Some tight bowling backed up a solid batting display to guide Melton to its second win of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season.
Facing Strathmore in a bottom of the table clash, the Lions took plenty of confidence into day two on Saturday.
The Lions had made 204 on day one, bowled out with nine balls left in the day.
The Mores had the better start to day two and were cruising at 1-72.
The wickets started to fall and once they started they didn’t stop as the Mores were bowled out for just 122.
Lions coach Mitch Stephens said for them it was about sticking to the process and hoping things would turn their way.
“In the position they are in, we knew that things can turn pretty quickly once you get a couple of wickets,” he said.
“We got their second and third wicket and it calmed the nerves a little. We have though let sides get eight or nine down and then get away from us.
“We stuck to the bowling plan and targeted one side and were able to get the last couple few wickets.”
James Robertson in his first XI debut was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-18.
Stpehens said Robertson really stuck to the bowling plan and was rewarded late.
“I’m rapt for him,” he said. “He came in form and winning form in the twos.
“He might have had a few nervous moments early on but once he got a couple of wickets he was away for us building in the areas we were talking about.”
Stephens said the most pleasing thing for him is the playing group is still driving the standards and wanting to get better.
He said it was what worked for them last season when they just missed out on finals and has remained a big focus this year.
The Lions remain second bottom on the table despite the win.
With four rounds remaining, Stephens said the focus was to continue to build on this result.
“Some more wins would give the group a bit of confidence heading into next year,” he said.
“The twos should play finals and we sent a couple of guys back to the twos to find some form.
“Dylan Jobsons took 13 wickets and Josh Luca made 75 and made strong cases to come back in. It makes us in better form.
“We have a pretty strong side in the twos and they won outright on the weekend.”
Tara Murray
