No panic at East, but fears for fiery quick
EAST Belmont coach Chris Williams is refusing to hit the panic button despite Saturday’s heavy 199-run loss to South Barwon, and a suspected calf injury sustained by firebrand David Lineen.
All five Swans bowlers got among the wickets, but it was Nick Lynch’s explosive eightover spell that proved the difference as he tore through the Lions with 5-16.
“I don’t want to take away from Nick’s performance because he bowled really well at the top,” Williams said.
“We certainly had some good batsmen getting out to good balls.
“But once your finals place is determined and once the game is gone, it’s hard to have that same fire in the belly.
“That was South’s grand final today and they turned up, didn’t they?”
Lachie Inglis topscored with 38 in an innings that featured just three double-figure tallies, while Lineen’s retirement after facing just one ball dominated post-game conversation.
“We believe it’s a calf, whether it’s cramp, or there’s some kind of strain or tear in there, we’ll know in the next couple of days,” Williams said.
While the Lions will welcome back star batsmen Sean O’Neill and Matt Lineker, a cloud hangs over the Lions’ new-ball brigade.
However, the innovative coach remains pragmatic about the final-game result.
“We got outplayed in two weekends of cricket, but when you look across the year we’ve played well enough to make finals,” Williams said.
“If you play good enough for two weekends of cricket you’re premier.
“Then no one will remember that you got bowled out for 100 by lunch in the last round.”