While the bowlers controlled some of the big-hitting Fairfield Liverpool Lions, they conceded too many sundries (33) at Bankstown Oval on Saturday, effectively adding ‘another batsman’ to the Fairfield team.
Nevertheless, constant pressure from the Dogs’ bowlers earnt some rewards with Justin Felsch earning his 2 for 44 with an excellent LBW to remove former Bulldog and short-form specialist Nick Carruthers.
Ayden Brown chimed in well with 2 for 51 off his 10 overs. While the Lions never dominated the bowling, they did move the score along consistently – reaching 5 for 274 off their allotted 50 overs.
In reply, the Bankstown Sports Bulldogs started reasonably well, and despite the ball moving around, kept their focus until Zeeshaan Ahmed who fell on 10 and was followed soon after by Mitch Hinds (5).
At 2 for 61, victory seemed and was a long way off, and both Solway and Ryan Freeman buckled down to the task.
When Freeman fell on 26 and Solway was joined by the middle order who all did their jobs; Niran Wijewardene (20), Ethan Deal (21) and Angus Campbell (19) adopted the mantra, either hit hard or give Solway the strike.
Solway used his impeccable skill and experience to have a chance-less innings that was simply all class.
He was in control the whole time and genuinely looked a cut above the Lions’ attack, passing the Lions’ total with 3 balls to spare.
