By JIM TIMBERLAKE
WITH the Sherrins stored away after a long cold winter, hundreds of local cricketers will be dusting off their gear this weekend as cricket returns.
The Geelong Cricket Club starts this season’s campaign in a one day match against Carlton at Kardinia Park.
The Cats boast a similar line up to last year, but the addition of Carl Sandri will provide such much needed class.
The Italian international represented Sydney Thunder in last season’s Big Bash and will add some firepower to the young line up.
Geelong has a history of starting strongly and will be hoping it can continue that record when it takes to the field tomorrow.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, a busy off season has seen many players change their colours, as clubs jockey for position in what looks like being a tightly contested competition.
Newtown and Chilwell have lost a number of stars, including Justin Foss and Cam Alford who have returned to their junior clubs St Josephs and North Geelong respectively. But the Two Blues have added VCA gun Marc Carson as captain to ensure they remain in the mix.
In other moves, Chris Bambury goes from Lara back to East Belmont, replaced by Brad Scown who has moved over from North Geelong. Bell Post Hill has been promoted from Division Two, with Simon Anderson returning from a successful stint at Newcomb District.
St Josephs still looks the team to beat, but won’t have it all its own way.
Division One: Lara v ST JOSEPHS, Geelong City v LEOPOLD, SOUTH BARWON v Murgheboluc, EAST BELMONT v Grovedale, NORTH GEELONG v Geelong West, Bell Post Hill v NEWTOWN & CHILWELL
Division Two: Guild St Marys v TORQUAY, Newcomb & District v ST PETERS, ST ALBANS BREAKWATER v Alexander Thomson, Highton v WAURN PONDS, Modewarre v MARSHALL, THOMSON v Manifold Heights
Division Three: INVERLEIGH v Bell Park, LETHBRIDGE v Meredith, TEESDALE v Corio Bay, WINCHELSEA v Bannockburn, SHELFORD v Corio, Little River Bye
