VSDCA: Melton posts impressive score against Endeavour Hills

While singing the praises of his star opener, Melton coach Mitch Stephens has highlighted why his side’s maturity is reaching its peak.

Melton’s growth and improvement is there for all to see.

The Lions have four wins to their name already this season and the return of two-day cricket to the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association could mean their best is about to be on display.

On Saturday, they posted 7-282 against a high quality Endeavour Hills outfit but it was the manner they went about their innings which impressed coach Mitch Stephens most.

Opener Ben MacRae was the star of the show as he posted 154 runs from 229 balls — his second highest score in club colours.

MacRae’s teammates batted around him as several players posted scores in the 20s and 30s.

Ben MacRae posted 154. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“He’s been itching to play two-day games, he’s a red ball specialist,” Stephens said.

“He doesn’t even work up a sweat in these types of games, it’s a real credit to his fitness. His innings was brilliant but as a team I thought it showed how far we have come.

“The maturity is starting to come through in the younger guys who have got 30, 40, 50 games under their belt now. They’ve got mature heads in being able to deal with different challenges.

“I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve performed as a group this year. We’re taking it step-by-step and it’s working in our favour.”

Brad Jones will be key in Melton’s bowling effort. Picture: Hamish Blair

Despite the encouraging start to the contest, Stephens knows Endeavour Hills possesses the quality to take the game away from his side if given the opportunity.

A win would give a significant boost to Melton’s finals hopes with just nine points separating fifth placed Hoppers Crossing and Melton on the ladder.

“We’ll just keep doing what we always do — keep things simple and continue bowling the same line,” he said.

“We’ve spoken about the rollercoaster that is two-day cricket in the past few weeks. For us that means staying on top for as long as we can when momentum in on our side.

“When we’re behind we have to hang in there. Partnerships are going to come and it’s about giving ourselves every opportunity to break those.”

Tim O'Brien remains at the crease for Werribee. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In other games involving west teams, Werribee bowled Altona out for 133 led by 3-44 from James Freeman.

The Tigers were 2-38 at stumps with Tim O’Brien unbeaten on 26.

Williamstown stamped its authority against Hoppers Crossing after posting 5-295 from its 80 overs.

Jack Craig (81 runs) continued his brilliant season while James Cook (80) and Fraser Hay (67) also posted half-centuries.

Yarraville has set ladder leader Spotswood 264 for victory after an impressive performance led by Aidan Salvado who posted 79 to take his season tally beyond 606.

Taylors Lakes face an interesting day two against Noble Park after being bowled out for 161 before having the visitors 3-30 at stumps.