By Tara Murray
Melton continues to show fighting spirit in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west competition.
The Lions are without a win so far, but coach Damien Costigan said there had been plenty of positive signs from his young playing group.
“We’ve played some really competitive cricket in recent weeks,” he said. “We are confident in the way we are going.”
Costigan said some of the young guys were really showing some positive signs and that they belong at this level.
The club has already had a number of young players debut in the top two sides.
“Clarke Alaimo put on 20 in a really good partnership with Will Chesterman in the last game on debut,” he said.
“Harry [Scardamaglia] is another and there’s confidence in what Lachie Paterson can do for us.”
On Saturday, Melton kicked off its two-day match with Werribee at MacPherson Park.
The Tigers, who have had some struggles with the bat, had a strong batting performance and finished the day at 6-285.
Costigan said it was a tough day in the field for his side. He gave credit to the way his side didn’t give up despite the challenges.
“It was a long day,” he said. “They had a couple of really good partnerships and it was a hot day.
“We didn’t fade away as they have done all year. They keep fighting.
“Losing isn’t easy but they have kept chipping away and fighting hard all year.”
Brad Jones took two wickets for the Lions.
Costigan said their last outing with the bat was something they could take into this game. The Lions made 8-251 against Williamstown with Chesterman making a 100, but the game ended in a draw after day two was washed out.
“We were able to bat 80 overs against Williamstown and made 250,” Costigan said. “We are under no illusions it will be a hard chase.
“If we can bat 80 overs we give ourselves a chance. We have confidence in our batters and they are improving every week.
“The 250 gives us confidence that we can chase it down.”
Costigan said things were going well across the club.
He said the second XI had been unlucky with the weather preventing a few more wins on the board. They are chasing 9-254 against the Tigers.
While their third and fourth XIs were both young sides that had been up and downs this season so far.
