Darley notched up a thrilling last-ball victory over Napoleons-Sebastopol in Saturday’s Ballarat Cricket Association first grade twenty20 encounter.
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Chasing down 133 runs for victory, Darley was well-placed needing nine off the last over with five wickets in hand.
With two balls remaining it had tied up the scores and victory looked assured.
But the second last ball of the day saw Richard Moore (59 runs off 57 balls) trapped in front of the wicket by Luke Corden, which saw Ryan Ali come to the crease with a very simple, yet pressure-filled equation – one ball, one run.
Ali, who was already enjoying a good day after being the pick of the Lions bowlers with 3-17 from four overs, successfully drove the ball for single and Darley claimed the six points – its third victory in a row.
Skipper Michael Alexander said it was great to continue the momentum the side was putting together.
“It’s not easy, it’s tough to come in knowing you have to score, but he (Ali) got the job done,” Alexander said.
“It’s nice to get some momentum and some positivity, it was a good win.”
West Indian recruit Danza Hyatt also played a key role, showing his international class, hitting 45 runs off 29 balls at the top of the order.
After a disappointing start to the season, which saw Darley lose its first five matches, the Lions have won all three of their twenty20 fixtures and will now look to keep that momentum through the two-day format – which begins next week.
Alexander said the change of format came at a good time for his group, not that the side is necessarily suited to T20 better than any other side, but it gave the group a fresh start.
“The freshen up with the T20s has worked well for us and hopefully we can roll that into the red ball stuff now.”
For Napoleons-Sebastopol, it was a devastating loss to a side that is yet to taste victory this season.
Andrew McDermott top-scored for Naps-Sebas with an unbeaten 39 off 33 while Corden had the best bowling figures with 3-18.
MT CLEAR delivered a “clinical” performance against fellow top four team Brown Hill.
The Bulls got off to a strong start batting first, Matt Sandford (13 runs off 19 balls) and Ryan Knowles (37 off 25) putting on 45 runs for the opening stand.
But once Mt Clear struck, the wickets kept coming.
Jason Knowles (30 off 28) provided a steady hand through the middle-order, but there was no support. Brown Hill’s final seven batsmen’s scores making for glum reading 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2 and 2.
Eventually Brown Hill was all out for 105.
Mt Clear had little trouble reeling in the total as it took an aggressive approach to the small run chase.
Openers Nathan Yates (36 off 20) and Jarrod Burns (23 off 23) took to the Bulls bowling attack, both scoring with ease.
Brendan Moyle also played his part, hitting 27 off 23, as Mt Clear hitting the winnings runs in the 14th over.
Captain Darcy Thomson was pleased with the display.
"They got off to a good start then I think we took about 10-60, we knew once we got an early one we’d be able to roll-on and hopefully skittle them,” Thomson said.
“They have a lot of young guys so we thought if we kept the pressure on them we’d get there.
“A par score is probably 150-160, and the way we batted that was where we were going.
“It was a pretty clinical performance by the guys.
“Sometimes they (low totals) can be awkward, but that’s where the experience of our top guys came in and we just got it done.”
EAST Ballarat continued its outstanding form and remains on top of the ladder after defeating Wendouree.
The Red Caps finished their 20 overs on 9-140, under-par at Russell Square, and the Hawks swiftly made its way to the total.
Harry Ganley was simply unstoppable. The dynamic batsman made 75 runs from just 35 balls – wasting no time en route to East Ballarat victory.
The Hawks winning by eight wickets.
GOLDEN Point was measured in its pursuit of 114 for victory against Buninyong.
The Bunnies lost wickets all too frequently, all-out after 20 overs.
The Pointies always looked in control despite losing an early wicket. The reigning premier gaining a much-needed win, with five wickets to spare.
Lachie Anderson top-scoring with 48 off 39.
BALLARAT-REDAN recorded a telling victory over North Ballarat.
North were tracking well towards the 140-run target, but key wickets saw Two Swords take the advantage – taking home a 12-run win.