MELTON’S batting failed as it was given an eight-wicket hiding by Werribee in Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association at the weekend.
Rolled for double figures, Melton’s 96 wasn’t enough to trouble Werribee who reached the target just two wickets down.
If not for a 49-run stand for the eighth wicket between Nathan Allen (38) and Duncan Harrison (37no) the score could have been far more embarrassing for the Lions.
Allen and Harrison were the only two Melton batsmen to make double figures.
The Lions were 3-1, 5-15 and then 7-28 as an even spread of Werribee wicket-takers (no bowler took more than two wickets) ripped through the top order at Chirnside Park.
Melton’s quicks couldn’t get the same joy out of the pitch after an early Werribee wicket fell at 1-11 and were beaten by the 33rd over when Werribee reached 2-97.
Melton plays Kingston Saints in a one-dayer at MacPherson Park on Saturday.
In South-West second XI, Melton opening bowlers Ashley Armstrong (4-14) and Ryan McLean (3-20) did the damage as Werribee (134) went down by eight wickets.
Melton’s Stuart Wilson top-scored with 66no as the Lions reached 2-138 in reply.
In North-West thirds, Melton won a low-scoring match by five wickets after making 5-102 in reply to Werribee’s 99 all-out.
Jarrod Thomson (3-23 and 39no) led the Lions in both wickets and runs.
In North-West fourth XI, Melton could not match Werribee’s run rate as it ground out 9-90 off its 40 overs in reply to 8-160.
Julien Johnson (3-21) was best of the Melton bowlers, while none of the batsmen passed 30.
