By JIM TIMBERLAKE
A young Geelong Cricket Club first XI got its season off to the perfect start last Saturday, defeating Dandenong in a result sure to inject the club with confidence.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Cats’ mix of experienced campaigners and youth raring to go restricted their hosts to a gettable total of 183.
Jake Reed (2/39) bowled well with the new ball, while Marc Carson, Luke Muller and debutant Chris Williams all snagged a scalp each. Three run-outs didn’t help Danenong.
In reply, Matthew Harrison (51) led from the front in his first game as skipper, receiving good support from James Crosthwaite (28) and Muller (31) as Geelong claimed a three-wicket win.
Tomorrow the Cats take on first-round loser Camberwell Magpies in a one-day match at Kardinia Park in a good chance to consolidate last week’s great start.
In Geelong Cricket Association, a round-two blockbuster has Geelong West taking on South Barwon in a one-day game at West Oval.
The Rams will go into the game on the back of a classic got-out-of- jail win last week when St Joseph’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Batting first, Geelong West could only manage 129 and, with Joeys sitting pretty at 3/98 in reply, all appeared lost.
But the Rams’ bowling depth shone through, with veterans Sam Loftus (2/17) and Damien Vassilou (2/15) snaring two wickets each as St Joseph’s crumbled to all-out for 120.
South Barwon also struggled to make a decent total batting first, scratching together a measly 137 thanks mainly to Brad Hauenstein (40).
Lara chased down the runs with overs to spare, Daniel Wright scoring a well-made 52.
The Swans will be desperate to avoid going 0-2 but their lack of depth might be an issue, while the Rams’ experience should earn the chocolates in this one.
Other selections: Murgheboluc v ST JOSEPH’S, GEELONG CITY v North Geelong, LEOPOLD v Highton. EAST BELMONT v Newtown & Chilwell, LARA v Grovedale.
In division two, Bell Post Hill showed it has taken its demotion from division one in the best possible way, starting the season with a dominant victory over Modewarre last Saturday.
Batting first, the Panthers were in trouble early at 4/29 but Chris Moreland (108) and Chris McIlvenny (71) combined for a 167-run stand to help their side to 7/254 after 50 overs.
Bell Post Hill then followed up with a clinical bowling performance to dismiss Modewarre for 97, McIlvenny (3/10) and Ben Muir (3/32) leading the way.
The Panthers this Saturday take on Torquay, which was unfortunately unable to play last week due to the recent wet spell rendering St Peter’s ground unfit for competition.
The lack of match practice will hurt Torquay, which will struggle to get the points.
Other selections: Guild St Mary’s v THOMSON, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS v Thomson, ST ALBANS BREAKWATER v Waurn Ponds, Modewarre v NEWCOMB & DISTRICT, MARSHALL v St Peters.
In division three, Corio got off to the perfect start last Saturday, claiming the big scalp of powerhouse Meredith in a fine game.
The Rams batted first, with Ty Watts (103) picking up where he left off last season. However, he received virtually no support and Corio’s Sved Razi cashed in, taking 6/22 to leave Meredith all-out for only 179.
In reply, Corio simply got the job done, winning with seven overs to spare, although the fact it won with just two wickets in hand indicates Meredith fought until the death.
Anthony Grace (88 not-out) was the star for Corio, while Matthew Morello (15 not-out) batting at number 10 shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Corio gets the chance to make it two from two tomorrow when its plays Lethbridge, which suffered a bad 73-run loss last week at the hands of Winchelsea.
Corio will start favourites, and should win.
Other selections: WINCHELSEA v Little River, BELL PARK v Meredith, INVERLEIGH v North Shore, TEESDALE v Bannockburn, Shelford Bye.
