Melton made the most of making the field in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s north-west competition.
The Lions are yet to play a full match this year due to rain and wet pitches and the top order was keen to get out on the park against Altona.
The Lions made 8-232 from their overs, with plenty of contributions.
Coach Nathan Geisler said it was a good day.
“The outfield was a bit slow, but we’ve still got 230 on the board,” he said.
“We were disappointed we couldn’t get on last week and have a bat.
“We batted well and Kirky [David Kirk] had a good day making 84.
“Most of the top order got starts. We’re right in the game and Altona would be thinking the same thing.”
While Kirk top-scored, Ash Sweet finished 52 not out and skipper Ben MacRae made 30.
Sweet will miss week two of the match, selected to represent a Victorian indigenous side so Geisler will step in to play week two.
A win is vital for both teams.
The Lions are looking to stay on top of the ladder after their lead was reduced last week when the side was awarded three points for a draw in it’s game against Ivanhoe.
A win for Altona will help its finals hopes.
“They will come hard and have a few key batters,” Geisler said.
“If we can win our next three games we can’t be moved from top spot.”
Geisler said they plan to settle their line-up in the next couple of weeks with a couple of spots still up for grabs.
“The number three spot is up for grabs,” he said.
“We’ve got options that can go through there, but we’ve got four or five guys who would rather bat at four, five or six.”
Meanwhile, the club is awaiting the outcome of its appeal of the result against Ivanhoe. The second day of play was cancelled because of a wet pitch.
Lions vice-president Anthony Gale said they wanted answers as to why they didn’t play despite the perfect weather on the day.
Under VSDCA rules, the covering of all pitches is compulsory for all first and second XI games and all final games, unless otherwise notified.
“The wicket was wet and despite it being warm we couldn’t get a start,” Gale said.
“We’re checking with the executive and if they feel like the processes haven’t been followed, then there might be a penalty,” he said.
“It could be just getting an explanation.”
