Big task for Cats to earn a little ‘Christmas cheer’

Geelong Cricket Club faces a monumental task if it wishes to go into the Christmas break with a win when it attempts to chase down Melbourne’s imposing 6/342.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl last week, the Cats’ plans went awry when star fast bowler Dom McGlinchey succumbed to a foot injury after he had bowled 10 overs, adding to a long list of injury woes for the club.
On a bright note, Justin McPhee (2/68) returned from injury while Matthew Gunther (2/38) bowled 20 tight overs.
While it will be a tough ask to win tomorrow, the side still boasts enough talent to pull off an upset.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, a one day round of games is scheduled to finish the first half of the season.
In division one, two of the season’s big improvers will battle it out when third placed Lara hosts fourth placed Bell Post Hill.
Both teams have taken some big scalps already thus far, with Lara defeating North Geelong last round, somehow managing to defend just 107 runs, veteran Danny Hughes (5/19) the star.
Bell Post Hill hasn’t lost since round one and has also knocked off North Geelong as well as reigning premier St Josephs, which shows it has done it the hard way and deserves its spot on the ladder.
Still, for the loser of this game, it’s back to the field while the winner will enjoy a nice break knowing it is well placed to attack the run into finals.
SOUTH BARWON v Murgheboluc, Leopold v GROVEDALE, Geelong City v NORTH GEELONG, Newtown & Chilwell v GEELONG WEST, LARA v Bell Post Hill, EAST BELMONT v St Josephs
In division two, Marshall takes on St Albans Breakwater at home in a game that both sides will be desperate to win.
The Bears have been very solid in their premiership defence, defeating Torquay outright last week on the back of Shane Skene’s six wickets for the game.
For St Albans Breakwater, Jason Murray continues to show why he is one of the best players in the division, hitting 23 with the bat last week against Manifold Heights before claiming 7/27 with the ball.
While the Saints have some talent on their list, Marshall continues to defy the critics and will want to win this to show it belongs at the top.
MODEWARRE v Waurn Ponds, HIGHTON v Torquay, Alexander Thomson v THOMSON, Manifold Heights v NEWCOMB AND DISTRICT, BELL PARK v St Peters, MARSHALL v St Albans Breakwater
The most critical game in division three appears to be sixth placed Winchelsea hosting seventh placed Meredith.
Both sides sit on 18 points, meaning this is a game that could ultimately decide which of these sides plays finals.
Winchelsea enjoyed a good win over Inverleigh last week while Meredith lowered its colours to top side Bannockburn and will be keen to bounce back.
Winning form is good form and Winchelsea should prove too strong here.
CORIO v Guild St Marys, BANNOCKBURN v Teesdale, Corio Bay v LETHBRIDGE, Little River v SHELFORD, Inverleigh bye.