By Tara Murray
Melton has work to do if it’s to secure a second straight win to start the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season.
After a brilliant batting performance in round one, the Lions were less than impressive on Saturday.
It’s left the Lions on the back foot after day one of their match against Mt Waverley, which was interrupted by rain. Just 52 overs were bowled, as rain late in the day halted both sides.
Lions coaching director Anthony Gale said it was a messy day.
“We started on time and they made it to just before tea before the first rain delay.
“There were then interruptions at different stages. The wicket was fine.”
The Lions were sent in and it was hard work as they were bowled out for 136.
A below par score on a normal day, it was even more disappointing after the start the Lions had.
“It wasn’t what we were after,” Gale said.
“We were 2-90 at the tea break and going well. Nathan Taylor got 62 and Shehan Hirudika got 49 but that was it.
“That’s 100 of our score and they were the only two to get starts.
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton vs Mt Waverley
“To have just two guys score over 10, makes it difficult.”
Gale said their guys didn’t take the time to get themselves in.
In round one, the Lions had two batsmen make contributions after being in trouble early.
Gale said getting consistency would be a focus of the side in the next couple of weeks and with it would bring confidence.
Mt Waverley faced three overs and will resume at 1-7, needing another 130 runs for victory.
Gale said they needed to get some early wickets on day two.
“The first hour sets it up next week,” he said.
“It will be difficult to defend and the boys will have to bowl well.
“[Brad] Jones is a really good bowler and Dilshan [Kanchana] is new to the club and is an unknown quantity with the ball.
“He bowled well last week.
“We have to make the first 15 to 16 overs count.”
While the first XI are in trouble after day one, their fourth XI is in control after a remarkable single-handed display from Mohan Singh.
Singh made 203 of the Lions’ 253 runs in a stunning batting display which included 16 fours and 11 sixes.
The final wicket produced 106 runs, with Singh making all 106 of them.
Gale said speaking to president and fourth XI captain Kevin Vernon, he said it was incredible to watch.
“It’s an amazing effort,” he said.
“Kev said in 50 years of cricket he had never seen someone hit the ball so cleanly.
“It blew me away looking at the score card.”
