UPDATE: The Melton Lions are determined to secure a much-needed victory in their final match of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season this weekend. After a string of near misses and disappointing performances, the Lions aim to cap off the season on a high note against Yarraville, who share the same number of wins.
Coach Damien Costigan expressed his frustration over the past month, stating, “We’ve been in positions to win the last three games,” highlighting the team’s struggle to convert promising starts into wins. Despite showing significant improvement throughout the season, Melton’s batting has faltered, scoring only 120 runs against Noble Park last Saturday, which ultimately led to their defeat.
On day two of the match, Noble Park resumed at 1-46 and managed to chase down Melton’s modest total, finishing at 7-121 in just 43 overs. Brad Jones was a standout for the Lions, taking 5-58 off 22 overs, but the team’s inability to defend their score proved costly.
As the Lions head into their final round sitting at 13th spot, the urgency to secure a win has never been greater. Costigan emphasized the growth of the team this season, stating, “I’m really proud of them. We’ve been in games for a lot longer,” and expressed confidence that they can turn their fortunes around in the final match.
Looking ahead, the Lions are not only focused on their first XI but also celebrating their second XI’s outright victory, securing a finals spot with one round remaining. Additionally, the club’s fifth XI is set to compete in a grand final this weekend. “It would be good to finish well across the board,” Costigan noted, highlighting the collective effort from younger players across all teams.
With the stakes high, Melton’s final match against Yarraville promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season. The Lions are eager to end on a positive note, and their dedicated coach remains hopeful for both his players and the entire club, expressing, “The whole playing group deserves to win in the final round.”
Fans and supporters are urged to rally behind the Lions as they aim for victory this weekend, marking a significant moment in the club’s journey. The outcome will not only impact the standings but also solidify the progress made this season. Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds!
