Melton faces a far-from-daunting chase to beat Williamstown in east-west first XI but could have faced far less if not for a single stubborn partnership at MacPherson Park on Saturday.
With fast bowler Brad Jones on a roll, Melton had Williamstown 5-97 before an 81-run stand for the sixth wicket helped the visitors to 7-207 off 80 overs.
Craig Sheedy batted most of the day for 99 not out, while his big partnership with Matthew Inness (42) was the main reason Melton didn’t get to bat on day one.
Jones sent down 20 overs and finished as Melton’s only multiple wicket-taker with 4-29.
PICTURE GALLERY: Melton v Williamstown
In second XI, the day belonged to Melton’s Stuart Wilson who walked to the crease at 1-2 and played the rest of the day to compile an unbeaten 169 as the Lions finished 80 overs with 8-274.
Jake Thornton-Gielen (57) combined with Wilson in a 113-run partnership for the second wicket, while Andrew Cristofaro (nine) supported Wilson in a 76-run stand for the fifth.
In third XI, Jeremy Newman top scored with 50 as Melton made 182 by the 67th over.
The Lions captured one Williamstown wicket before stumps; the visitors to resume at 1-5 this Saturday.
In fourth XI, Melton’s Jordan Kight was the club’s second centurion of the weekend as his 106 led the Lions to 6-334 against Williamstown.
Thomas Doan (63) combined with Kight for a 145-run partnership for the second wicket, then later in the day Tom Button (50) and Ashley Rundell (66) followed Kight’s departure with a 101-run stand for fifth wicket.
