By Tara Murray
A poor performance with the bat was the downfall for Melton against Hoppers Crossing in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west competition on Saturday.
The Lions were left to rue a sub par performance with the bat against Hoppers Crossing in a match which had become a one-dayer due to a washout.
Lions playing coach Nathan Geisler said they only had themselves to blame.
The Lions were bowled out for just 114 with nearly eight overs remaining.
The Lions struggled to get partnerships as wickets fell constantly.
“We just didn’t execute our skills early
and played some disappointing shots,” Geisler said.
“The shot selection let us down. Even though it was tough out there, five or six of our batsmen threw their wickets away.
“We still have to knuckle down and spend time at the crease.”
Nathan Taylor top scored with 50, while skipper Ben MacRae at the top of the order was the only other batsman to score double figures, making 23.
Geisler said while they bowled and fielded well, in the end they didn’t have enough runs on the board.
“Another 20 to 30 runs would have been enough,” he said.
“Hoppers made us get them out.
“We managed to get back in the game when we had them 8-94.
Photo Gallery: Melton vs Hoppers Crossing
“But they hit a boundary here or there at the right time and were able to get the runs.”
Hoppers Crossing finished 8-118 hitting their total in the 43rd over.
The Lions shared the wickets around. Jake Charge had three and Geisler chipped in with two.
Brad Jones and Ash Sweet each took a wicket.
The loss leaves the Lions on 1-1, ahead of a one-dayer with Werribee.
Werribee had a good win against Taylors Lakes on the weekend.
Geisler said they were hoping to rack up a few more wins.
“It’s always a good game against Werribee,” he said.
“Hopefully things will start to settle. The guys who missed round one have a game under their belts and hopefully we can start to build some momentum.”
In other results, Williamstown defeated Altona in the Hobsons Bay derby, Yarraville beat Moorabbin, Elsternwick won against Brighton, Ormond was too good for Malvern and Oakleigh ended Caulfield’s winning run.
It was a tough day for Melton’s second XI which also lost to Hoppers Crossing.
The Lions made 166, with Hoppers Crossing chasing down the runs in the third last over.
Hoppers Crossing finished 2-169.
Meanwhile the Lions are still after girls to play in their under-16 girls team. Players between the ages of 12 and 15 are welcome to join the team which plays on Wednesday nights.
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/taylors-lakes-caught-in-the-spin/
