After ending 2016 on a high, it was a disappointing start to the new year for Melton in Victorian Sub-district Cricket Association’s east-west competition.
The Lions entered the Christmas break one of the form teams of the competition on the back of four straight wins, but were unable to produce the goods against Taylors Lakes on Saturday.
The Lions’ batsmen struggled to get going, only Anthony Gale scored more than 13. Without that early break, the Lions were never going to post a high total, and were bowled out for 81. Gale top-scored with 23.
While the Lions bowlers have been among the standouts in the competition this season, they needed a miracle to swing this match.
They’d bowled Hoppers Crossing out for 19 earlier on, so knew it was possible, but they weren’t up to repeat that feat.
Taylors Lakes chased down the runs it needed losing just three wickets, and finishing on 3-82.
Brad Jones took two wickets, while Nathan Dantonio took the other.
The loss means the Lions slip to fourth on the ladder. This week, they face third-placed Noble Park in a two-day match.
Meanwhile the Lions’ under-15 side has started the JC Craig Shield, one of the state’s premier under-15 competitions, with a loss to Altona.
Altona made 8-129 off its 45 overs. Lions’ captain Adrian Monitto took three wickets.
In reply, the Lions were bowled out for 88 during the final over of the day.
The under 15s now have three games this week, against Yarraville, Hoppers Crossing and Williamstown, before two games the following week.
