Altona was a lucky loser on the opening weekend of the sub-district cricket finals.
The A’s lost their quarter-final to Melton by 30 runs at MacPherson Park but stay alive in the premiership race as the highest-ranked loser.
Michael Allen was the difference between the two sides, scoring a remarkable 120 of Melton’s 198 runs.
The A’s could manage only 168 in reply and will now have to negotiate a way past minor premiers Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows in the semi-finals to reach the season decider.
Yarraville was unceremoniously dumped from the title race by Plenty Valley in a 162-run loss at AK Line Reserve.
The Eagles were bowled out for a mediocre 45 in their pursuit of the Bats’ 207.
