Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre

By Todd Whelan

A marathon century on the road from top order batting all-rounder Harry Killoran has put the Lions into the box seat against third placed Naps-Sebas following day one at the weekend.

The popular English prodigy's return to the fore was timely to say the least when he made his way to the crease at 2/22 after the Lions were sent into bat. Killoran's previous seven innings this current season had amounted to 115 runs at a tick over 19. But there was never denying the talent of this skillful right hander, whose work ethic alone suggested a big knock was just around the corner. When reigning EJ Cleary Medalist Dilon Chandima and opening partner Rockey Hoey went early, there was a sense of occasion for Killoran to deliver, just when his team needed it the most.

His near four-hour knock of 135 off 193 balls included 13 boundaries and a six was not dissimilar to his unbeaten 164 (14x4s,1x6) against Buninyong back in 2019/20. Harry aside, there was none happier than Lions Coach Brian Wheelahan.

"We all know the class of Harry," he said. "His innings showed all the leadership and maturity of a fine player."

Killoran's potential match-winning return was aided by the support roles of Drew Locke (51), Danza Hyatt (47) and better than a run-a-ball 28 late, from Madushanka Ekanayake. Hyatt was the third Lion to be dismissed after he and Killoran put on 54 to help restore the innings. But when Hasitha Wickramasinghe and Bradley Barnes departed, the Lions were again in trouble at 5/116.

A timely half century from middle order left

Wheelahan's tone was one of pride and relief at the end of the day's play, citing the job clearly not done, merely halfway. But that didn't stop the dual Premiership coach recognising the importance of not only Killoran's knock, but an invaluable support crew.

"Danza (Hyatt) looked a million bucks and looked in for a big one before he went, and Drewy (Locke) was pivotal with his contribution which should prove a major confidence builder for him," he said.

"Ekka's cameo at the back and just the running between wickets all helped us beyond 300."

Play (Day 2) resumes on Saturday from noon.

BCA FIRST GRADE - (Round 15)

Darley 9/310, Overs 80. H.Killoran 135, Dr Locke 51, D.Hyatt 47.

Naps-Sebas

Naps-Sebas need 311 runs to win.

BCA SECOND GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

VRI Delacombe 9/227, Overs 80. T.Cox 3/38, M.Seager 1/19.

Darley need 228 runs to win.

BCA THIRD GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

Coronet-City 4/114, Overs 40.

Darley 2/155, Overs 40. M.Ingvorsen 83, D.Hoey 51*.

BCA FOURTH GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

Darley 3/113, Overs 40. S.Ward 55, T.Gallagher 21.

Golden Point 5/88, Overs 40. P.Jarvinen 2/9, A.Bird 1/11.

BCA FIFTH GRADE - (Round 14) - Bye

Little Athletics was conducted on Saturday morning at Masons Lane Reserve in blustery conditions. Athletes took advantage of the early tail wind, but a wind change mid morning saw the younger kids having to contest a strong headwind down the front straight.

Mackenzie Delaney and Pippin Moog continue to improve, and recorded 5 Personal

Best results seeing them awarded the PB Stars of the Week.

This week’s meet will be held on Friday evening with a modified program of 4 events per athletes. On Saturday the Centre will have 13 teams represented at the State Relay Championships to be held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

Ballan Golf Club

Results - W/e Saturday 28 January

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - John Costello (20) 38 points on c/b

R/Up - Bill Pickering (18).

Magpie - 14th Anthony Moore.

NTPs - 12th Frank Raffaele, 15th Anthony Moore.

Saturday – Stableford – 2 Person Multiply

Winners - Vic Buttigieg & Greg McAloon 84 points.

Second - Rob Brown & Brian Cran 69 points.

Third - Bill Pickering & Aggy Germon 62 points.

NTPs - 12th Chris Tudor, 15th Greg McAloon. Magpies - 14th Brian Cran (Birdie), 18th Pete Clifford.