Melton’s bowlers will go to work defending 200 at MacPherson Park this Saturday after two key knocks for the Lions carried them to 6-200 against Altona at the weekend.
John Varchione’s 94 and Anthony Gale’s 51 led the Melton innings.
The duo came together at 2-34 and put on 87 for the third wicket. Varchione, who opened the innings and saw five partners come and go, was out six shy of his hundred at 6-181.
Melton will defend the runs from 1pm on Saturday. In second XI, Andrew Cristofaro’s 82 led Melton to 193 before late wickets left Altona 2-27 in its chase.
In third XI, Melton’s Tom Cullum took 5-40 to help remove Altona for 135, with Melton 0-35 by stumps.
