A blistering bowling performance has lifted Melton into a commanding position after day one of its Victorian sub-district cricket clash with Sunshine.
After winning the toss, Melton coach Michael Alexander sent the Crows in knowing that taking anything short of 10 wickets would constitute a failed gamble.
His bowlers repaid the faith in spades, ripping through the Sunshine batting line-up in 59 overs.
The Crows were dismissed for 116 with only one batsman scoring more than 25.
“I was rapt with the way the boys bowled,” Alexander said.
“After sending them in, we had to be batting on day one for it to be a positive day for us … we were pretty happy with how it finished up.
“One of our main performance indicators is about bowling in partnerships.
“All the boys chipped in and we did a great job, creating pressure at both ends.”
With the heat coming at Sunshine from all angles, it was speedster Brad Jones who delivered the most telling blows.
Jones claimed six wickets and is staking a claim to be considered one of the best new-ball bowlers in the south-west division.
He has taken eight wickets in two matches this season.
With plenty of time left in the day’s play, Melton began its run chase and by stumps reached a patient 1-22 from 17 overs.
“We would love to have been none down, but it was about basically just getting through and getting ready to go next week,” Alexander said. “Overnight, you just want to lose the least amount of wickets.”
The Lions will be seeking another 95 runs for their season’s first victory when play resumes this week.
Alexander says the key in chasing down the runs will be to carry on with the theme of working in partnerships.
“We won’t rely on one person. It’s about getting those small partnerships and then hopefully a couple of guys can get together and get a big one,” he said.
“If we can get one partnership of 50 or a bit higher, then that will be the game for us. That’s going to be the goal next week.”
In other VSDCA matches from the weekend, Werribee’s Matthew Dean smashed his second century of the season, making 103 for the Tigers.
On the back of those runs, Werribee posted 4-253 against Williamstown.
Dean’s brother, Shaun, scored 85 not out.
