By Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has continued its impressive start to the Premier season with a gripping last-ball victory over Camberwell.
The Cats bowled first at home but struggled to make early inroads, with the Magpies posting a 121 opening stand. Luke Muller (2/49) removed both openers but the visitors eventually reached 5/269 from 50 overs.
In reply, Geelong’s Eamon Vines (27) and James Crosthwaite (49) set a platform for their team.
At 3/114 the match was in the balance but Hayden Butterworth (113) stepped up with nine fours and four sixes in his 89-ball stint at the crease.
The match eventually came down to level scores at the last ball when Jake Reed scampered through for a bye to seal a memorable win.
In this weekend’s double-header Geelong travels to St Kilda then plays at home against Northcote.
In Geelong Cricket Association, St Joseph’s hosts Geelong City in the last of a batch of one-dayers. This match will be crucial to the finals aspirations of both sides.
The Sharks had a win first up but then a narrow loss to North Geelong last Saturday but Joey’s has started terribly with a loss to Geelong West in the first round then an unexpected loss to Murgheboluc.
Both teams have added to their squads this year, with Tom Elliott returning from Geelong Cricket Club to captain City, while St Joseph’s has added ex-Carlton players Leigh Kentish and Sam McTaggart.
With star batsman Richard Oliver in sparkling form, the Sharks look the team to beat here.
Other selections: GEELONG WEST v Murgheboluc, NORTH GEELONG v Leopold, Highton v EAST BELMONT, Newtown & Chilwell v LARA, GROVEDALE v South Barwon.
In division two, Marshall has started the season brightly with a tie against Thomson and a victory over St Peter’s.
The Bears will therefore relish the opportunity to test themselves against Bell Post Hill, which has taken its relegation from division two in the best manner with two wins so far.
Having lost Mark Brady to retirement over winter, Marshall will welcome back Brad Greenwood from injury this week, while Jake Dubbledam will add yet more young talent to the squad.
The Panthers, though, will be no pushover, with Tim Sells, Chris McIlvenny and Chris Moreland all finding early-season touch.
Bell Post Hill should just come out on top.
Other selections: Alexander Thomson v ST ALBAN’S BREAKWATER, Guild St Mary’s v MANIFOLD HEIGHTS, Waurn Ponds v MODEWARRE, NEWCOMB & DISTRICT v Torquay, St Peter’s v THOMSON.
Bannockburn will look to open its account in division three tomorrow against Little River at home.
After a bye in round one, the Tigers went down to Teesdale in a lopsided game.
Little River, on the other hand, made short work of Winchelsea last week after an admirable loss the week before.
It’s hard to Bannockburn winning this one.
Other selections: Lethbridge v BELL PARK, WINCHELSEA v Corio, MEREDITH v Inverleigh, Shelford v TEESDALE, North Shore bye.
