By JIM TIMBERLAKE
GEELONG Cricket Club put in some solid performances in last weekend’s double-header to give the playing group some much-needed confidence that it can match it with the best.
On Saturday, chasing Casey South Melbourne’s 4/217, things looked grim as the top order crumbled to 3/29.
But when former Test player Andrew McDonald, playing his first game for the club, strode to the crease, things settled down a bit.
So much so that after some brilliant support from Liam Buchanan with 80 not out, McDonald smashed a fine unbeaten century to guide the Cats to their first win of the season.
Backing up on Sunday against Ringwood at home, skipper Eamonn Vines top scored with a well-made 74 in his side’s total of 231 from 50 overs.
In reply, a tense struggle ensued but, unfortunately for the hosts, Ringwood was able to sneak home with two wickets in hand in the last over.
Tomorrow Geelong travel to Northcote in a game it must win to capitalise on some good momentum and keep its finals hopes in check.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, fans of top-class batting would be well advised to head down to Winter Reserve tomorrow as two of the best players in the league go head-to-head.
Star Englishmen Matt Lineker and Richard Oliver will take to the field for East Belmont and Geelong City respectively, and both will be aiming to guide their side to their second victory from as many starts this season.
Lineker starred for the Lions last week against Lara, firstly with the ball taking 4/27 in the Cats’ innings of 185, before smashing a dominant 117 not out to lead his side to an eight-wicket win.
Meanwhile at Richmond Crescent, City took on Newtwon and Chilwell, with the Sharks restricting the visitors to just 129, Mark Worthington the pick of the bowlers with 4/25.
In reply, Oliver did what he does best, peeling off an effortless 68 not out.
Having said all that, both sides boast plenty of other good players but on paper the Lions appear to have a slight edge.
LEOPOLD v Murgheboluc, Newtown and Chilwell v SOUTH BARWON, GROVEDALE v Lara, ST JOSEPHS v Bell Post Hill, Geelong West v NORTH GEELONG.
In division two, St Albans Breakwater hosts St Peters in a game that could see the winner claim early season premiership favouritism.
Both sides enjoyed first up wins last week, St Albans Breakwater registering a 33 run win over local rival Thomson, while St Peters thrashed Torquay after Sam Bourke took 4/20.
The class that St Albans Breakwater has added over the off season should be enough to see them win this one.
HIGHTON v Waurn Ponds, Manifold Heights v MODEWARRE, MARSHALL v Alexander Thomson, TORQUAY v Bell Park, NEWCOMB and DISTRICT v Thomson.
Inverleigh and Bannockburn both had good wins in round one last Saturday, making tomorrow’s clash at Inverleigh a great chance for one of these sides to really put their stamp on the ladder.
Lachlan Platt was the difference for Inverleigh with a well-made 57 in its win over Little River, while Bannockburn had an even spread of contributors against Corio Bay.
That even spread looks like being the difference tomorrow.
Corio v MEREDITH, Corio Bay v WINCHELSEA, Guild St Marys v LITTLE RIVER, Lethbridge v Teesdale, Shelford bye.
