By JIM TIMBERLAKE
GEELONG Cricket Club kicked off the new year in sensational fashion last Saturday, taking first innings points on day one of their two-day match against Greenvale Kangaroos.
Bowling first, the Cats struck early through Jake Reed (6/37), the paceman single handedly reducing the hosts to 4/18 in no time.
The Kangaroos staged a mini revival, but only a 48-run partnership for the 10th wicket saved them from total embarrassment, eventually being all out for 120.
Reed’s performance will surely thrust his name in front of state selectors.
With 46 overs still to play, Geelong cruised to 5/239 on the back of half centuries to Eamonn Vines (57) and Matthew Harrison (54).
With outright points looking a real chance when play resumes tomorrow, the Cats can really set up the second half of their season with a ruthless performance.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, Geelong West has jumped right back into the mix, with a resounding win over East Belmont last week seeing them claw their way back into the top six.
The Rams were staring down the barrel when the Lions cruised to 0/118 with Matt Lineker (66) and returning veteran Andrew Baars (52) looking in total control.
But in a remarkable turnaround, spinner Matt Slater (5/40), who has not enjoyed much success against East Belmont in recent seasons, stood up just when his team needed him most to rip through the Lion’s middle order and dismiss them for just 188.
East needed early wickets, and at 2/42, the game was evenly poised. But the class of Mike Chapple (81 not out) and Damien Vassillou (62) shone through, as the Rams cruised to a memorable seven wicket victory.
Tomorrow, with all the one day fixtures done for the year, West face an even tougher challenge taking on ladder leader North Geelong, with a red hot Jacob Thorne coming off his third century of the season.
This will be a massive game for the Rams, but it’s too hard to go past North Geelong’s form.
Highton v ST JOSEPHS, NEWTOWN & CHILWELL v Murgheboluc, GROVEDALE v Geelong City, SOUTH BARWON v Leopold, Lara v EAST BELMONT
Just when it looks like the division two ladder is starting to sort itself out, a couple of upsets throws it all back up in the air.
St Albans Breakwater enjoyed a fine victory over previous ladder leader Thomson last Saturday, while Marshall also won a game many thought was beyond them, upsetting Modewarre to remain in fifth spot on the table.
With just four games remaining for the home and away season, every game becomes like a mini final for those sides fighting it out in the middle of the table, with no game more important this round than the clash between Marshall and sixth placed Torquay.
Both sides have players in good form with Mitch McCoach scoring over 300 runs for the Bears, while for Torquay, Tom Dunn has well over 200 of his own.
But it’s Marshall’s even spread of bowlers that look to hold the edge on paper, indicating the Bears will retain their spot in the top six, for now.
WAURN PONDS v Guild St Marys, NEWCOMB & DISTRICT v Alexander Thomson, BELL POST HILL v Manifold Heights, St Peters v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER, THOMSON v Modewarre.
The division three ladder is even tighter, with any number of clubs capable of finishing as high as second and as low as tenth.
To illustrate the closeness of the competition, Lethbridge are currently in ninth spot, 11 points adrift of sixth placed Winchelsea, but they take on North Shore this round who have already lost three games outright, and will be a big chance of doing so again in this one.
In a fixture where only some clubs play the lowly teams in two-day games where maximum points are up for grabs, it’s a shame to think your season can depend on the luck of the draw six months ago.
Having said that, if you’re good enough, you’ll make it.
Meredith v WINCHELSEA, SHELFORD v Corio, Bannockburn v BELL PARK, Little River v INVERLEIGH, Teesdale bye.
