Lions continue losing streak for first game back

FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL Lions narrow loss against Penrith Cricket Club sees the winless pattern continue in 2017, writes Andrew Dietz.

Gurinder Sandhu bowls for Lions in the First Grade Cricket, Fairfield vs. Penrith test at Penrith’s Howell Oval on Saturday. Photo: David Swift

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FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL’S winless run has continued into the new year after a narrow loss to Penrith Cricket Club in the Sydney Grade competition at Howell Oval on the weekend.

Fairfield lost the toss and were asked to bowl first.

Sydney Thunder bowler Gurinder Sandhu had an immediate impact picking up two early wickets with just 13 runs on the board.

An 84-run partnership for the third wicket got Penrith back on track before Sandhu struck again to dismiss Jono Sammut for 54.

First Grade Cricket, Fairfield versus Penrith at Howell Oval at Penrith. Photo: David Swift

The Lions found wickets hard to come by, highlighted by Ryan Hackney’s patient innings of 62 runs from 210 deliveries. The home side declared at the end of day one at 9-284, with Jake Wholohan finishing unbeaten on 60.

Sandhu was the standout for the Lions, finishing with 6-92 off 28 overs.

The Lions run-chase got off to a positive start as they finished the first session at 1-82.

Fairfield’s form with the bat continued in the middle session as opening batsman Matthew Harivel (67) and Luke Ohrynowsky (62) both posted half centuries.

The umpire checks that Jonathan Sammut is okay after being hit in the head with the ball. Photo: David Swift

Fairfield began to lift the run rate in the final session with victory in sight, but the lower order fell quickly as the Lions losing 4-8.

Ryan Cashman (48) and Liam Hatcher (11no) almost pushed the Lions over the line but fell five runs short of victory to be all out for 279 off 95 overs.

Fairfield-Liverpool’s next match is another two-dayer, against Northern Districts at Mark Taylor Oval starting on Saturday.

Harmon Sandhu bowls in first grade cricket, Fairfield vs. Penrith at Howell Oval at Penrith. Photo: David Swift