Keeping it at the foot of the ladder, Melton suffered a comprehensive loss to Werribee in the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association on Saturday.
Batting first, Melton managed just 119 from its 45 overs.
Captain Michael Alexander was the only batsman to look comfortable, the opener reaching 35. But once his wicket fell, the Werribee bowlers ripped through the lower order.
Jack Budd claimed 3-11, with James Freeman and Brad Robertson also impressive in taking two wickets each.
In reply, the Tigers had no trouble chasing down the small target thanks to another brilliant knock from Shaun Dean. The opener scored an unbeaten 56, taking his season’s run tally to 573.
Dean combined with his brother Matthew for a 39-run opening stand before reeling in most of the remaining runs with first drop Tim O’Brien.
Saturday’s result drops Melton to 13th on the VSDCA south-west ladder, while Werribee moves to fifth.
In other round 11 matches, Sunshine was unable to match it with Oakleigh in their one-dayer on Saturday.
Winning the toss and batting, the Crows were on the back foot from the outset after losing their first wicket without a run on the board. The barrage continued from the Oakleigh bowlers, who were able to strike at regular intervals.
Evan Bassingthwaighte top-scored for Sunshine with a hard-fought 18. But with the middle order struggling, the innings came to an end with just 98 on the board.
In reply, Oakleigh had no trouble thanks to opening pair Michael Allen and Samuel Jones.
The pair added 61 for the first wicket, Oakleigh pressing on to reach the target in the 25th over.
This week, Sunshine takes on western suburbs rival Werribee.
