North Geelong and Newtown & Chilwell will contest this season’s Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 premiership with both sides in top form.
North Geelong won the qualifying final two weeks ago, but the Two Blues stormed into the grand final with one of the most complete performances imaginable.
Young quick Noah Guida took 8/20, including a hat-trick, to have Grovedale in the sheds for 72.
Newtown & Chilwell skipper Dylan Hodge said it was a stunning performance that might not have happened. He was one over from giving Guida a spell.
“There was a left-hander still there, so it was like I’ll keep him going a bit longer and see how it goes,” he said.
“He’s fit. He proved that (the week before). Probably if he didn’t bowl so many overs last week (he might have been taken off, but) he proved his fitness and then a hat-trick later. Good luck getting dragged after that.”
After several dropped chances in the qualifying final, the Two Blues held their catches in the prelim.
“It makes a difference,” Hodge said.
“Ned Cooper last week, we dropped him first ball and he went on to make 130 and I think last week we dropped five or six catches, so everything went our way on Saturday, which is good, but catching is a pretty good start.”
Hodge said not having the ‘top team’ advantage was not really a factor given 200 overs are scheduled for the match.
“We found the last two weeks with so many overs in the game, it levels out the playing field,” he said.
“I think we just take confidence that we beat them twice throughout the year. They got the upper hand on us last week in the first final. I think it’s poised to be a very good battle.”
North Geelong captain Tom Mathieson said direct passage to the grand final and the weekend off helped his side, particularly his pace bowlers.
“Dale (Kerr) and myself have probably been bowling 20 overs pretty much every single week so to physically and mentally have the week off was good for us,” he said.
The qualifying final win means North Geelong replaced Newtown & Chilwell as the top ranked side and only needs to draw to claim yet another flag.
Mathieson said North Geelong’s extensive grand final experience was only the slightest of advantages.
“Maybe at the very start of the game your nerves will take place, but I think once you’re involved in the battle, it’s just another game of cricket,” he said.
“It’s who can settle themselves the most and just realise it’s just another game of cricket. You’re going to go through your pressure moments, it’s who can take control of them, I reckon.”
Mathieson said the Two Blues’ prelim final win would give his opponents confidence.
“They had an absolute day out, by the looks of it, with the ball,” he said.
“Obviously Guido’s (Guida) had one of the best finals you’ll see in a long time. I think they’re very similar to us – really strong with the bat and they play an attacking game of cricket and they’re not afraid to take some risks to get going.
“Bowling wise they’re a little bit different to us, but it obviously works well for them to finish top of the ladder.”
Undefeated Lara takes on Murgheboluc in the Division 2 grand final. Jason Grozdanovski took 11 wickets and made 74 as the Frogs defeated Bell Park in the prelim. Grozdanovski has taken 48 wickets and made 392 runs for the season. Andrew Hughes (550 runs) and Robert Sodomaco (480) have had great seasons for the Cats while George Blatherwick (29 wickets) and Mitchel Hayward (24) have done well with the ball.
Thomson and Marshall meet in the Division 3 decider with both sides batting deep. Seb Dew (448 runs) and Seaver Cowley (364) have contributed heavily for the Tigers while Philip Lang (546 runs) and Lachie Cameron (412) have played well for the Bears. Wily veteran Brad Greenwood (30 wickets) has given nothing away with the ball for Marshall and Cowley (27) is one of the comp’s best all-rounders.
It’s a Golden Plains derby in Division 4 between Meredith and Lethbridge. Harli Givvens has made 760 runs and taken 25 wickets for the Rams while Shane Dillon (679 and 30) and Tom Saunders (632 and 20) have been superb for the Rosellas.
GCA GRAND FINALS
Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30
Division 1
North Geelong vs Newtown & Chilwell at Reynolds Oval, South Barwon Reserve at 11am
Division 2
Lara vs Murgheboluc at Bisinella Oval, Lara at 11am
Division 3
Thomson vs Marshall at Lawn Addicts Oval, South Barwon Reserve at 11.45am
Saturday March 29
Division 4
Meredith vs Lethbridge at Grinter Reserve, Newcomb at 11.15am
