Melton’s bowlers have done the job for a second straight week in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s east-west competition.
Having bowled Hoppers Crossing out for a measly 19 last week, the bowlers were in the thick of the action on day one of the two-day clash with Endeavour Hills at the Hills’ home ground.
Endeavour Hills elected to bat on a good pitch, but it was a decision the team would soon regret as it crumbled to 6-24.
Nicochana Perera led a mini-comeback but lacked support as his team was skittled for 93.
Brad Jones starred with the ball for the Lions, taking a career best 8-29 from almost 19 overs.
Lions captain David Kirk said that to back up the performance from the previous week was something they had focused on.
He said it was good for Jones to get rewarded with wickets for the way he had bowled the past few weeks.
“The last two or three games he’s bowled really well but hasn’t been getting wickets. He got reward yesterday for good bowling.
“It was a really good wicket, a quick outfield and a small ground. Ashley Sweet and Brad bowled well to set it up.”
Sweet took the other two wickets.
The Lions had 25 overs left to bat on day one. The aim for Kirk was simple: get a first innings lead by stumps.
They did it with ease and will resume at 3-94, with Anthony Gale on 14 and Kirk on 12.
“We wanted to get the runs, so we’ve got the result no matter what happens next week with weather,” Kirk said. “It was a good effort to get the runs in those overs.”
Ben MacRae was again among the runs (36), while fellow opener Michael Alexander contributed 29. Among those looking to get a bat for the Lions on day two is first XI debutant Aaron Clarke.
Clarke came into the side to replace playing coach Nathan Geisler, who was unavailable.
“He’s a 16-year-old who’s worked hard at training and had some good performances in the twos,” Kirk said. “Hopefully he’ll get a chance with the bat.”
The Lions know the job isn’t done.
Consistency has been the side’s weakness in recent seasons.
“We haven’t won two games in a row this season,” Kirk said, “and I threw the challenge out to the group before the game.
“We haven’t won away from home either. It’s good to get the points, but we’ll be hoping to continue this form next week.”
