By Tara Murray
Melton is hoping to learn from the lessons of last season in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.
The Lions finished on top of the north-west ladder before being bundled out in the second week of the finals to eventual premiers Williamstown.
Lions coach Nathan Geisler is hoping to go further this year in the south-west competition.
He said after a strong pre-season they were ready for the season to begin.
“We won our first final last season and then were knocked out by Willy,” he said.
“We will use that experience for a step further or two this year.
“Our depth is better than last year. Numbers have been good and there’s a few new faces and most of the group has stayed together.”
Out of last season’s top team, former skipper David Kirk is the only out.
Geisler said Kirk, who averaged 36 with the bat last season, is going to play closer to home.
With the loss of Kirk, the Lions looked to add a bit more experience.
For the first time in a number of years, they’ve looked to add some imports into the group.
“Five or six years ago we had an import,” Geisler said. “It’s getting harder and harder to attract local players with so many clubs offering money.
“It’s a calculated risk to look overseas for players.”
Sri Lankan duo Pawan Wickramasinghe and Kalhan Sineth have joined the club. Wickramasinghe is a wicketkeeper-batsman and Sineth is an all rounder, with Geisler expecting both to bat in their top six.
Geisler said the addition of those two would help them keep a strong side again this season.
He said the likes of Adrian Monitto and Dylan Jobson, who have been playing in the second XI, would also push for spots in the senior team.
Geisler, who will play when needed again, said the key for their season would be the start, which has been the side’s strength the past couple of seasons.
“We’re in a tough group and we will be looking to bag as many wins as we can before Christmas,” he said.
“Then we’ll look to attack from there. After Christmas the season goes pretty quickly.”
With extra depth in the senior team, Geisler said they were expecting it to flow through their other sides. He said there was some good leaders in all of their teams.
“They are the pillars and will provide a bit of stability. We’ll look to have some improvement there in the twos.”
The Lions’ first XI kick off their season on Saturday in a two-day clash against Malvern at Malvern.
