Having restricted Hoppers Crossing to 1-10 in its first 10 overs, Melton was happy with its start in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west clash.
No-one would have predicted what happened next … the Lions went on to destroy Hoppers Crossing’s batting line-up.
“There was a late start and the pitch was a little damp … we won the toss,” Lions’ playing coach Nathan Geisler said.
“They were 1-10 off 10 overs, and we thought they would put the foot down.
“Before we knew it, they were five, then six and then seven wickets down.
“The wickets kept falling, as they were batting for survival.”
From being 1-10, Hoppers Crossing lost 9-9 off its next 11 overs to be all out for just 19.
Geisler said it was a day where everything had gone Melton’s way.
“Sometimes you get on a roll, and other days all the nicks go through the gaps,” he said,
“We took our chances, and the nicks were going through to the keeper. It helps when they go right to them.”
Geisler took 5-5 off 5.5 overs, while Jake Charge took 4-3 off six overs.
“I’ve struggled to take wickets this year, so it was good to get some,” Geisler said.
“Jake played really well. I had a good chat to him during the week about the things he was doing last season, but wasn’t doing this season, and he responded.
“The two opening bowlers [Ashley Sweet and Brad Jones] set the match up, keeping them to 1-10.
“Chargey and I are getting the pats on the back, but it was a team effort.”
Geisler said he had faith his side wouldn’t also suffer a batting collapse. The Lions made their runs in the sixth over, finishing 0-20.
“I don’t think any wicket is a 19-run wicket,” he said. “We would have been happy restricting them to 120-130.
“We had to bat sensibly, and not give them an early wicket to get their confidence up.
“None down was what we wanted.”
The win is the Lions’ second so far, and puts the side back at 2-2 for the season, a much-needed confidence boost after a couple of down years. They now sit ninth on the ladder.
“Our best is competitive with the best teams in the competition,” Geisler said.
“Everyone but Altona and Balwyn has lost now. We need to make sure we are on our A game every week.”
The Lions this week face Endeavour Hills in a two-day match.
