That match was a virtual elimination final with the winner guaranteed a finals berth, but Melville was bowled out for 300 in pursuit of the Lions’ day one score of 9-305.
Melville appeared well placed at 2-117 before skipper Tom Scollay (70) was bowled by Christopher Hansberry (4-75), sparking a collapse that saw the Storm lose five wickets for the addition of just 70.
Batting at seven, Matthew Bowdler made a brave 61 with support from Matt Wiley (30).
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Missing State duo Adam Voges and Ryan Dufflied, Melville continued to fight hard late into the day with number nine Mark Turner (40) and 10 Tom Kerr-Sheppard (28) carrying the Storm to the brink of a nail-biting win before Hansberry returned to dismiss both men, stranding the visitors just short of their target.
The result means Melville falls to seventh on the First Grade ladder, nine points behind sixth-placed Subiaco Floreat with one round to play.
Unfortunately for the Storm, the final round is a one-day fixture against Scarborough with just six points up for grabs.