Melton came up 31 runs short in its Victorian Sub District Cricket Association run chase against Williamstown on Sunday.
Having been set 243 for victory by the Seagulls, Melton got off to a bright start, with Mick Allen and Michael Alexander seeing off the new ball-bowlers.
Even the wicket of Alexander, with the score on 27, didn’t slow the Lions’ progress.
Allen and new batsman Thomas Rogers guided the score to 1-67.
Soon after, the dangerous Allen was dismissed by Williamstown captain Craig Sheedy for 31, which opened the door for the Seagulls to strike.
The pattern of a promising partnership followed by an inconvenient wicket continued for Melton as the score moved to 4-155.
Just as it looked as if the Lions were in a position to take control, Williamstown struck, the Seagulls claiming 4-17 to turn the match.
Despite the best efforts of the lower order’s Brad Jones, the Melton tail was unable to wag, the Lions’ innings ending with the score at 211.
The third-placed Melton will look to bounce back this weekend when it takes on top-of-the-ladder Plenty Valley.
Also at the weekend, Ivanhoe was too good for Sunshine, Yarraville defeated Coburg, and Werribee got the better of Altona.
