By Jim Timberlake
GEELONG Cricket Club is in complete control going into Saturday’s second day of play against Richmond at Kardinia Park.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Cats put in a superb performance, dismissing the visitors for just 87 runs in just under three hours.
Justin McPhee (4/26) and Jake Reed (3/25) were the pick of the bowlers.
With 43 overs still remaining, it was always going to be interesting to see how Geelong fared in the conditions. But the Cats proved the first innings was no fault of the pitch as they cruised to 3/203 at stumps.
English import Khaild Sawas made 81 to continue his good form, while Hayden Butterworth finished on 50 not-out.
The Cats are well-placed to push for an outright tomorrow, the only question will be whether they declare on their overnight score or press on for some quick runs first.
In Geelong Cricket Association, the match of the round looks like being between Lara and St Joseph’s.
Joeys worked their way to second place on the table after an impressive victory over East Belmont last round.
With the addition of some key players creating a more-even side, Joeys appears to have its best chance in a few years of making the finals after being somewhat starved of March action in recent years.
Lara has won two of its five games so far and on paper appears to have all the talent necessary to trouble any side in the competition.
With the likes of Andy and Danny Hughes in the top order and young quick Matthew Richmond leading the attack, this game looks like being a classic.
With a lot to play for, Lara should bounce back in a tight encounter.
Other selections: NEWTOWN & CHILWELL v Geelong West, Leopold v GEELONG CITY, GROVEDALE v Highton, EAST BELMONT v Murgheboluc, SOUTH BARWON v North Geelong.
In division two, the top three teams in St Albans Breakwater, Thomson and Bell Post Hill have been grabbing all the headlines but Manifold Heights and Torquay have been quietly going about their business to find themselves in sixth and seventh spots respectively.
The two sides play each other at Torquay’s Spring Creek Reserve this round in a game that’s crucial to the finals aspirations of both.
Manifold Heights beat Modewarre last week, with Ben Knight and Michael Gill taking the honours in the score book.
The Tigers also tasted success, chasing down Alexander Thompson’s mammoth 241, Luke Slater the hero with a well-compiled 96.
With both sides possessing many genuine match winners, it’s hard to pick a winner but the home-ground advantage might just be enough to see the Tigers home.
Other selections: BELL POST HILL v Guild St Mary’s, Modewarre v ST ALBAN’S BREAKWATER, St Peter’s v NEWCOMB & DISTRICT, THOMSON v Waurn Ponds, MARSHALL v Alexander Thompson.
Shelford takes on Winchelsea in division three in a match that Winchelsea will be desperate to win in order to stay in the top six.
Shelford sits in third place and has looked impressive in its three wins to date. Star brothers Shane and Michael Lymer have led the way with the bat, while Tim Wishart has 13 wickets already this season.
Winchelsea enjoyed a fine victory over ladder leader Bell Park last round, chasing down the Dragons’ 250 with relative ease on the back of a majestic century to Sean Doyle, while Matthew Partridge leant support with 84.
While Shelford sits higher on the ladder, Winchelsea’s victory makes it a solid favourite in this match.
Other selections: Inverleigh v BELL PARK, BANNOCKBURN v North Shore, LITTLE RIVER v Meredith, TEESDALE v Lethbridge, Corio bye.
