Tara Murray
There’s some exciting young talent in the ranks for Melton, but it might take some time to click in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
The Lions have had two big losses to start the season but for coach Damien Costigan it certainly isn’t panic stations.
“We’ve been unlucky with some injuries and some unavailability,” he said. “We have faith in the squad.
“We are young and it will take some time. We have got some really exciting players but there will be some growing pains.
“The club is excited.”
While the club has lost the likes of Conrad Farrugia and Alex Kerr, who are both concentrating on football, there’s plenty of other players they are excited about.
Costigan said the return of Jason Hibbert was a big one.
He played in Gellibrand’s premiership last season and was named in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 team of the year.
Jhett Ramsey, who is the wicketkeeper in the second XI, and Harry Scardamaglia, who has also started the season in the twos are two players Costigan is looking forward to seeing more of.
On Saturday, the Lions first XI had a bye loss against Port Melbourne.
The Lions batters failed to fire and they were all out for 118 in the 40th over.
Costigan said it was never going to be enough.
“We lost early wickets and we kept losing wickets,” he said. “It’s hard to defend.”
William Chesterman top scored with 37 but there weren’t enough contributors.
Costigan said the bowlers were able to create some chances but they weren’t able to take enough of them.
Port Melbourne made the runs in the 25th over, finishing 4-119.
James Robertson was the only multiple wicket taker, taking two.
Costigan said the next step is to make sure they are taking chances when they’re there.
“The first two games we’ve been creating chances,” he said. “We can match it with sides but we need to do it for longer.
“We need to stay in games for as long as we can.”
The Lions this week face Oakleigh in a one-dayer.
