Lions’ attack shows claws against Blues

The Blues decided to bat first on their home patch, but weren’t able to build anything substantial throughout the innings.

After losing Lachlan Caldwell, Jayden Tucker and Zeke Neumann looked to be travelling nicely, getting their side to 32, but Tucker’s departure for 10 started a procession of wickets that snowballed Tonny’s woes.

The next best partnership of the innings was worth only 11 runs, as wickets fell with regularity, Neumann (15) and Matt Ohlsen the only other batters to reach double digits.

Although the Blues held out for almost 34 overs, eventually BLU broke through their defences, bowling the hosts out for 78.

Prateer Mehta’s wiles with the ball kept Tongala off balance, the leg-spinner finishing with 4-20, while Liam Hamilton was also effective with 3-14.

One of the league’s premier sides in 2025-26, the Lions had little trouble running down the total, particularly due to a dynamic display from captain Regis Chakabva.

The reigning back-to-back Turner medallist hadn’t shown the same form as previous seasons, but put in a signature performance at the weekend, hitting six fours and two sixes on the way to an unbeaten 50 from 34 deliveries.

The innings did most of the work in getting the Lions home, with Liam Hamilton (16) and Kade Pearse (9 not out) chipping in as BLU reached the target in less than 14 overs.

Lachlan Caldwell (1-11) was the only Blue to make a breakthrough with the ball.

BLU goes into the Christmas break well-positioned to secure a top-two finish.

The Lions and Echuca South have seven wins, but BLU has already taken the early bye in the second rotation of fixtures, effectively giving it a game in hand over the Swans.

BLU will return to action on January 10, taking on Echuca at Moon Oval, Rochester.

Tongala (3-7) will remain on home turf, welcoming Rochester to Tongala Recreation Reserve.