GEELONG has proceeded to the next round of Victorian Premier Cricket finals after a first-final wash-out last weekend.
The Cats were on top at 7/302 against Melbourne before the rain on Saturday.
Eamonn Vines (101) was the star, with support from James Crosthwaite (79) and Hayden Butterworth (60).
The wicket remained unplayable despite an attempted mop up on Sunday, so the match was declared a draw and the Cats advanced.
This weekend their semi-final is against Footscray Edgewater at Merv Hughes Oval.
With Geelong’s batsmen at the top of their game, the Cats are a huge chance for the grand final.
In Geelong Cricket Association, six became four last weekend when Grovedale and Newtown & Chilwell bowed out to South Barwon and North Geelong respectively.
Top-side North Geelong thrashed the Two Blues as Jake Thorne made yet another century before his bowlers went to work for a 115-run victory.
The Magpies now take on St Joseph’s, whih went down to East Belmont, in a match up that many believed would be this season’s grand final.
Joeys batted first and paid the price for keeping one eye on the weather, managing only 150, so North Geelong will play St Joseph’s at Stinton Oval. North’s form just looks too good.
East Belmont will play South Barwon after the Swans beat Grovedale late Sunday evening as skipper Joel Davies (88*) stood up when his side needed him most.
South Barwon will be out to avenge last year’s grand final but East Belmont looks in better form and, with home-ground advantage, should replicate last month’s result at the same venue.
In division two, Bell Post Hill finally put an end to Newcomb & District’s topsy-turvy premiership defence with a five-wicket win.
The Panthers will play St Alban’s Breakwater, which lost last week but remains in contention due to its double chance.
The Super Saints imploded must sort out some serious internal issues to get close to a red-hot Bell Post Hill.
In this weekend’s other game, Thomson will play Marshall after the Tigers ended Modewarre’s season last week.
Thomson has been a standout all year but Marshall has quietly flown under the radar and goes in as favourite.
Teesdale takes on Bell Park in the division three first semi-final.
Bell Park was thrashed last week but has a second chance, while Teesdale will confident after coming back from the dead against Corio.
In the other game, Shelfords play Inverleigh, whose form makes it favourite.
