A lower-order batting collapse cost Melton its chance of victory in Victorian Sub District cricket on Saturday.
The Lions went down to Ormond by 53 runs, dropping to 11th place on the south-west ladder.
Losing the toss and bowling first, Melton was under early pressure from Ormond’s opening pair Neil Schlittler and Matthew Thomas. The pair put on 36 for the first wicket, but even the breakthrough couldn’t slow the batting side’s progress. Ormond’s middle order cashed in on the solid grounding, James Wild leading the way with 43 to lift his side to 9-165 from its 45 overs.
Melton bowlers shared the spoils, with Brad Jones, Andrew Zenonos, Jeremy Liddy and Dylan Clarke claiming two wickets each.
In pursuit, Melton made a bright start with coach Michael Alexander and David Kirk doing the bulk of the damage in a 52-run partnership.
However, the Lions were unable to find further joy in their batting order. Five batsmen reached double figures but none was able to score more than 30.
The missed chance placed the pressure well and truly on the lower order, and it was then that Ormond pounced.
Melton lost its final six wickets for 10 runs to be dismissed in the 38th over.
The Lions now hold a 1-3 record for the season and will take on ninth-placed Elsternwick this weekend.
