Tara Murray
Inconsistency again proved an issue for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west. on Saturday.
The Lions have started to get some wins after the Christmas break, after going winless the first part of the season, but are yet to win two matches in a row.
On Saturday, on day one of their match against Altona, the Lions were left to rue another poor batting performance.
The side was bowled just 114 in the 61st over having won the toss and decided to bat on their home deck.
Lions coach Mitch Stephens said it was frustrating day for the whole side.
“We are a big up and down at the moment,” he said. “We’re focusing on a few little things as a team, bit they aren’t coming off with the bat.
“Benny MacRae showed us again how it was done.”
MacRae top scored with 58 coming in number four with the next highest run scorer, Rhys Berry with 16.
There were four ducks in the innings.
MacRae, the skipper, has dropped down the order with both Stephens and Brenton Cook in the side in recent weeks.
“Benny is just as dominant in the middle or the top of the order,” Stephens said. “Myself and Brenton Cook are both openers who like to hit the ball.
“Benny dropped himself in the order, but is itching to get back up there.”
With just 114 on the board, the task was always going to be tough for the Lions. The A’s made it through day one unscathed and will resume at 0-20.
Stephens said the group hasn’t given up hope about beating a side that is fighting for a finals position.
“Early wickets are the key next week as they did to us this week,” he said. “This group is really good at hanging in there and fighting.
“A score of 120 might be below par but on that wicket something will be on offer to us while we’re bowling.”
While the Lions first XI struggled on Saturday, their second XI has already sealed first innings points.
Stephens said they would go for an outright win this week and could possibly lock up a finals spot with one round remaining.
“It’s a really good sign for the club,” he said. “It’s a new twos side this year with only three or four players from last year remaining with that group.
“That group has gone really well.”
