Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has slipped out of the top eight after going down to Fitzroy Doncaster last weekend, in a one-day game following the previous week washout.
The Cats batted first and started brightly, Tim Ludeman making a brisk 52 from 67 balls, while skipper Eamonn Vines continued his incredible form, top scoring with 62. Brenton McDonald (25) and Dom McGlinchey (21) finished off the innings well, seeing the side to a competitive 7/201.
In reply, the Geelong bowling attack struggled to find real penetration, and – despite a tidy 2/30 from 10 overs by Luke Muller – the team was unable to defend their target.
The next two weekends, weather permitting, will finally see the first red ball game of the season, as Geelong host the Monash Tigers, who sit just below them on the ladder. Both sides will know a win heading into the Christmas break will be crucial to their finals chances, and a tight struggle should ensue.
The Geelong Cricket Association has one remaining game before the Christmas break, with a two day game scheduled over the next two Saturdays.
In Division One, a mouth watering top of the table clash between North Geelong and East Belmont is set to be played at Osborne Park, with both sides in amazing form.
The Magpies have taken all before them so far this season, and are yet to lose a game thanks to their bevy of stars. With the likes of Andrew Fergusson and Damien Vassilou racking up some big scores, while their bowling attack, led by coach Nathan Fitzgerald, Tom Mathieson and Shaun Kingwell has not put a foot wrong.
East Belmont though have been equally as impressive. Despite dropping one game to Lara, their form has been impeccable, and they will be setting themselves to make a statement here.
The form of opening batsmen Sean O’Neill has been incredible, with two centuries and a 97 to his name already. Add to that the return to form of Matthew Lineker last week, and the Lions batting order looks primed to make a big score. Their bowling though may be slightly underdone, David Lineen returned from injury last week, and will definitely be the better for the run, while fast bowler Alex Willerton is making slow and steady progress from a side strain.
This will be a top class game of local cricket, but with the Magpies bowling stocks looking slightly fitter, they deserve to start to very narrow favourites.
South Barwon v GEELONG CITY, GROVEDALE v St Joseph’s, LAA v Murgheboluc, NORTH GEELONG v East Belmont, Newtown and Chilwell v LEOPOLD.
In division two, the top four is starting to break away from the bottom four, and with St Peter’s precariously placed in fifth spot on the ladder, their game against bottom placed Newcomb and District is one they simply must win if they are to stay in touch.
The Saints’ form has been patchy, although a win against Manifold Heights last round ensured they kept their finals hopes alive.
Stephen Illingworth continues to defy Father Time, the star all-rounder taking 3/19 as the Saints restricted the Sharks to just 159, before backing up with 61 not out as he led his side to a dominant eight-wicket win.
Newcomb and District has struggled so far this season, but a win isn’t far away, meaning St Peter’s will need to be at their best here.
Newcomb and District v ST PETER’S, Highton v BELL PARK, Manifold Heights v BELL POST HILL, MARSHALL v Torquay.
And in division three, St Albans Breakwater, which currently sits in fourth position, has a massive chance to consolidate a finals spot when it plays fifth-placed Alexander Thomson.
The Vikings have struggled to regain the form that saw them storm into last year’s finals, and if they can’t find it here, it will almost be curtains for 2017/18.
ST ALBANS BREAKWATER v Alexander Thomson, THOMSON v Guild Saints, GEELONG WEST v Corio, MODEWARRE v Waurn Ponds-Deakin.
