Melton is again looking to be among the contenders in Women’s Victorian Premier Cricket seconds’ competition.
The Lions, who have been up the top of the ladder the past few years, are hoping to continue their form.
It’s been a mixed start to the season for the Lions, with a washout, a win and three losses.
Lions’ captain coach Nicole Martin said they had managed to keep most of the playing group together.
“It’s been a pretty good start,” she said, despite the results.
“We lost a couple of girls and some of our indoor form has transpired into outdoor cricket.
“Three of us played for Australia at the indoor world cup [Martin, Briony Polkinghorne and Laura Shaw] and we got the win. We also played for Victoria at the Nationals.
“We’ve recruited a few players as well.”
Chloe Ip has come across from Box Hill and Emily Sculley has joined from Napoleons/Sebastopol, while Alana Kott has come back to the sport after a number of years away.
The one big out for the Lions is that of Stephanie Theodore, who won the seconds’ competition best and fairest in 2016.
Theodore, who is captain-coach at Coburg, was instrumental in defeating the Lions on Sunday in the clash between the two sides.
The Lions made 5-181 from its overs.
Coburg made the runs with nearly four overs remaining. Theodore made 71 not out and was supported by Rebekah Morris who made 69.
Polkinghorne took two wickets and forced a run out, while Kerri Garwood also took two wickets.
With a smaller competition this season, Martin said finishing in the top three was vital.
“We want to make finals and go a bit better than last season,” she said.
“Cricket Victoria has restructured the competition and what grade you’re in depends on how many teams you have.
“Only three teams play finals. The top side goes straight through to the grand final, while second and third play off for a spot.”
The Lions sit fourth after four rounds and play Ringwood on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Lions men’s side has a chase ahead of them in Victorian Sub-district Cricket Association’s north-west competition.
Facing Brunswick the Lions have the chance to see how they match up against one of the competition’s top sides. Brunswick’s top order stood out on day one, as it made 9-254.
Scott Sanders made 81, while Scott Sanders and Karl Mayne also made good contributions.
