By JIM TIMBERLAKE
It was the case of New Year New Me for the Geelong Cricket Club last Saturday with the clubs First XI enjoying a commanding victory over St Kilda at the Harry Trott Oval.
Batting first, things didn’t go all their way, slumping to 2/23 and then 5/48 not long after.
However, Liam Buchanan (55) showed why he is such a valued player in the side, stepping up with a fine half century, while youngster Matthew Gunther (36) showed some grit and Luke Muller (21*) helped push the sides total to 9/197.
Still, with only a modest total to defend, the job was only half done.
Debutant Nathan Alexander (2/19) struck early and showed some promise, but it was Joel Davies (3/13), returning from injury, that was the star bowling ten tight overs to put the Cats right on top.
Justin McPhee (2/34) tightened the screws, as eventually Geelong enjoyed a morale boosting 82 run win.
They will look to continue their winning form over the nest two Saturdays at home against Melbourne University.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, just four rounds remain before finals, and the race to see who will earn the right to contest them is wide open.
In division one, the most important game in this final round of one day games will be played at Richmond Crescent between Geelong City and Lara.
Lara have proved to be one of the surprise packets of the season thus far, winning 6 of their 8 games to sit in third place on the ladder.
City on the other hand have had mixed results, and find themselves just outside the top six.
One of the criticisms of City over recent years has been their reliance on too much from too few. If they want to play finals this year, they need a real team performance here.
But winning form is good form, and with the chance to wrap up a spot in the finals, Lara should be too strong.
South Barwon v BELL POST HILL, Leopold v ST JOSEPHS, Newtown & Chilwell v NORTH GEELONG, EAST BELMONT v Murghboluc, GROVEDALE v Geelong West.
In division two, Newcomb & District, Manifold Heights and Bell Park all sit just outside the top six on 21 points, nipping at the heels of Modewarre on 30 and Thomson on 31.
Modewarre and Thomson at least have their destiny in their own hands and if they can continue to win, anything the chasing pack do will be in vain.
Therefore, the most crucial game this week is between Manifold Heights and Thomson. With so much to play for, this game will be on for young and old, and the result may well depend on whether the good Thomson turns up or the bad one.
Modewarre v ST PETERS, Highton v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER, Alexander Thomson v BELL PARK, Manifold Heights v THOMSON, MARSHALL v Waurn Ponds, Torquay v NEWCOMB & DISTRICT.
And in division three, just 12 points separates 3rd place on the ladder from 10th.
Inverleigh are in seventh position and they take on Meredith who are ninth, meaning it’s almost curtains for the loser. Both sides have plenty of talent, but for whatever reason haven’t been able to put their best form together often enough to string some wins together. Failure to do so here will prove a disaster.
Winchelsea v SHELFORD, BANNOCKBURN v Little River, Corio Bay v TEESDALE, Inverleigh v MEREDITH, Guild St Marys v LETHBRIDGE, Corio Bye.
