After a below-par score with the bat, Melton’s bowlers took up the slack and bowled the Lions to their second win of Sub-District Cricket’s south-west competition on Saturday.
In a season of player development, the Lions have struggled to put together complete performances.
That was certainly the case against Altona.
On their home pitch, the Lions were dispatched for just 99.
Lions coach Michael Alexander said he didn’t think that would be enough against a side trying to push its way into the top six.
“It was really disappointing,” he said. “We were 0-45 and 3-80, then we collapsed and lost 7-19.
“There was some pretty poor decision-making … it certainly wasn’t a 99-run pitch.”
Opener Tom Button top-scored with 28 as only three Lions players reached double figures.
Alexander said the team spoke about getting early wickets in the Altona innings.
“We were confident that if we could get early wickets we could stay with them for long enough to make a match of it.
“Our boys had the belief they could do it and get the win. In fact, Altona had only one 30-run partnership.”
It was bundled out for 86, the last four batsmen making ducks.
The Lions shared the wickets, all five bowlers snaring two apiece.
Alexander said confidence was the key to his side and its development this year.
The likes of Tom Button, Nicholas Dugdale-Walker and Jake Charge had stepped up to play roles in the senior team, the coach added.
“With young guys it’s normal that they don’t have the experience and confidence to execute things they normally would.
“We’re building that into the team across the whole year and we’re not too far away from some of the teams being in the mix for finals.”
Despite the win, the Lions remain 12th on the ladder.
“Our expectations going into the season were pretty low,” Alexander said. “It was about developing the kids.
“A couple more wins would be nice.”
