Melton is backing its bowlers to do the job after the Lions let slip the opportunity to post a solid score in Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s east-west.
Having not had a lot of time at the crease in recent weeks, the Lions took the opportunity to bat first against Mt Waverley – despite the late withdrawal of in-form opening batsman Ben MacRae just hours before the game.
At 2-122 at tea, the Lions looked in control, but from there it all went wrong.
Lions playing coach Nathan Geisler said the side didn’t make the most of the solid start to the innings.
“We had to reshuffle things – Butch [Anthony Gale] and Michael Alexander opened the innings,” Geisler said.
“They got us off to a steady start before ‘Kirky’ [David Kirk] and Butch put on nearly a 100-run partnership.
“‘Kirky’ went out the last ball before tea. I spoke to them at the break, and said we are in a good position [but] it could go one of two ways.”
Unfortunately for the Lions, Mt Waverley’s bowlers got on top, dismissing the Lions for 163.
Geisler was the only other batsman to reach double figures.
“I would have liked another 30 to 40 runs,” he said. “It didn’t pan out the way we would have liked. They bowled well and fielded well.”
Despite being disappointed with the batting performance, Geisler said they were more than confident of getting the wickets on day two.
And why wouldn’t they? They have won their previous two-day match outright and bowled Hoppers Crossing out for 19 in a one-day match.
They will have to do it without star bowler Brad Jones, who is missing this game.
“We still feel like we are in the game,” Geisler said. “They have struggled with the bat and haven’t got over 120 in the last three hits.
“Bowling is our strength, even without Jones. Aaron Sweet is bowling well and Jake Charge is getting wickets.
“Dylan Clarke will get more of a chance to get a few overs.”
Meanwhile, the Lions lost a thrilling clash with St Bernard’s OC’s in the opening round of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s knockout T20 competition.
Held a week later than expected due to rain the Tuesday before, St Bernard’s OC made 8-141 off its 20 overs.
In reply, the Lions made 7-140 falling two runs short of victory and knocking them out of the competition.
, as well making it hard to score
