Lions prey on Swans, enter break on a high

The Swans’ top order has shouldered much of the batting load throughout the season and that proved to be the case again.

Jayden Rosin set about his business early, dominating the scoring in the early overs.

The departure of opening partner Clayton Watson for one slowed the Swans’ roll somewhat, and the issues were compounded when star all-rounder Asantha Singappuli was removed for only six.

Noah Turner was making his impact felt on the match for BLU, removing both of the dangerous top-order threats.

Rathika Rajakumara has been in devastating form this season and continued his strong run on Saturday.

He and Rosin added 41 before his captain fell on 39 to a straightening Luke Thompson delivery.

Rajakumara and Tristan Watson put on an 81-run stand for the fourth wicket, moving their side into the strong position of 4-153 by the time Watson was removed for 45, just short of his half-century.

Rajakumara went on to post his third half-century in four innings, exploding for 17 runs in overs 43 and 44 to reach the milestone.

The Swans’ leading scorer holed out to kick off the final over, his side chipping in a few further runs as they posted a competitive 6-176.

Turner’s early wickets earned him best figures for BLU of 2-10, while Liam Hamilton, Shannon Bish and Thompson snared a wicket each.

The BLU batting order had been even more top-heavy than the Swans’ this year, and league-leading run-scorer Regis Chakabva was once again in sparkling form.

Taking the initiative in an opening stand with Kade Pearse, Chakabva scored at more than a run a ball, hitting three fours and two sixes as he saluted a half-century for a ridiculous sixth time in eight innings this season.

The more measured Pearse stuck around after the 92-run opening stand ended, Chakabva finally heading to the sheds for 58.

He came agonisingly close to his own half-century, caught behind on 47.

By this time the Lions had reached 3-134 and were well poised for victory, with Josh Cairns and Hamilton at the crease.

Cairns wasn’t content to knock it around and instead launched two over the rope, contributing a dynamic 22 from 15 balls.

Hamilton brought his side level with the Swans at 5-176 but was unable to finish the job, stumped off the bowling of Singappuli as he tried to put the finishing touches on the win.

Turner also found himself removed with the scores level, but Cameron Laird put an end to the contest, confidently sending one to the boundary and his side to a victorious 7-180.

AK Gunathilaka continued to impress with the ball, taking 3-34 to lead the Swans, while Tristan Watson and Singappuli picked up two wickets each.

The two sides were deadlocked at 3-3 coming into the game but the win gives the Lions a vital break over the Swans.

Still in fifth on quotient, BLU will be looking to rise into the finals places when it returns to action on January 11 against competition heavyweight Rochester.

Meanwhile, Echuca South matches up with the other side that fell to 3-4 this week, Kyabram Fire Brigade, the loser’s finals chances to suffer a heavy blow.