Melton has won a thriller against Box Hill in the Victorian Sub-district Cricket Association’s east-west competition.
The match came down to the final ball on Saturday, with the Lions hitting the winning runs to secure their first win of the season.
Box Hill elected to bat after winning the toss in what became a one-day match after the first day was washed out.
Box Hill made 4-177 from its 45 overs to set the Lions a competitive total to chase.
Jake Charge took two wickets, with Ashley Sweet taking one wicket.
In reply, the Lions looked in trouble when Michael Alexander, Anthony Gale and David Kirk scored one run between them as the Lions slipped to 3-5.
Opener Ben MacRae and playing coach Nathan Geisler set about rescuing the innings.
A partnership of a 117 brought them back into the game before the coach fell for 48.
Jake Thorton-Gielen then became the third Lions player to be bowled out for a duck, leaving the Lions needing 55 runs with five wickets in hand.
MacRae was joined at the crease by Sweet, the pair guiding their side towards Box Hill’s total, with MacRae hitting two runs off the final ball to seal the win.
MacRae, in his first season back with the club after playing Premier Cricket, finished on 94 not out, while Sweet finished with an unbeaten 20.
The Lions’ women’s team finally got on the field in Victorian Premier Cricket’s seconds.
After its first three matches were washed out, the Lions took on newcomer Carlton-Brunswick on Sunday at MacPherson Park.
Finally on the park, the Lions got their premiership defence off to the right start with an easy victory.
Carlton-Brunswick was bowled out for 156 in the 45th over, with Janelle Hayhurst taking four wickets.
In reply, the Lions made 5-157, hitting the winning runs in the 41st over.
Melton Centrals have already claimed first innings points against Melton South Primary School Cricket Club in Victorian Turf Cricket Association west A1.
The Royals won the toss and elected to bat, but were left to rue that decision.
They were in trouble at 2-8 and recovered to be 3-75 before losing 7-29 to be all out for just 106.
Francis Camenzuli top-scored with 24 as just three batsmen scored double figures.
In reply, Centrals were 6-133 at stumps after facing 33 overs.
In north A1, Caroline Springs has a tricky target to chase on day two of its match against Roxburgh Park Falcons.
The Falcons made 8-221 from their overs.
