Moore it showed enough rescilience take a rock solid grip on the game.
Moore is 50 not out (6 fours) after sharing a 40-run second wicket stand with Harry Killoran, 25.
Napoleons-Sebastopol did strike some late blows, picking up three wickets, including Matt Cape for duck. Justin Ringin took 2-19.
But the day still belonged firmly to Darley.
Pritchard said efforts of Barnes and Moore highlighted the depth in the club.
He said there were players pushing for a spot in the team. "We've got options."
Pritchard said importantly Darley was no longer relying on one or two players to do the job with bat and ball.
Moore is the third player to get half century this season - following in the footsteps of Killoran and century-maker Cape
He said it had been a "pleasing" start to the season, given Darley only had three wins for its entire campaign last season. "We're not getting carried away, but you have to be happy."