Melton coach Michael Alexander is hoping his side can secure early wickets on Saturday to clinch a third win of the season in the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association.
The Lions are in a strong position after day one of the match against Hoppers Crossing, despite losing the toss and being sent in on a tricky wicket.
Anthony Gale was the star, scoring 98 not out in the Lions’ innings of 8-194.
Also impressive was Melton captain David Kirk, who made 21 while Dylan Clarke and Jack Charge made handy runs in the middle order.
Alexander said that after a few lean weeks with the bat, it was great to see the Lions with a strong total on the board.
“We were rapt with what the boys were able to do,” he said.
“We were sent in on a wicket that was doing a fair bit, so to be able to bat the full 80 overs and post what we think will be a really competitive total was great. It gives us a real shot next week.”
Melton will go into Saturday’s second day full of confidence on the back of some outstanding bowling performances in the second half of the season. The Lions removed Altona for 86 last month and had Brighton 8-87 the following week.
“Hopefully, we can get the ball moving around a bit like they did,” Alexander said. “Then we need to cash in with early wickets and put the pressure right on them.
“We now have a reasonable total to defend … it’s a good situation to be in.”
