MELTON’S dominant run into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association finals series struck another blow on Saturday with a 189-run win over Brighton.
The Lions were already in the box seat heading into the second day’s play after captain Mick Allen finally broke through for his first century (142) of the summer on day one to lead his side to 8/295.
On Saturday the skipper’s leg-spinning brother Nathan dominated with figures of 4/50 to restrict the visitors to a measly 106 before the 50-over mark for first innings points.
Lions coach Duncan Harrison was full of praise for both after the win.
“Mick’s had a terrific year and he’s just about around the 700-run mark for the year,” Harrison said.
“He’s got close to the hundred a few times so it was good to finally knock that one over and we’re hoping to keep that form going.Nathan’s having a reasonably good year as well – he adds a bit of variation to our attack. It was a pretty good wicket but he probably got into the game a little bit earlier than he would have normally and he ended up bowling very well.”
James Wheelahan did all the early damage for Melton, removing Brighton openers Jordan Steele and Kim Teschendorff for cheap runs, before Allen took apart the middle and lower order with help of four other teammates who also got among the wickets.
In the end seven Brighton batsmen were removed for single figures before Melton returned to the middle for a second dig, which ultimately yielded 3/78 in just under 18 overs.
On top of the ladder, with an impressive nine wins from 12 outings, Harrison says the lead in to finals has been ideal.
“We’ve obviously been trying to build up a little bit each week to run into finals so it was good to play against a good team. It was a good hit out,” he said.
“If you want to be good in finals you’ve got to be good with bat and ball. During the year we’ve had success with both at various times but it was good to have a pretty good, complete sort of game.”
Melton will hit the road to face ninth-placed Malvern this Saturday in the final round of the home and away season.
With Werribee breathing down the Lions’ necks with an equal win-loss record, Harrison insists the one dayer will simply be approached with the normal “business as usual” mentality.
“You can’t muck around with your form at this time of year,” he said.“We’ll go in with the right attitude and try and finish off the home and away really strong and hopefully get top spot and start again for the finals.”
