Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has given itself the best possible opportunity of avoiding this season’s wooden spoon with a dominant performance on day one of their clash with Frankston Penninsula.
Bowling first after winning the toss, Geelong were led by a brilliant display of leg spin bowling from Brenton McDonald, the star all-rounder, bagging 6/42 from 22 overs to continue what has been an outstanding season.
With over 360 runs, and 24 wickets for the season, McDonald has been a shining light, and the Cats hierarchy would be wondering where they’d be if they hadn’t secured his services.
So with the hosts bundled out for just 151, Geelong had to bat for 32 overs, a proposition that would have proved tricky at times earlier in the season.
However, a positive mindset from openers Liam Buchanan and skipper Eamonn Vines ensured that no ghosts were to be seen as the pair put on 87 for the first wicket in quick time. While Buchanan fell for 68 off just 64 balls, Vines continued on to be undefeated on 28 at stumps, ably supported by Mark Pettini who finished 13 not out.
When the pair resume at 1/112 tomorrow with victory in sight, the steely resolve that the young group has been working on will come to the fore, and they should cruise to a well-earned and morale-boosting victory.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, the two sides sitting just outside the top six both had good days to keep the intrigue surrounding this season’s finalists on a knife’s edge.
Geelong City batted first against St Josephs at the College Oval and batted all day to post a very competitive 238. Gun import Richie Oliver top-scored with 59 before being unfortunately run out. He had good support though, Cody Irvine making 52, while Stephen Anastsiu chipped in with 49.
Evergreen paceman Trent Walerys was the leading wicket taker for the Joeys with 3/64.
The Sharks will fancy their chances tomorrow, but they will also know St Josephs boast one of the deepest batting line-ups in the caper, and if they are to win, they will have to fight until the end.
Meanwhile, South Barwon ensured their season is far from over, racking up 260 in 81 overs. Luke Ford continued a wonderful season, making 91 in a gutsy three and a half hour stay at the crease, while Phil Lang and Andrew Ross both did their bit with scores in the 40s.
Newtown and Chilwell’s current form would suggest they’ll get nowhere near this, but they are a proud club, and if there is ever a time to stand up and lock in a finals spot, this is it.
In division two, Manifold Heights are staring down the barrel in their ultra important game against ladder leader Bell Park.
The Dragons batted first after winning the toss and immediately stamped their authority with a healthy opening stand, before Sharks skipper Chris Bambury dismissed Jamie Spiller for 25.
While co-opener Luke Turner remained resolute, Bambury continued to chip away in a marathon spell that must surely have put enormous stress on his hernia problem.
In a magnifcent display of patient batting, Turner notched up an even 100 before being stumped, However, Bamburys 6/82 from 38 overs might just have eclipsed him as the best performance of the day.
At stumps, Bell Park went into the sheds satisfied that 267 should be enough, although if Bambury can turn back the clock with the bat as well, anything is possible.
