WINTER-LIKE conditions and the subsequent saturation of MacPherson Park Oval in Melton have seen the Lions default into their fifth-successive VSDCA grand final over the weekend.
Their semi-final clash with Caulfield was declared drawn after play was abandoned on Sunday with Melton’s first innings dig languishing at 4/85 after 38 overs of play on Saturday.
The Lions’ first-place finish on the ladder handed them their ticket to the decider, which will be at home this Saturday against Werribee.
Melton coach Duncan Harrison admits his side was in trouble at the tea break on Saturday before umpires called early stumps.
“They sent us in to bat but the conditions were reasonable,” Harrison said.
“We did get off to a reasonable start but then they sort of forced their way back into it so it was pretty evenly poised where it was.
“There were 42 overs left and we were 4/85 so we had some work to do.
“With no play on Sunday the Lions have been gifted an extra day’s rest and preparation for the decider.
Werribee knocked off Melton with ease by eight wickets in their only meeting of the summer.
However, little from that one-dayer at Werribee’s Chirnside Park should be referenced in gauging how the two will match up this weekend.
After all, that game was in late October, nearly five months ago.
“They’re a terrific side, they bat very well (and) they’ve been fielding really well all year but look we’re pretty confident,” Harrison said.
“We started the year slowly, almost as we thought we would, and we were expecting a better second half.
“Since then we’ve been pretty good so we’ll play our style of game and see what happens, but we’re pretty confident.”
The Lions are expecting to field their best possible 11 with star quick Shane Harwood expecting to make his comeback for the grand final.
“Shane Harwood was going to bowl (against Caulfield) and is going to bowl,” Harrison said.
“Another week (of rest) doesn’t hurt us at all so he’ll be cherry ripe and obviously really important to us.
“We’ll approach it with a bit of confidence and we’ll get together this Thursday and have a nice run together and give it our best shot over the weekend.”
