It was business as usual for the all-conquering North Geelong as it remained unbeaten in Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 with a hard-fought win against a dangerous Lara.
The Magpies successfully chased down Lara’s 6/199 at Zenviron Oval, North Geelong, after a superb all-round bowling performance.
Lara was missing key batters Dan Weigl and Andrew Hughes, but benefitted from another quick start from Vishesh Malhotra, who followed up last week’s double century with a 44-ball 48 while Kaden Marum made 39.
Magpies’ skipper Tom Mathieson was the standout, taking the key wicket of Malhotra and conceding just 12 runs from his 10 overs.
Left-arm spinner Alistair McCann took 1/44 from 10 and Alexander Thomson recruit Angus Cranny returned 1/37 from 10.
North Geelong vice-captain Ned Cooper said it was an impressive outing from his side’s attack, especially after Lara was 0/55 after 10 overs.
“Especially with the start they had, we were really stoked,” he said.
“Even at the start of the game, there wasn’t much in the wicket. It was a little bit slow, but it was flat.
“There wasn’t much for the bowlers at all so we knew if we could keep them to around 200-220, anything under that, we’d back ourselves with the bat to get that.”
Mathieson’s introduction into the attack immediately stemmed the flow of runs with the left-arm seamer bowling his allotted 10 overs without a break. Meanwhile McCann was probing away and paceman Cranny did his job.
“He (Mathieson) wasn’t going for any, so it was a really good time just to squeeze some overs out and get back on top a little bit,” Cooper said.
“And Soup (McCann) does what Soup does, and Gus (Cranny) was pretty massive. I think he bowled 10 in a row to finish the game.”
In the absence of Adam Costello, Dale Kerr was promoted to opener for North’s run chase. Kerr (18) and Cooper (41) rekindled their Anglesea days with a 42-run stand, but at 3/80, the game was still anyone’s.
Philip Visser and Connor Hangan then each made 58 and shared a 110-run partnership to take the game away from the Cats.
“They batted really well together,” Cooper said.
“They’re both pretty naturally attacking so they ticked the scoreboard over, which puts a bit of pressure back on the bowling side.
“I know they both missed out in round one and were pretty keen to get amongst it. They got their 50s and probably were a bit unselfish going for the whack at the end when they could have just got a little greedy.
“But they pretty much got us home. He (Visser) didn’t have to go run-a-ball from the get-go. He could ease his way into his innings…he’s one of the best bets in the competition.”
The attention now turns to two-day cricket and Cooper said the squad was looking forward to the longer format with a clash against St Joseph’s.
“It’s good to start with the one-dayers, but obviously the finals are two days and that’s what everyone, or in our side anyway, enjoys playing,” he said.
“Joeys have started the season pretty well for a win and then a tight loss and we always have some good matches against them so we’re keen to get to their ground and start a two-day season.”
BILLY Ford and James Stokes spearheaded St Peters to victory against St Joseph’s. Ford made a superb 112 not out and was helped by Brad McMaster (53) while seamer Ryan Simmonds (4/34) did his bit for Joeys. Joeys were all out for 230, but not before a 118-ball 116 from skipper Andrew Casey.
EAST Belmont’s top order was consistent with James Lidgett (82) and Shane McNamara (63) contributing to a score of 3/251 against Grovedale. Spinner James McMahon then took 5/33 to have the Tigers 9/230 at the close of play with Jack Wrigglesworth (59) top scoring.
HARRY Hauenstein showed ominous signs of a bumper season with a magnificent innings to guide South Barwon home in a big run chase. Earlier, Newtown & Chilwell posted 9/253 with Michael Grohmann (62) and Dylan Hodge (57) both scoring near a run-a-ball half-centuries. Swans’ skipper Nick Butters took 4/37. Hauenstein then followed up last week’s knock of 72 with an unbeaten 111, helped by Sam Ellis’ 59.
