By Tara Murray
Luck has fallen Melton’s way with the side claiming a finals spot in the final round of Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
Needing a win against Brighton in the last round and other results to go their way, the Lions were the only team of those fighting for the remaining two finals berths to get a win on Saturday.
That means they finished the regular season in fifth – an outcome that didn’t seem likely a couple of weeks ago.
Lions playing coach Nathan Geisler said it was a top win.
“We were really good with the bat and we’re hoping we can hopefully take that batting form into the finals,” he said.
The Lions, sent in at home, produced their best score of the season by making 4-268 off their 45 overs. Veteran Anthony Gale was the standout, scoring his second first XI century and third century overall for the season.
Geisler said the players delivered the batting performance they had been looking for.
“To make 270, especially in a one-dayer, is really good,” he said.
“The outfield was pretty quick and we got away to a good start.
“The guys coming in after we lost wickets kept the momentum going.
“We had players get 20s and 30s to support Butch [Gale] and [Ben] MacRae. It was a solid team effort.”
Photo Gallery: Melton vs Brighton
Having done the job with the bat, the Lions’ bowlers dismissed Brighton for 101.
“We took our chances early and put them under pressure,” Geisler said.
“They were two or three down early and that put them under pressure with the run rate.”
Geisler said the club would be facing a couple of selection dilemmas heading into this week’s game – a semi-final against Werribee.
Bowlers Jake Charge and Dylan Clarke, who both missed the Brighton match, are available for this weekend. Their replacements were Gale and Geisler, who took three wickets.
Geisler said it would mean an interesting week at the selection table.
“We decided to take a punt and only have five bowlers and went batting heavy,” he said.
“We’ll weigh up positions this week and look at putting our best line-up out.”
The Lions and Werribee have met once this season, back in round three, with the Tigers winning.
Geisler said they wouldn’t take much out of that game, as it was a one-dayer and earlier in the season.
He said they would be underdogs heading into the finals with the freedom to play.
While Werribee was due to host the semi-final, the Tigers’ ground is unavailable due to AFL commitments, so the Lions will play host at MacPherson Park.
In the other finals match-ups, minor premier Caulfield will face Elsternwick and Oakleigh will host Williamstown.
MORE VSDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/williamstown-cruises-into-finals-campaign/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/werribee-tie-good-as-a-win/
