Cricket: Cats seek redemption after first-up stumble

GEELONG Cricket Club started its premier league season poorly last Saturday, going down to Carlton in a one-day game at Kardinia Park.
Batting first, the Cats started brightly with openers Matthew Harrison (40) and Eamonn Vines (22) putting on 67 for the first wicket.
But a middle-order collapse saw the home team fall to 4/77.
Carl Sandri (22) and Dom McGlinchley (20) did their best to resurect the innings but a steady flow of wickets had Geelong dismissed for just 147.
In reply, the Blues lost an early wicket when Corey Ogle struck but from then on Geelong lacked penetration and was passed four down.
This weekend, the Cats head up the highway to take on Camberwell Magpies, which also lost last week, making this a crucial early-season encounter for both teams.
In Geelong Cricket Association, newly promoted Bell Post Hill enjoyed a first-up win against Newtwon & Chilwell and will relish the opportunity to test itself against reigning premier St Joseph’s on Saturday.
For the Panthers, Northern Territory Country regular John Flynn (64) anchored the innings at number three, while Matthew Sampson-Barnes (77 not-out) also looked dangerous as their side racked up 214.
In reply, the Two Blues struggled early falling to 3/44 until Tim Hosking (39) and captain Marc Carson (29) steadied the ship with a 72-run stand.
But when Gerard Brady (2/9) removed them both, Bell Post Hill strolled through to a 28-run victory.
St Joseph’s will prove a much sterner test, with all-rounder Justin Foss starring last week, making a hard-hitting century before claiming four wickets in his side’s big win over Lara
While Bell Post Hill looks like being competitive this year, Joeys should prove too strong.
Selections: LEOPOLD v Lara, Murgheboluc v GEELONG CITY, Grovedale v SOUTH BARWON, Geelong West v EAST BELMONT, Newtown & Chilwell v NORTH GEELONG.
In division two, first-round winners Marshall and Highton meet tomorrow in what looks like being a tight contest.
Highton defeated Waurn Ponds last week, with Stephen Box (44) top scoring, while Greg Malone (3/26) led the way with the ball.
For Marshall, English import Coner Harvey showed he has what it takes to help Marshall take the next step this season.
The all-rounder made 32 before taking 2/13 with the new ball in the Bears’ win over Modewarre.
This will be a close game but Highton’s experience in division one last year may make it slightly more equipped to win.
Selections: Torquay v THOMSON, ST PETER’S v Guild St Mary’s, Alexander Thomson v NEWCOMB & DISTRICT, Waurn Ponds v ST ALBAN’S BREAKWATER, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS v Modewarre.
In an early season blockbuster, Inverleigh takes on Meredith in the division three match of the day.
Both teams enjoyed solid victories in round one and will be looking to take not only the six points but premiership favouritism as well.
Jason Murray will be a huge pick-up for Meredith, while for Inverleigh David Peel looks in ominous form after a fine century last week.
In a game that will go down to the wire, Meredith might just be too good here.
Selections: BELL PARK v Little River, Corio Bay v LETHBRIDGE, BANNOCKBURN v Teesdale, Corio v WINCHELSEA, Shelford Bye