by JIM TIMBERLAKE
AFTER last round’s stirring victory over St Kilda, Geelong Cricket Club travelled to Footscray Edgewater on the weekend with renewed hope of salvaging its season and getting back into the finals mix.
However, batting first after winning the toss, the Cats struggled, falling for a disappointing 165 from just 53 overs.
Josh McDonald (41) tried hard at the top of the order, while Mitch Reid (41) offered support but it was too little from too few.
With 34 overs to bowl to try getting back into it, Jeremy Hart showed his leg-spinning class, taking 2/34, but at the end of the day the hosts were 3/89.
Tomorrow will be D day for the Cats. If they can fire up and grab some early wickets they’ll be in the hunt but if they can’t pull off a win their finals hopes look like being dashed before Christmas.
In Geelong Cricket Association, two of the season’s surprise packets – Bell Post Hill and Geelong City – will go head to head at Myers Reserve in the match of the round.
The Panthers have been very competitive so far, knocking off South Barwon last round to consolidate their spot in the top six.
Veteran all-rounder Travis Faulkhead starred with a fighting century in week one, while Matt Sampson-Barnes (3/29) and Anthony Foord (3/51) ensured a memorable 10-run win.
City has also enjoyed a good start to the season, knocking off Newtown & Chilwell last start to move into second place on the ladder.
Gun English import Richard Oliver has picked up where he left off last season, with 279 runs already.
Both sides have worked hard at spreading the load since returning from second division and the team with the most contributors should take the points.
Selections: EAST BELMONT v St Joseph’s, Grovedale v MURGHEBOLUC, NORTH GEELONG v South Barwon, GEELONG WEST v Leopold, Bell Post Hill v GEELONG CITY, NEWTOWN & CHILWELL v Lara
Division two is sorting out the contenders from the pretenders as fourth placed Torquay plays fifth placed Highton this round.
The Tigers Andrew Murden has been in great form, hitting 80 in a four-wicket win over Alexander Thomson last round.
The Heats Kris Gretgrix continues to flourish with the willow, while the expected return of Luke Daffy will add strength to the middle order.
The winner will consolidate in the top six but the loser will come back to the field.
Selections: HIGHTON v Torquay, WAURN PONDS v Alexander Thomson, Modewarre v ST ALBAN’S BREAKWATER, MARSHALL v St Peter’s, THOMSON v Newcomb & District, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS v Guild St Mary’s
In division three, Shelford hosts Teesdale in a cracker match.
Shelford tops the ladder undefeated, while Teesdale is fourth with just one loss.
Shelford looks the stronger side but Teesdale always lifts for this one and won’t be brushed aside lightly.
Selections: WINCHELSEA v Bell Park, BANNOCKBURN v Corio Bay, SHELFORD v Teesdale, Corio v MEREDITH, Little River v LETHBRIDGE, Inverleigh bye.
