The results may not be there, but the positives are flowing for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s Craig Shield competition.
After the first four rounds of the under-15 comp, formerly known as the Hatch Shield, the Lions are winless after three matches, having had the bye in round one.
Coach Bill Clarke says the side has been competitive in the field but struggled when it’s time to bat.
The Lions made 84 in their first match against Sunshine and went within a wicket of bowling them out for a win.
Against Werribee, the Lions made 7-109, which Werribee reached for the loss of six wickets. In a shortened match against Williamstown, the Lions made 7-52 while needing 63 for a win.
“Our bowling and fielding is up with any of the sides in the competition, but we don’t have the same batting strength,” Clarke said.
“We’re a young and inexperienced side, so it’s a learning curve and we are showing good signs.
“Many of our players have never played turf cricket before and are learning the concept as we go along.”
He said all the players had performed with the ball when given a chance.
“They’ve bowled really well and shared the wickets around,” he said.
“Tyler Cox, Brandon Foley, Jarod Spry, Ricky Frew and Aaron Clarke have all chipped away. They’ve been very consistent.”
Clarke said lack of batting experience wasn’t helped with the size of his players.
“Only three of our players played last year,” he said.
“Our boys aren’t as big as some of the other clubs and have struggled to hit the ball to the boundary. The grounds are bigger than what they’ve played on before.
“But we’ve been competitive considering our [lack of] experience.”
The competition doesn’t get any easier for the Lions, who face the top two teams – Yarraville and Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows – in the last three rounds.
Both teams are unbeaten, with the game between them called off on Sunday due to a damp wicket.
“As long as we’re competitive against Yarraville and Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows I’ll be happy,” Clarke said.
“Both teams are a lot bigger and stronger.
“We’re in with a good chance against Altona. I think it will be a really close match and hopefully we can bat well and get a win.”
