Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club is well placed to go into the Christmas break with a win under their belt, after knocking up an impressive 312 last Saturday against Monash Tigers.
After winning the toss and batting, Mitch Reid (67) and Tom Treble (46) put on an even 100 for the first wicket before Treble was unfortunately run out just short of a well-deserved half century.
Eamonn Vines (67) and Dom McGlinchey (44) ensured that the middle order capitalised on the good start, although the last four wickets falling for just eight runs wasn’t ideal.
With four overs left remaining to finish day one, the side had the opportunity to snare a couple of late wickets, but weren’t able to and conceded 22 runs.
A disciplined bowling performance tomorrow should be enough to see the side go into Christmas on a positive note, but a lot of hard work will be needed first.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, East Belmont appears to be slightly in front in their game against top-placed North Geelong, although the Magpies scrapped hard to ensure a competitive total of 205 was posted.
David Lineen (3/36) returned to his best form early, crashing through the top order, before Chris Williams (6/58) went to work on the middle and lower orders. The star leg spinner is putting together an impressive season so far, with 21 wickets already.
For North Geelong, Braden Szponar (53) showed some fight, while coach Nathan Fitzgerald (35) helped nurse the tail enders to ensure a decent score at stumps.
The Lions top order will be the key tomorrow, if their openers Sean O’Neill and Andrew Baars can continue their good form, then a win should be on the cards, but North Geelong are too strong and proud to just roll over, and will fight all day in what should be a close game.
In division two, St Peters won an absolute thriller against a gallant Newcomb and District last week.
The Saints batted first and, while they didn’t have it all their own way, were able to post a healthy 198 after their 50 overs, with Mitchell Jepson (48) top scoring and Shane Fowles (41) doing his bit.
The Dinos looked good in their run chase, with Blake Ritchie (46) attacking the target with a positive vibe, but in the end it came down to the final over, and with three balls remaining and three runs needed, Pranav Barot (28) was cruelly run out to see St Peters win by the barest of margins and keep their premiership hopes well and truly alive.
Tomorrow sees a round of one-day games in this division before the Christmas break.
St Peters v HIGHTON, BELL PARK v Manifold Heights, Bell Post Hill v MARSHALL, TORQUAY v Newcomb and District
And in division three, St Albans Breakwater missed a golden opportunity to cement themselves in the top four, losing from an almost unlosable position to Alexander Thomson.
The Saints batted first and made 191, in what should have been a winning score, particularly when the Vikings were reduced to 3/12, and not long after 5/47.
But Alexander Thomson batsmen Michael Cox (65), Jay Dunstan(65no), and a gutsy 30 not out from number 10 Harrison Whyte, all batted well to ensure a remarkable win kept their season hopes alive.
Tomorrow’s round of one day games takes on extra importance now, for all sides in division three.
Alexander Thomson v THOMSON, Guild Saints v GEELONG WEST, Corio v MODEWARRE, Waurn Ponds-Deakin v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER
