By Tara Murray
Melton returned to the winners’ list with a comfortable win against Box Hill in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west match.
After showing improved signs last week, the Lions were able to put it all together and produce their best performance of the season to get the win.
Lions director of coaching Anthony Gale said it was nice to get a win on the board, after four straight losses.
The Lions bowlers were on fire as they bowled Box Hill out for 108.
“The bowlers started off strongly and bowled well,” Gale said.
“They have been bowling pretty well all season. “The fielding was good with a couple of run outs and a couple of nice catches.
“There was nice fielding from Dilshan [Kanchana] who picked up and threw down the stumps to run out a guy that had made two straight 100s.”
Adrian Monitto took three wickets for the Lions, as all five players produced the goods.
Chasing such a low total, it gave the Lions batsmen time to get in and be patient with their innings.
“We were 0-88 with an opening partnership which was massive, as we’ve not had in the past.
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton vs Box Hill
“We weren’t worried about setting a score and weren’t under pressure to score quickly.
“We were able to take more time and were a bit more careful and spent time in the middle.”
The Lions got the runs in the 38th over, finishing 3-110. Ben MacRae is starting to find some form, top scoring with 56.
Gale said he was disappointed to go out so close to getting the winning runs. he top six.
They did suffer a setback with Mt Waverley successfully appealing the drawn result from earlier in the season.
The Lions this week face second-placed Williamstown in a two-dayer.
Gale said a win would help propel them back into finals contention.
“It’s two-day game,” he said.
“Williamstown is a really good side and it’s a massive test for the boys. If we can play some good cricket we’re a better chance to win.
“Hopefully we’ll continue to play some good cricket. At different stages we’ve done that, but we haven’t been able to do it for the whole game.”
The Lions remain alive in the T20 competition, after beating Werribee in the opening round of the knockout competition.
They face St Bernard’s OC in the next round on December 10
