Cricket: Arron Lilley scores 140 not-out as Blacktown loses to Penrith

Blacktown’s English import Arron Lilley blasted an unbeaten century but it wasn’t enough for the Warriors to reign in Penrith.

Penrith batsman Cameron Weir finished with 90 runs in the clash between Penrith and Blacktown at Howell Oval. Picture: Angelo Velardo

A towering century from Arron Lilley wasn’t enough for Blacktown to haul in Penrith during their NSW Premier Cricket clash on the weekend.

Chasing Penrith’s target of 403, Lilley smashed four sixes and 14 fours on his way to 140 not-out from just 120 balls, as Blacktown finished all-out for 338.

“Arron never looked like getting out. He was super,” Blacktown president Steven Foster said.

Blacktown fast bowler Daniel Nicotra. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Opener Josh Hilder also went big with 106 off 143 balls — his maiden first-grade century — but Lilley aside his teammates struggled to pick off a tight Penrith attack.

Hilder’s opening partner Daniel Nicotra was dismissed for 20, and 15-year-old Dhruv Kant (27) was the only other Blacktown player to break the 20-run mark. “We played pretty well, we just needed a few more runs from some of the other blokes,” Mr Foster said.

Penrith batsman Brent Williams faces up to Gabriel Joseph. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Hosts Penrith had lost seven wickets when they declared and sent Blacktown in at Howell Oval.

Brent Williams led the way with 112 runs at number 5, while Cameron Weir (90) and John DiBartolo (71) chipped in with impressive knocks.

Jake Fawcett was the pick of Blacktown’s bowlers (3/63).

Blacktown player Arron Lilley has scored three centuries this season. Picture: Carmela Roche

Penrith’s Ryan Fletcher and Michael Castle also bagged three wickets a piece.

Mr Foster said last place Blacktown had “every chance” of a victory when they next face 17th place Northern District at Mark Taylor Oval this weekend.