Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club’s run of wins came to an end last weekend when some old habits reared their ugly head as the side crashed to a 113-run loss.
In pursuit of Fitzroy Doncasters 213, the Cats could only manage 100 runs.
Tom Treble top scored with 22 before being run out in comical fashion, the video footage of which did the rounds on social media.
Asked to bat again, Geelong fared better in its second innings, reaching 2/135 at stumps, with Josh McDonald making a quick fire 62.
With two rounds remaining, coach Andre Borovec will be keen for the group to finish the season well, and their final home game for the season against Greenvale will provide the opportunity for all the players to ensure their winter isn’t one of total regret.
The Geelong Cricket Association’s season continues to build to an exciting climax, and in division one, reigning premier St Joseph’s has roared right back into contention, having already defeated Murgheboluc on day one last Saturday.
The Frogs won the toss and elected to bat at the college oval, but that would have been their last piece of joy for the day as they crashed to be all out for 53 in just 34 overs.
Only two batsmen managed to reach double figures, while for the Joeys, Trent Walerys lead the carnage taking 5/17, while Alex Bowles chipped in with 3/3.
With 51 overs to bat, the Joeys put the foot down to make as many runs as possible by stumps, and while no batsman made over 26, they all did their bit to reach 162.
With outright points beckoning tomorrow, St Joseph’s will be desperate to win on the second innings, but surely Murgheboluc have enough pride to put in a better performance and minimise the damage for themselves on the ladder.
In division two, top side Marshall are engaged in a tense battle with St Peter’s, both sides still hoping to finish atop the table at season’s end.
The Bears batted first, and were well placed at 1/113, with Mitch McCoach returning to form with a well-made 65.
VRS Kedarnath was brought into the attack with immediate success, and went onto claim 6/41 from a marathon 34-over spell.
Shane Skene ensured Marshall finished the day slightly ahead though, his undefeated 36 seeing his side through to 8/227 at stumps.
Both sides will know that the stakes are high tomorrow, and will leave no stone unturned to claim the most important six points of their season.
And in division three, Shelford put Inverleigh in their place, bowling them out for just 150, before cruising to 1/87 at the close of the first day’s play.
Evergreen opening bowler Shane Lymer was the star of the day, taking 4/22 from his 15 overs, while with the bat, opening batsman Luke Turner made a fine 55.
It’s now or never for Inverleigh tomorrow, but it appears the hole they’ve dug for themselves will be too big to climb out of and their finals hopes will be hanging by a thread by the time the game is over.
