The classy Lyons posted an unbeaten 34 from 29 balls in the thumping eight-wicket win over New City on Saturday.

"We wanted to give him a chance at No. 3, I think he showed he's certainly up to the level and didn't look out of place at all," captain Michael Galvin suggested.

"Definitely, we're looking at him there long term, although we've got a few guys to come back in, but it's going to be hard to drop these kids, they're making these spots their own."

The Panthers had four teenagers against the Phoenix in 16-year-olds Lyons and fellow top order bat Eddy Schultheis, plus wicketkeeper Brady Marshall and off-spinner Jordan Rhodes, who took a wicket on debut.

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"He's my replacement, soon enough," fellow offie Galvin laughed.

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