Ben MacRay leads the way in Melton’s fifth straight VSDCA win

A 47 over innings of 22 maidens, 5-14 and four ducks has led Melton to a crucial victory, keeping their finals hopes alive as they head into the pointy end of the season.

A back-to-back century from Melton skipper Ben MacRae has edged his side closer to a finals birth this season after they defeated second-placed Box Hill by 131 runs to jump to ninth spot on the Subbies east-west ladder.

MacRae’s century of 116 off 193 deliveries comes after he scored 154 last round against Endeavour Hills.

His impressive consecutive ton led the Lions to posting a solid total of 210 runs which they defended with ease after bowling Box Hill out for 79.

The Lions were on fire with the ball, bowling 22 maidens from 47.2 overs, taking 5-14 and snaring four ducks in a row from batters six to nine.

Melton’s Dilshan Kanchana captures the wicket of Box Hill’s Hayden Rayner on Saturday at MacPherson Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Melton’s Brad Jones bowling against Box Hill on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Andrew Reid-Dick (3-34 off 12 overs), Brad Jones (2-9 off 12.2 including eight maidens) and Dilshan Kanchana (2-18 off eight overs) were the standout bowlers for the Lions.

Lions coach Mitch Stephens was pleased his side could continue their strong form.

“Definitely good to keep on the winning form,” Stephens said.

“We have been trying to take it one game at a time and we obviously knew Box Hill, being second on the ladder, were going to put up a good fight.

“It was great to see the team performance come together again and Benny’s class coming to the table.”

Melton captain Ben MacRae during the VSDCA Melton v Box Hill cricket match at MacPherson Park in Toolern Vale, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Stephens, who played juniors at the club, agreed that century maker MacRae was flying as he also alluded to how the change in formats was benefiting.

“We said a couple of months back that he had been itching for red ball cricket to come back and something he has worked towards,” he said.

“We have said it all along, it is a credit to his fitness and the way he handles himself off the field.

“He give himself the best time to prepare and his attitude and leadership has been very good this year for this group.”

In the run chase, a big umpiring call in a tight stage of the match saw Box Hill’s number seven Nathan Flinn stumped at the fall of the sixth wicket at 6-43.

Leader photographers were there to capture the moment...

The Lions lost four games in a row before going on a five game win streak.

Stephens put the change in results down to belief and the hard work of his players.

“The relentless training that we did,” he said.

“The boys really put in on the training track and we came up with some new ideas and strategies.

“We knew it was going to click at some stage, it was just about staying in the game as long as we can.

“And building that belief in the group this year, that’s been the real difference as well this year.

“The boys have belief that they are in the game.”

Box Hill’s number four Bradley Yates scored a gritty 47 off 123 balls while wickets kept falling around him.

With the ball, Box Hill’s James Box and Abu Siddiqui both took four wickets each.

Box Hill will take on Bayswater in round 13 and the Lions will play Yarraville.