By JIM TIMBERLAKE
Geelong Cricket Club’s season hit a new low on the weekend’s T20 double header with the side snatching defeat from the jaws of victory on Saturday before almost redeeming itself on Sunday only to blow it yet again.
At Dandenong on Saturday, the Cats looked set for victory when they reached 0/42 in pursuit of their target of 93.
Not even their harshest critics would have predicted a loss from there but, alas, they somehow managed to bat their overs out without passing their host’s score to finish on 5/87, a truly astonishing result.
And again on Sunday, attempting to run down Frankston Peninsula’s 3/152, the top order set things up nicely to be 2/85 at the half way point before the inevitable collapse saw it dismissed for 119 with two overs to spare.
While finals are now off the agenda, coach Andre Borovec will be looking to see who wants to step up, show a bit of ticker and take the bull by the horns against perennial powerhouse Melbourne at the famous Albert Ground over the next two Saturdays.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, South Barwon flexed its muscle last week in its game against Geelong West, having already secured first innings points.
Import Dhanuja Nandana (3/27) was the pick of the Swans’ bowlers, although his side didn’t have it all its own way early on as the Rams began steadily, getting to 2/60 before the wheels fell off.
A middle order collapse saw West all out for just 126, veteran Brad Hauenstein (3/23) cashing in late.
In reply, opener Kyle Bienefeldt (77) took it upon himself to ensure his side moved past its target before stumps, the Swans finishing on 3/136.
They will press for outright points tomorrow and if they can achieve it they will open up a very nice gap at the top of the table.
In division two, the clash of the cellar dwellers Waurn Ponds and Alexander Thomson looks to be balanced very much in the Vikings’ favour after they plundered 9/290.
While Waurn Ponds bowlers toiled manfully, skipper Brendan Forssman (96) and in-form lower order bat Tom Stewart (91) played shots to all parts in a fine display of batting.
Stewart will be keen to get the new ball in his hand tomorrow and get a few early wickets to make sure his side has a morale boosting win.
And in division three, Shelford looked like good things half way through day one, dismissing Corio for just 105 on the back of veteran Michael Lymer’s 4/28.
And at 1/45 in reply, it was the Bullants game for the taking before an amazing spell of bowling by Brett Nolan (5/27) saw Shelford crash to 90 all out.
It’s anyone’s guess how this game will pan out tomorrow, but both sides will be keen to get on the front foot to ensure a favourable outcome.
