Tara Murray
It was a special day for a couple of Melton legends, but the Lions couldn’t get the job done in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west.
Brad Jones lined up for his 200 first XI game, while Chris Hope played his 150th game as Melton took on Taylors Lakes in the battle of the Lions.
Jones said it was pretty special to reach game 200 for the club, where he has been one of the standout players in the competition.
Jones joined the club in 2008-09 and has taken a club high 373 wickets and has won the AJ Gale Medal twice and is a four-time premiership player.
“It’s really nice being there at the club for a long time,” Jones said. “It’s a nice personal acknowledgement,” he said.
“The last few years I had a few injuries, but I eventually got there.”
Jones said the four premierships were his best memories at the club and the feeling of getting to celebrate them afterwards.
He said the friendships were pretty special as well.
Hope is also a premiership player at the club and part of the club’s hall of fame.
Jones said it was disappointing not to get the points on Saturday against Taylors Lakes.
“Unfortunately not,” he said. “We can’t put it all together in the same game, we’re doing bits and pieces here and there.”
Melton batted first and was bowled out for 155 in the 43rd over.
Alex Kerr top scored with 44, while Hope made 32.
Melton needed early wickets and got that by taking two quickly, but the glimmer of hope would soon disappear.
Taylors Lakes hit the winning runs in the 39th over, finishing 3-156. Rhys Berry was the only multiple wicket taker for Melton, taking two wickets.
With just one win for the season, Jones said they need the next generation to start taking the next step.
“They’ve got about 30-40 games under their belts,” he said. “We need them to step up and take the next step and help the club.”
As for his future, Jones isn’t sure.
“I’ve been asked this question a lot,” he said. “The body is still sore but I still enjoy it.
“The injuries and older age, that will decide that.”
Melton’s next match is a two-dayer starting this Saturday against Strathmore. It’s a bottom of the table clash, with Strathmore without a win this season.
