Melton’s winning start to 2023 is finally over after a big loss to Yarraville in Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
Having put together their best run of games for a number of seasons, the Lions weren’t able to get the points against Yarraville in a two-dayer on the weekend.
The Eagles won the toss and elected to bat on their home deck. They batted throughout Saturday and were bowled out on the final ball for 273.
Harry Allinson top scored with 76.
Andrew Reid-Dick and Joshua Luca took three wickets each, the latter of the two going at more than five runs an over.
The Lions got off to the worst possible start, losing two quick wickets to be in trouble at 0-2.
Ben MacRae and Alex Kerr set about rescuing the innings and managed to put on 50 before Kerr fell.
The wickets then started to fall more frequently, with MacRae watching at the other end of the pitch.
Number 10 Stephen Wiig showed some resistance with 39, but he was the only player besides MacRae to pass 20.
The Lions were eventually all out for 182 with still nearly 20 overs up their sleeves.
MacRae finished unbeaten on 81.
After back-to-back 100s in the previous two games, MacRae now averages 87.13 for the season.
Eagles coach Jonah Koch took four wickets for his side.
The Eagles remain in ninth spot.
In other results, Mt Waverley beat Croydon, Williamstown was too good for Endeavour Hills, Box Hill beat Bayswater, Werribee beat Taylors Lakes, Spotswood was too good for Hoppers Crossing, Donvale accounted for Altona and Noble Park beat Balwyn.
