After a classy half-century and five catches in round one, Lucas Hales has continued his rich vein of Victoria Premier Cricket Dowling Shield form with a number of big performances this year.
The young keeper has played a key role in the Lions’ unbeaten campaign and leads the league for keeping and fielding with 13 dismissals behind the stumps.
After success against Carlton in round one, Hales and his side took on Melbourne in round two at Schramms Oval.
The Roys restricted their opponent to 134 and managed to chase down the runs six down in the 44th over.
Hales played a part in five dismissals behind the stumps which included a stumping and four catches.
The Roys took on Greenvale Kangaroos in round three and the Roos batted superbly to finish 2-213.
Hales was involved in a couple of run-outs but his biggest contribution came with the bat in the Roy’s chase.
The Lions found themselves in hot water early at 2-10, but fought back and hunted down the runs required four down within 41 overs.
Hales guided his side home and finished on an unbeaten 45, forging a sixth wicket partnership alongside Austin Fardell (76 not out).
Camberwell Magpies and the Lions then faced off in round four in a high-scoring thriller last Thursday, January 19.
Hales missed out with the bat in an effort to score quick runs, but his side was nonetheless dominant as it cruised to a formidable score of 240.
The run defence started well and Hales pouched a nick through in the first over.
The Roys defended well and restricted the Magpies to 220 to make it a magnificent four wins from four games.
Hales and Fitzroy-Doncaster will take on Ringwood this Sunday, and barring a complete disaster, look set to qualify for Dowling Shield semi finals on February 12.