Melton meets one of its biggest examinations, taking on Altona in a Sub District cricket qualifying final this weekend.
The Lions secured third place on the ladder with a 61-run win away at Balwyn in the final home-and-away match of the season on Saturday.
Needing a win to lock in an all-important home final, Melton got off to the perfect start after losing the toss and being forced to bat.
The Lions smashed 6-191 from their 45 overs.
In reply, Balwyn was under pressure from the early moments of its run chase, losing both openers Daniel Clarke and Travis Miles to slump to 2-9.
Despite a brief fightback from the middle order, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
As he has been all season, Melton’s Brad Jones was outstanding, taking three top-order wickets while Steve Buhagiar was also looming dangerously with the ball.
With too much pressure on its lower order, Balwyn was eventually dismissed for 130 in the 39th over.
Balwyn captain Liam Murphy top-scored with 27.
The Lions now turn their attention to their first VSDCA A-grade finals match since winning the premiership in 2013.
Melton and Altona last met in round two, with the Lions prevailing by six wickets.
On that occasion, both teams’ gun batsmen, Altona’s Aaron Maynard and Melton’s Mick Allen, hit centuries.
Altona goes into Saturday’s clash at MacPherson Park full of confidence after a final-round win against Brunswick.
On their home ground at Frank Kirk Oval, the A’s came out on top by 93 runs.
Elsewhere in the VSDCA’s final round, Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows secured top spot on the ladder with a win against Sunshine, while Plenty Valley finished second thanks to a victory against Williamstown.
A late collapse against Coburg cost Werribee a finals berth, while Kew got the better of Yarraville.
Brad Jones was named Melton’s most valuable player this season. Photo: Damian Visentini
Other finals
Other finals matches this week will include Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows hosting Ivanhoe, and Plenty Valley taking on Yarraville.
Melton awards
Brad Jones was rewarded for a great year on Saturday night by being named Melton’s most valuable player for the 2014-15 season.
The opening bowler has taken 36 wickets, with his best figures of 5-51 coming against Williamstown in round 11.
