By Justin Flynn
Despite a second consecutive century from English import George Rhodes, Newtown & Chilwell was defeated by Grovedale in a high-scoring GCA 1sts encounter at Burdoo Recreation Reserve.
Rhodes, who played 34 first-class games in English County cricket, compiled a masterful 103 from just 86 deliveries as the Two Blues set a target of 260 for victory.
Openers Isaac Hogan (29) and Pat McKenna (42) set the tone with a 55-run opening stand and recruit Chay Dreary made 38.
Clinton Ford and Jack Wrigglesworth each took four wickets for Grovedale.
Grovedale chased the runs down with six wickets and five balls to spare thanks largely to a superb 124 not out from 132 deliveries by Michael McNeel.
Wrigglesworth completed a fine individual game, making an unbeaten 55 from 53.
Lara defeated Highton, but not before some anxious moments late in the game.
Highton made 166 all out with James Gillard (41) and Jack Cook (32) getting starts, but three wickets each from Robert Pehar and Daniel Weigl put the brakes on the innings.
In reply, Lara got the runs with nine balls and two wickets left.
Casey Young’s 42 not out from 100 deliveries was important as was Weigl’s 33 from 43.
Nash Viney (3/34) and Nathan McCoach (3/33) tried valiantly for Grovedale.
Ned Cooper again spearheaded North Geelong to the six points.
Left-hand opener Cooper made 59 against East Belmont to go with his century in round one.
North Geelong chased down East Belmont’s 170 all out of which Will Hiser contributed 46.
But an 80-run stand between Cooper and Curtly Balshaw (32) set up the win for the Magpies.
South Barwon and St Joseph’s had to share the points with South Barwon Reserve still unfit for play.
