Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Despite a cold and wet spring so far, cricketers across the region will be returning to the field this weekend, with hopes that a fresh start can eventually lead them to premiership glory in the not too distant future.
The Geelong Cricket Club kicks off it’s campaign against Northcote in a one dayer at Kardinia Park tomorrow. The Cats will be keen to unveil their high profile new recruit Tim Ludeman. The former South Australian wicket keeper bastman believes a fresh start will help reinvigorate his career after being cut by the SACA and the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash franchise.
Originally from Warrnambool, Ludeman will look to use some good form for Geelong to springboard back into state calculations, as well as a second chance in the Big Bash.
Add to that the signing of English batsman Josh Cobb from Northamptonshire, and the Cats have the nucleus of a much stronger side. And with another year of development into their young guns, the coming season holds much promise for the Geelong Cricket Club.
The Geelong Cricket Association also resumes, and after an off-season of restructuring, its a chance for all clubs to find their feet and kick off their campaigns in whatever division they find themselves.
Division One has dropped two clubs to become a 10-club division, while Division Two and Three will both run with eight. That leaves the clubs without turf facilities to compete in the Hardwicket competition, these clubs being mainly the country clubs.
Not all clubs were happy with the restructuring, so much so that Little River, Inverleigh and Winchelsea chose to break away from the GCA and join the Bellarine Cricket Association.
Not only has there been huge changes to where clubs find themselves, but also a multitude of player movements around town, with some high profile transfers taking place.
Reigning Division One premier Grovedale continues to go from strength to strength, adding talented South Barwon duo Luke Ford and Anthony Quarrell to their list. Both additions will see the Tigers once again start favourites. St Joseph’s will look to regroup after their narrow grand final loss, the addition of Rhys Burke from Bell Post Hill should help to alleviate the loss of Francis Gill and Trent Walerys to retirement.
East Belmont have recruited Hawthorn keeper batsman Lochy Inglis and English fast bowler Alex Willerton, while North Geelong welcome a new coach to Osborne Park with Nathan Fitzpatrick taking the reigns after moving from Bendigo.
With only 10 teams, and a final four only to compete in the finals, every game will be crucial and should make for some tight and exciting cricket.
Bell Post Hill and St Peter’s were the two clubs to drop down to Division Two, while Thomson were probably the most unlucky club, dropping to the new Division Three after competing in last seasons preliminary final. Hardwicket draws are close to being finalised after a tight deadline for clubs to nominate for affiliation.
Selections:
Div 1 Murgheboluc v NORTH GEELONG, South Barwon v NEWTOWN & CHILWELL, Geelong City v ST JOSEPH’S, East Belmont v GROVEDALE, LEOPOLD v Lara
Div 2 BELL PARK v St Peter’s, HIGHTON v Manifold Heights, NEWCOMB & DISTRICT v Marshall, Torquay v BELL POST HILL
Div 3 Alexander Thomson v GUILD SAINTS, THOMSON v Geelong West, St Albans Breakwater v MODEWARRE, Waurn Ponds v CORIO
