Geelong Cricket Club was completely outclassed by Carlton last week in a game that was reduced to a one day fixture after a washout the previous Saturday.
Batting first, Eammon Vines lead from the front with 61 while Hayden Butterworth continued his good form, top scoring with 65.
The Cats declared their innings closed on 8/217 and quickly reduced the Blues to 2/13 but from there they had no joy as a 148-run stand put the game beyond reach, Carlton eventually cruising to a six wicket win.
Geelong now hosts a two-dayer over the next two weeks against Campberwell and will look to show signs of improvement for their own confidence, if nothing else.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, the crucial match between St Joseph’s and Geelong City appears to be balanced slightly in the favour of St Joseph’s after the reigning premier batted first and posted 7/255 from their 85 overs.
Andrew Hodgson stood up with 68 while Adrian McCormack finished things off with a well-made 56 not out.
For City, Luke Inglis made up for the absence of Kent Agg taking 3/62.
St Joseph’s will know that a couple of early wickets, particularly that of Richie Oliver, will go a long way towards winning this game and getting its title defence back on track.
In Division Two, Torquay made a competitive score of 206 last Saturday against Modewarre and will need to make sure it’s enough if it is to stay within reach of the top six.
Luke Adams top scored with 56 batting at number seven after his side fell to 6/104.
For Modewarre, Dane McFarlane was the pick, taking 3/57 from a marathon 21 overs.
Modewarre faced one over to finish the day off and did so without losing a wicket.
Modewarre’s talented batting line-up should win this if it remains patient and bats its overs.
And in division three, Meredith threw away a dream start to let Shelford right back into the game.
The Rams batted first and at 2/104 were well placed, even moving to 4/134, before the wheels really fell off and, in a clutter of wickets, were all out for just 162.
Daniel Maclean was the star for Shelford taking 5/38.
In reply, Shelford had to face five overs on day one and, despite losing a wicket, it would have been satisfied when it finished the day on 1/21, which should give it a huge chance of winning tomorrow.
