A mountain of runs from its batsmen has put Melton in the box seat after day one of its Victorian Sub District Cricket Association clash against Coburg.
In hot conditions, the Lions jumped at the opportunity to bat first at Coburg City Oval, but not everything went to plan early.
Melton lost gun batsman Michael Allen for just eight to hand Coburg the early momentum.
The teams’ fortunes took a U-turn from that point on, as the Lions’ middle order went to work.
The second-wicket pair of Michael Alexander and Thomas Rogers combined for a 60-run partnership.
With the groundwork having been put in, the way was paved for Nathan Geisler to do some serious damage.
Batting at No.5, Geisler joined Alexander at the crease and the pair combined for an 87-run partnership.
Despite Alexander being dismissed for 81 with the score at 4-160, the setback did nothing to slow Geisler, who went on to post an outstanding century.
His 104 guided Melton to 286, with the Lions’ innings coming to an end on the second-last ball of the day.
For Coburg, Sean Hollins took some punishment but did manage to create chances and finished the innings as his side’s leading wicket-taker, with 4-50.
Coburg will begin its pursuit of the target on Saturday.
