Geelong Cricket Club is well placed to record its second victory when it resumes its game at home against Camberwell on Saturday.
Bowling first last weekend, the Cats were in trouble early when the visitors moved to 1/67 but when Luke Muller (3/56) and Andrew McDonald (1/12) snagged a double breakthrough, it was game on.
Debutant Dylan Moroney (3/24) then bowled beautifully through the middle of the innings to see Camberwell all out for just 183.
In reply, Geelong got off to the worst possible start with Josh McDonald, unfortunately, run out without a run on the board and Meyrick Buchanan out for a duck shortly after.
But Hayden Butterworth (27) joined skipper Eamonn Vines (39*) to steady the ship, the cats finishing day one in a dominant position at 3/76.
With Aaron Finch available tomorrow and likely to come in at the fall of the next wicket, Geelong should be able to record a much needed victory.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, the season is already a third of the way through and for some clubs it’s time to get their act together or risk not playing finals this season.
Grovedale is one of those sides and it has a big opportunity to keep itself in the race when it takes on Newtown and Chilwell at Stinton Oval.
After knocking off Geelong City in round three, the Tigers were smashed by South Barwon last week, only managing 108 runs, before conceding 308 in reply.
While veteran skipper Barry Tsitas is in good form, he needs some help from his lesser lights, the likes of Toby Hogg, Adam Korth and Brendan Allen have been around long enough now to step up and take some of the work load.
If it can do that, Grovedale will have a big win and stay in contention for March action.
South Barwon v ST JOSEPH’S, Leopold v EAST BELMONT, GEELONG CITY v Geelong West, LARA v Murgheboluc, Bell Post Hill v NORTH GEELONG.
In division two, Bell Park simply must beat Waurn Ponds if it wants to stay in finals contention.
The Dragons had a fantastic win last round against Newcomb and District, albeit on the back of an amazing individual performance by Jarrod Andrews who made 70 batting at number eight before claiming 3/32 as his side enjoyed a 102 run win.
With Waurn Ponds struggling at the minute, Bell Park has too much to play for to let this one slip.
Modewarre v ST ALBAN’S BREAKWATER, HIGHTON v Marshall, Alexander Thomson v NEWCOMB and DISTRICT, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS v Torquay, St Thomson.
In division three, Guild St Mary’s is sitting in seventh position with two wins and two losses, and takes on eighth placed Corio Bay in what should be a cracking contest.
Guild St Mary’s was in all sorts of trouble last week, crashing to 2/15 in pursuit of Winchelseas 205.
But Jeewan DeSilva stood up when it mattered, smashing an unbeaten 128, guiding his side to an emphatic seven-wicket win.
If he can reproduce that form, Guild St Mary’s should win what is virtually a 12-point game.
Corio v INVERLEIGH, BANNOCKBURN v Lethbridge, LITTLE RIVER v Meredith, SHELFORD v Teesdale, Winchelsea bye.
