Both the Ghosts and the Lions bounced back when Sydney grade cricket returned to the long form of the game in round 11 on Saturday.
Following modest returns from the two one day rounds previously, both clubs are in a strong position after day one.
Batting first, the Fairfield Liverpool Lions amassed 291 for the loss of nine wickets at Waverley Oval.
Despite a mini batting collapse to be 4 for 85, the Lions eventually got on top of the Eastern Suburbs attack to post a reasonable total.
Wendel Delpechitra with 68, Jake Doran with 29, Jeremy Cashman with 66 and Luke Doran (46) made solid contributions with the bat as the Lions sought redemption from feeble batting performances in recent weeks.
International star Doug Bollinger, who hit nine runs, was part of a Lions tail that wagged with the bat. Hopefully, Bollinger and the rest of the Lions bowlers will respond to help the Lions grab outright victory points when the match resumes next Saturday.
Across town at Hurstville Oval, the home side, St George, batted first, but was bundled out by the Ghosts for just 93 after a mere 36 overs.
The chief Ghosts destroyers were Scott Coyte, who took four for 18 and Tom Rogers, who finished with 4 for 50 from 13 overs.
In reply, the Ghosts easily overtook the St George total to finish the day at six for 218 and are poised to grab outright victory points next Saturday.
The pre Christmas run machine Ryan Gibson was back amongst the runs with 53, while opener Josh Clarke scored 62 runs, and Scott Coyte added to his bowling exploits with 71 with the bat before being run out.
His was an excellent allrounder’s performance and he will need to repeat it between now and the end of the season if the Ghosts are to make the finals.
But first things first, and victory next Saturday over St George will do for now.
