Melton has its second Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association win of the season after the dual reigning premier chased down Sunshine with time and wickets to spare.
After restricting Sunshine to 137 last week, Melton recovered from an early stumble to get the runs five down, with the middle order doing the bulk of the work.
PICTURE GALLERY: Melton v Sunshine
Melton made early hard work of chasing down the small total, with the top order struggling to handle the Sunshine attack.
Melton lost 4-17 in the first 40 minutes.
But Melton skipper Nathan Giesler and Stuart Wilson combined to give the visitors some hope, first consolidating and then expanding their approach as the game wore on.
They added close to 100 to put the Lions on the cusp of victory before Giesler departed for 45. It was his first score in double figures since the Christmas break in a welcome return to form.
Nathan Allen came to the crease to join Wilson and backed up his seven wickets from the week before with a fluent 21 not out to guide the Lions home.
Wilson was impressive in compiling 45 not out to give the visitors a much-needed five-wicket win in an otherwise disappointing season.
Melton batsman Anthony Gale said it was great to see his side fight back for a win.
“To get there from 4-17, I must admit I wasn’t sure how we would go, but the boys batted well and it was good to get up in the end,” Gale said. “The way the season’s gone, we’re happy to take a win against anyone, but it’s always nice to beat the other west-group sides.”
Gale said that despite having gained only two wins, the side remained confident of finishing the season on a high in the final two rounds.
“We’ve been bowling quite well the last few weeks, so if we bat well I think we’re every chance,” Gale said.
“We’re starting to get some confidence in the group. There’s a few different blokes getting scores now, so we like our chances of beating anyone we come up against.”
