By ADEM SARICAOGLU
MELTON suffered its first loss of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season against Oakleigh on Saturday.
Playing in their first one-day game of the summer, the Lions couldn’t chase down their target of an even 200 runs at Oakleigh’s Warrawee Park Oval.
The host won the toss and posted 9/199 in its 45-over dig, with Samuel Jones (72) and Brent Warren (53) leading the way and combining for an 86-run partnership.
The Lions’ bowling attack was well led by James Wheelahan, who picked up very tidy figures of 4/17 from his eight overs, while Brad Jones and Nathan Allen each claimed two wickets of their own.
However, Melton’s batsmen couldn’t match the exploits of the bowlers, battling for decent runs through the top order.
Captain-coach Nathan Geisler was the top scorer with 37 but with none of his team-mates posting anything above 20, the Lions could only get to 142 before losing their final wicket in the 39th over.
“It was really disappointing,” Melton all-rounder Jeremy Liddy told Star.
“We felt we bowled and fielded well, and 199 was probably a pass for that ground – but Oakleigh totally outplayed us, so it was disappointing.”
Melton, usually a powerhouse in the VSDCA, has had an indifferent start to its 2013/14 campaign, but Liddy believes an improved showing from the top order in coming weeks will help get the Lions back on track.
“We’ve certainly got the team to compete against all the top sides, but I think we’re just not starting off on the right foot,” Liddy said.
“I think it’s just down to individuals preparing correctly and turning up on the day and wanting to get the job done.
“Our top five batsmen need to score the bulk of the runs, so those guys need to step up in the future.
“The bowlers are bowling well and the fielding hasn’t been great but it’s improving, so I think it just comes down to the batsmen as individuals needing to step up.”
Liddy went on to admit his side may just be feeling the effects of not having its star batsman, Mick Allen (who is nursing a broken leg from the RDFL grand final), available at the top of the order.
“We’re losing wickets in clumps, so I think it’s about building partnerships,” he said.
“We know (Allen) probably won’t be there for the rest of the season so we can’t dwell on it.
“We’ve just got to start looking to the future and guys need to start making runs.”
