Lions drop out of top four after Flames scorching

Luke Thompson and Jo Holloway started well with a 37-run partnership before Bermudan speedster Chare Smith sent Thompson packing for 14.

Smith accounted for in-form Lions skipper Regis Chakabva to snare his second wicket, while Jackson Barnett had Holloway’s measure despite a defiant 34 runs to leave BLU reeling at 6-76.

Flames bowlers Brenton Campbell, coming off a half-century the week before, chimed in with the ball to remove James McPhee before Rob Salter dismissed the Lions’ final three bats on his own to finish with figures of 5-29 off his 14 overs.

BLU has dropped out of the top four for the first time this season, with the Flames now occupying that spot ahead of a blockbuster final round, just six premiership points ahead of BLU.

A win against Nondies-Cohuna in round 14 will seal the Flames’ spot in finals, while BLU will need to topple second-placed Moama to give itself a chance at a second consecutive finals series.

Around the league, Echuca successfully tracked down Moama’s first-innings score of 196 thanks to a century from wicket-keeper Kobyn James.

Echuca South brought its season to a close with a five-wicket win over Cooma, while Leitchville-Gunbower’s chances of finals cricket were dashed after a 94-run defeat to Nondies-Cohuna.

Rochester will not qualify for finals in 2023 and will end its season with a two-day clash against Echuca at Victoria Park starting this Saturday, February 18.