Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Despite another strong showing, the Geelong Cricket Club is yet to gain any points in a season that could quickly slip away if they can’t get themselves on the winners list soon.
Batting first at home against Frankston Penninsula last Saturday, the top order got off to a bright start reaching 2/122 midway through their innings.
Skipper Eamonn Vines (79) top-scored, while gun recruit Tim Ludeman (27) lent good support in a handy 60-run stand.
Tom Treble (52*) ensured the Cats posted a competitive total of 6/231 from their 50 overs.
In reply, Geelong once again opted to open with the off spin of Luke Muller, and although he bowled tightly, the side failed to take early wickets.
Billy Hyde claimed 2/51 through the middle overs, but the strong Frankston Penninsula line-up cruised to a seven-wicket win with two overs to spare.
With another One Day game scheduled for tomorrow at Carlton, Geelong simply must win or they risk their season being over before it’s really begun.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, two undefeated sides in Geelong City and East Belmont clash tomorrow in the first two-day round of the season.
Both sides will feel they have been thereabouts in recent seasons, but have failed to come away with any silverware, meaning they will want to win here to send a message out that they intend to be there at the business end.
East Belmont look in ominous form, after Sean O’Neill (121) and Andrew Baars (91) put St Joseph’s to the sword early last week in a powerful 238-run first wicket partnership. Their total of 9/336 proved to be too much for St Joseph’s, only managing 256 in reply.
Geelong City’s batting also proved to be their strength, chasing down Leopold’s 182 with complete ease, thanks again to openers Richie Oliver (35) and Stephen Anastasiu (66).
With both sides in good early season batting form, it could be the bowlers that decide this game. East Belmont looks to have a bit more fire power, with Englishman Alex Willerton proving to be the perfect partner to David Lineen, the big quick already has two bags of three wickets.
The Sharks, on the other hand, look like they are struggling to fill the void left by Kent Agg who retired at the end of last season.. Unless one of their lesser lights can have a huge game here, East Belmont should be too strong.
MURGHEBOLUC v Leopold, South Barwon v GROVEDALE, NEWTOWN and CHILWELL v Lara, NORTH GEELONG v St Joseph’s, EAST BELMONT v Geelong City
In division two, Marshall has started the season in great form, knocking off both of last season’s grand finalists already. The Bears have had a young side for a couple of years now, but with the likes of the Dubbledam brothers Jake and Kal really starting to mature as cricketers, the future looks bright. If they can defeat Manifold Heights this round, they will rightly be considered one of the main contenders.
ST PETERS v Torquay, Newcomb and District v HIGHTON, BELL POST HILL v Bell Park, Manifold Heights v MARSHALL
And in division three, Alexander Thomson look like one of the teams to beat after winning their first two games in good fashion.
They play Waurn Ponds – Deakin this week, who have lost both of their games, and a win will consolidate their place in the top four.
ALEXANDER THOMSON v Waurn Ponds-Deakin, St Albans Breakwater v THOMSON, CORIO v Guild Saints, GEELONG WEST v Modewarre
