By ADEM SARICAOGLU
A LITTLE more than 10 months ago, the Melton Lions were the kings of the Sub-District Cricket jungle.
It was officially party time over at MacPherson Park, as Melton knocked over Werribee by 68 runs to claim yet another VSDCA title.
Fast-forward to the fortnight just gone at the very same venue with the same two foes doing battle, and the contrast between the two and their fortunes so far this summer is just about mind-boggling.
An almost un-recognisable Melton side was given one of the biggest slaps any Lions first XI outfit has copped in quite some time on Saturday.
Seven days earlier, the host crumbled with the bat and could only last 67.3 overs on its way to a measly 123, with only one batsman, John Varchione (35), posting a score beyond 20.
In the 15 overs that followed late in the day, Werribee had already got half the job done, finishing the day’s play at 1/57.
On Saturday the Tigers were in cruise control, with opener David Wolfe taking the Melton attack to task on his way to 110.
Werribee only batted for 20 overs as it easily accounted for Melton, reaching 3/140 by the end of the 35th over.
It was a result, as dramatic as it was, that no Sub-District pundit could have forecast prior to the start of the summer.
And yet, based on what we’ve seen since the current season got underway all the way back in October, it came as no surprise.
The Tigers have not lost a single game since going down to Melton in last season’s decider and are sitting two games clear on top of the ladder.
Melton, on the other hand, has not tasted victory since early October, and has been completely luckless ever since star batsman and reigning Hatch Medallist, Mick Allen, broke his leg in last year’s Riddell District Football League grand final.
The Lions are perched last on the table and six points behind Yarraville – the one club they have been able to knock off this season.
The good news for Melton is there’s still time to end the season on a high, with three games still to come.
It all begins this weekend with a winnable road clash at Sunshine, before the Lions round out their lowly season with clashes against Noble Park and Croydon.
