Melton is in a prime position to claim its second win of the sub-district cricket south-west season after a brilliant batting display on Saturday.
The Lions braved some early tough conditions to compile 6-239 against Elsternwick.
Melton coach Michael Alexander led the way with a top score of 70. Anthony Gale added some vital runs with a well-made 49.
After his innings, Alexander was happy to give all the praise for the big total to his side’s younger players.
Batting when conditions were at their toughest, Tom Button made a hard-fought 21 and Jeremy Liddy was also among the runs.
“I was extremely happy with that effort,” Alexander said.
“Our batting let us down three out of the first four games, so it was nice to have a good contribution from everyone. We had some really good partnerships, which is one of the key indicators we always try to tick off.
“The young boys stood up and played well, so it was a pleasing day.”
Elsternwick begins its run chase this week with all 10 wickets in hand.
If Melton is to secure the win, it will need to put a lot of attention into gun Elsternwick batting pair Bradley Erasmus and Bradley O’Shea.
The openers are enjoying outstanding seasons, Erasmus already having two half- centuries to his name, while O’Shea is coming off a brilliant 101 against Sunshine.
Despite the firepower at the top of the Elsternwick order, Alexander has full confidence in his side’s bowling and fielding abilities.
“Our game plan is to attack early,” he said. “They obviously have two big guns who have really been making a lot of their runs.
“If we can get one of them early that would be great.
“I certainly rate our bowling and fielding. It’s a big ground and I think we have a big enough score on the board.”
Also in south-west, Sunshine will need to be at its best with the bat as the Crows look to secure their second win of the season.
Sunshine has been set 265 for victory by Williamstown.
And Werribee’s outstanding batting line-up will be tested as it looks to chase down a massive total against Brighton.
After being 4-25, Brighton recovered to reach 9-283 thanks to a brilliant knock from Benjamin Clements, the middle-order gun hitting 151.
