A MAGNIFICENT and timely century from skipper Matthew Harrison has given Geelong Cricket Club a huge chance of claiming its second victory for the season.
Although Tom Treble (43) and Hayden Butterworth (47) had given the Cats a decent start, at 4/76 things were looking a little familiar.
But Harrison turned the tide, digging deep to make 127 not-out in over four hours at the crease.
He received good support from Cory Ogle (48) batting at nine to see Geelong finish day one all-out for 333.
If the Geelong bowlers show the same determination as their skipper they should be able to defend this total.
In Geelong Cricket Association, a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash between East Belmont and North Geelong awaits in the division one match of the round.
East Belmont goes into the game undefeated on the back of some solid batting form from Matt Lineker and Mark Hanley, both registering centuries in the first few matches.
Ben Knight, who crossed from Manifold Heights in the off-season, has fitted in nicely, showing a good mix of aggression and control with the new ball.
North Geelong has also been in ominous form, dismantling St Joseph’s last game to gain some revenge for last year’s semi-final defeat.
Star batsman Jake Thorne already has some decent scores under his belt, while Lethbridge recruit Shane Dillon top-scored last week with 86.
Cam Alford’s return to Osborne Park has also been critical to the side’s success, with the tall fast-bowler taking 12 wickets in the first four games.
Both these sides possess plenty of talent with the bat and rely on big scores to build pressure, so the team that can get on top with the ball will be the likely victor.
Selections: LARA v Geelong West, ST JOSEPH’S v Murgheboluc, GEELONG CITY v Newtown & Chilwell, Leopold v GROVEDALE, SOUTH BARWON v Bell Post Hill, EAST BELMONT v North Geelong.
In division two, local rivals Thomson and St Alban’s Breakwater will lock horns in a game both sides will be keen to win to ensure they stay ahead of the pack and not get stuck in the logjam at the middle of the ladder.
The Tigers suffered their first loss for the season last week, going down to Highton after only scoring 131 on day one.
Recruit James Menzies did his bit, taking 3/49 from 20 overs, but he and his bowling line-up simply didn’t have enough runs on the board.
St Alban’s Breakwater on the other hand enjoyed a solid victory, beating Manifold Heights by an even 100 runs after posting 173.
Chris Hester (3/9) had the pick of the figures but Justin Miller (2/20) set things up early.
Thomson appears to have the upper hand on paper with a stronger batting order but they will need to be switched on to avoid another defeat.
Selections: Guild St Mary’s v MARSHALL, TORQUAY v Alexander Thomson, Newcomb & District v MANIFOLD HEIGHTS, ST PETER’S v Waurn Ponds, St Alban’s Breakwater v THOMSON, HIGHTON v Modewarre.
The division-three ladder is quickly becoming a tale of two halves, with the top six beginning to break away from the bottom six.
Bell Park, in seventh position, takes on eighth placed Corio Bay this round in what shapes as a mini final because the loser will probably end up too far back to play finals in March.
Ashlee Carter has been the Dragons’ best player so far this season, while, for the Cobras, Johnnie Knight is taking wickets as well as making runs.
The side that can get contributions from all its players will get the points here and keep its season alive.
Selections: INVERLEIGH v Corio, Bell Park v CORIO BAY, Meredith v BANNOCKBURN, TEESDALE v Little River, Winchelsea v SHELFORD, Lethbridge bye.
