Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club is starting to reap the rewards for all of their hard work, claiming their second consecutive victory last Saturday.
Bowling first, the Cats bowlers struggled to find an early break through, but once Kieran Jamieson (2/29) struck, his team-mates followed suit as all six bowlers claimed at least one wicket each to see Casey South Melbourne finish their 50 overs on 9/169.
Despite the loss of Tim Ludeman for a duck, Josh McDonald (61) and Eammon Vines (74*) both showed their ever-growing maturity as they steadied the ship to begin with, before flourishing in a 74-run stand. Although the loss of three quick wickets meant some nervous moments, Tom Treble (16) ensured skipper Vines would see his side home with five wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare.
The Cats have rocketed to ninth place on the ladder, and if they can defeat seventh placed Melbourne University tomorrow, their finals hopes will be well and truly back on track.
The Geelong Cricket Association begins day two of their round-four clash tomorrow, and in the match of the round, North Geelong hold the upper hand over Lara.
The Magpies won the toss and batted first last week, posting an impressive 5/293, a total that will take Lara’s very best efforts to chase down.
Damien Vassilou (100*) was the star with a patient century batting at number four, while veteran Andrew Fergusson leant support with a polished 45.
Lara were best served with the ball by Andy Hughes (2/74), and it will again be Hughes they look to tomorrow, for the star batsman will need to post a big score for his side to be any chance of winning this.
In division two, Highton will be hoping for three quick wickets tomorrow so that they can inflict Bell Parks first defeat of the season.
The Heat could only manage 117 last week, Hayden Murrell (23) top scoring at number nine, while Tim Tattersall and coach Brad Scown both chipped in with 19.
In reply, the Dragons appeared to be in total control at 2/66, but five wickets before stumps left them precariously placed, still needing 16 more runs to win with just the three wickets in hand.
In what will be a tense half hour for both sides, this game could have a few twists and turns before it is decided.
And in division three, Guild Saints posted the reasonably competitive score of 197 against premiership favourite Thomson at Frier Reserve last week.
Daniel Robinson (53*) was the pick of the batters, while veteran clubman Greg Gray (64), up for his first game in the first XI this season, batted at number 10 and shared in an 87-run ninth-wicket stand.
Thomson had 15 overs to bat on day one, doing so without fuss, and knocking 48 runs off the total in the process.
Grant Dew (21*) and Hamish Coulson (27*) will resume tomorrow, and will both be hoping for big scores of their own to ensure the six points go back to Godfrey Street.
