It was a case of so close but so far for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s east-west competition.
Needing a win against second-placed Balwyn in the final round and have other results go their way to play finals, the Lions were again left to rue missed opportunities.
Choosing to bat, Balwyn skipper Liam Murphy led the way with an unbeaten 103 in the side’s total of 5-206.
The Lions had a half opportunity to dismiss Murphy when he was on 20, but failed to take it.
Ashley Sweet was the only Lions bowler to pick up multiple wickets, with two.
Melton looked in control early in its chasing innings before two collapses left it stranded 22 runs short of Balwyn’s total.
The first meant the Lions went from 2-128 to 5-130; in the next, they lost their last five wickets for 14.
Lions playing coach Nathan Geisler said it was a disappointing finish to the season.
“We got ourselves into a good position and needed about four runs an over for the last 20 overs.
“We lost a bit of momentum when I went out then we lost 3-2. The wicket was a little dry and hard for new batsmen to get in on. We were in a position to win the game but didn’t take the little opportunities that presented.”
Michael Alexander top-scored for the Lions with 61.
The Lions finished the season in eighth spot, two points outside the top six. Taylors Lakes, which started the final round in ninth, took sixth spot.
Geisler said despite a dramatic improvement on the previous 12 months, the side was disappointed to have not played finals after being top-three heading into the Christmas break. The Lions had won five of their first seven games, including one outright.
“We had only one win after Christmas, which was disappointing,” he said.
“At the start of the year we had hoped to play finals. Being such an even competition, we knew we had to bank as many wins as possible for Christmas knowing we had a tough run home. We just missed out. We needed just one result to go our way. We beat the sides below us but we couldn’t beat the sides above us, so we deserved to finish where we did.”
Williamstown, Balwyn, Noble Park, Altona, Werribee and Taylors Lakes make up the top six.
Meanwhile, the Lions women’s side is through to finals of the Victorian Premier Cricket seconds. The Lions needed a final round win against Coburg to ensure their spot in the top four. In the end, they did it with ease.
The Lions made 2-229 with Stephanie Theodore contributing an unbeaten 95. Coburg made 128 in reply.
The Lions face Carlton-Brunswick in a knockout semi-final on Saturday.
