Half-centuries from Melton skipper Nathan Giesler and middle-order stalwart Anthony Gale have pushed their side from a precarious position to one of strength after the first day’s play in the first XI clash with Noble Park.
After yet another top-order collapse, the pair came together for a 133-run partnership to give the Lions a chance of back-to-back wins for the first time this season. It wasn’t quite what Noble Park hoped for after winning the toss.
After the early loss of John Varchione (3), Melton consolidated through Michael Alexander and Alan Steenholdt.
But when both fell for 19 and Jesse Merlo didn’t trouble the scorers, Melton was staring down the barrel at 4-55.
Giesler continued his good form from the previous round and Gale rediscovered some of his trademark touch to drag the Lions back to safety.
Gale made 75 and Giesler 76, each showing some of the batting prowess that has guided Melton to the past two sub-district flags.
While neither man went on to register three figures, late cameos from Nathan Allen (22) and Brad Jones (11) got the Lions to 236 by the close of play.
Remarkably, Melton can avoid the wooden spoon despite not registering a win between rounds two and 11.
A victory over Noble Park should see the Lions move up from the bottom rung of the ladder that they’ve occupied for much of the season.
