Time to stand up for Lions top order in DDBBL

The Liebke Lions are hoping to turn over a winless start to the Darling Downs Bush Bash League when they face off with a strong Livewired Lighnting side tomorrow.

TURNING IT AROUND: The Liebke Lions are hoping to save their season in the final two rounds of the DDBBL. Photo: Big Shot Photography

CRICKET: The situation is simple for the Liebke Lions heading into the fourth round of the Darling Downs Bush Bash League.

Anything less than a win will see their slim finals hopes vanish.

Currently the Lions are the only side yet to register a win in 2019, and with just two rounds of the inaugural season remaining, they know they can’t afford another defeat.

Prior to last weekend’s competition-wide bye round, the top order of the Lions failed to fire as they fell to the Aidicare Aztecs by six wickets.

Brimblecombe knows there is little margin for error now, as they look to pick up their maiden win.

“We do need results to go our way and we need to win our last two games, starting with this weekend against the Lightning and the Umbrellas next week,” Brimblecombe said.

“We had a close loss in the first round, found ourselves in a pretty similar position in round two before being convincingly beaten by the Aztecs.

“This weekend we’ll have a full list besides Sam Doggett who is out of action with Brisbane finals, but we’ll have a squad of 14 to choose from and will have a good opportunity to get on the board.”

Despite the 0-3 start, Brimblecombe said the side hasn’t been playing with much luck, and is confident in the ability of his team to bounce back.

“I don’t think we need to change too much of our plans,” he said.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky with a few of the dismissals of our top six. We’ve been under the pump for three games with our batting.

“We really need two or three guys at the top of the order to stand up and grab a few runs for us.

“Even against the Aztecs the game was still there to be won late in the contest. Unfortunately we’re at the back end of the competition where we have to win, but we are still a mathematical chance.”

While there was a bye across the DDBBL last weekend, a number of Lions players found themselves involved in the Bulls Masters T20 competition in Bundaberg.

Brimblecombe, who was a part of the Darling Downs side at the event, and said the extra games were helpful.

“A good three quarters of the team had a week off, but there were a few playing for the Suns and Ipswich as well,” he said.

“Some of our players will be refreshed and a couple will be better for playing a few T20 games.”

FIXTURES: Hip Pocket Rockets vs George Banks Umbrellas at TGS Mills Oval at 1pm. Liebke Lions vs Livewired Lightning at TGS Main Oval at 1pm. Valley Raptors vs Aidacare Aztecs at Cahill Park at 5pm. All games played Sunday.

Originally published as