By Tara Murray
Melton fell just short of claiming its first J G Craig Shield in more than 20 years on Sunday, losing the grand final to Brighton.
The Lions went through the pool rounds of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association under-15 competition undefeated.
After winning both their finals, they moved into the grand final on Sunday, which was played in hot conditions.
Lions coach Joel Mitchener said before the match that he thought it would be a bit of a mental battle in the heat.
Brighton made 5-163 off its 35 overs after being sent in by the Lions.
Jackson Matthews took two wickets for the Lions, while the rest were single wicket takers.
The Lions got off to a solid run chase and were 1-42. The loss of 3-4 halted the Lions momentum
They managed to push on, but ran out of overs being bowled out on the final ball for 150.
Mahib Khan Sahibzada Mir, who came in at number nine, top scored with 24.
Speaking before the grand final, Mitchener said he was proud of what they had achieved.
The last time the Lions won the event was 25 years ago, with now senior men’s coach Damian Costigan part of that team.
“It is an awesome achievement,” Michener said. “They all can’t wait for it.
“When we started the process we thought we had a strong side, but it’s tough to make the grand final.
“We didn’t plan for it.”
Mitchener said the group was rapt to have made the final and entered it with plenty of confidence.
He said captain Arjun Itankar had been the standout for the side. He was later named the west group player of the tournament.
“He has been amazing,” he said. “He’s in the top two leading run scorers and has opened the batting for us.
“He’s led the way and is a good player.”
For the Lions, whose senior program has been struggling a bit, seeing the younger players step up is encouraging.
Many of them are already part of the Lions senior program.
“They’ve still got a bit of work in them, but seeing them at a senior level they are then leaders in the junior side,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lions first XI has nearly conceded first innings points to Ormond on day one.
The Lions were bowled out for 123, with Ormond finishing the day at 4-115.