JIM TIMBERLAKE
GEELONG Cricket Club could complete only one of two scheduled Twenty20 matches last weekend after rain washed out the entire Sunday fixture.
But on Saturday the Cats enjoyed a morale boosting victory over Melbourne University.
Batting first, Geelong began well, with Josh McDonald (49) and Hayden Butterworth (75) putting on 95 for the first wicket.
Meyrick Buchanan (24), returning for his first game this season, batted at three and helped keep the runs flowing.
Eventually the Cats managed a very healthy 4/175.
In reply, regular wickets meant that Geelong always maintained the upper hand. Jeremy Hart (2/24) was the only multiple wicket taker but all the bowlers did their bit to restrict their hosts to 6/153.
Tomorrow the team heads to Greenvale for one more Twenty20 fixture.
If the Cats can show the same form again they will be in with a big chance.
In Geelong Cricket Association, heavy rain caused the cancellation of the day’s play across all sections and grades last Saturday, meaning all games revert to one-day matches tomorrow.
Generally, the shorter the form of the game, the more chance of a lesser side getting up and causing an upset, so expect to see some underdogs claiming the six points tomorrow.
In division one, a look at the ladder sees East Belmont sitting on top undefeated.
While the Lions have beaten some quality sides of late, skipper Chris Bambury will let his charges know that finals aren’t won before Christmas and much work is still to be done.
Nipping at their heels is Geelong City. The Sharks have enjoyed resurgence this season, although they will know their draw has been kind and they need to claim the scalp of a contender before they get too excited.
They have the opportunity to do just that tomorrow against North Geelong.
Other sides that look likely to be in the mix come March are St Joseph’s and North Geelong. Both haven’t quite recaptured last year’s form but they boast too many good players to be dismissed lightly.
In division two, the ladder is shaping up nicely in what looks like being a very open field.
Four teams sit on five wins and one loss, with Thomson on top due to a superior percentage.
Right behind are St Peter’s, Torquay and Marshall.
All four have looked the goods at various stages, but it’s almost impossible to say who deserves the tag of premiership favourite and, indeed, none of them probably want it.
And finally in division three, Shelford has been the standout side so far, with Lymer brothers Shane and Michael leading their side to the top of the table.
Inverleigh is right there with them, while Meredith and Bannockburn can also lay genuine claims to being considered premiership fancies.
With some games coming up pitting the top few sides against each other, we might see a clear favourite emerge from the pack before Christmas.
