Geelong Cricket Club continued it’s splendid post-Christmas form on Saturday with a dominant display against Melbourne Uni.
Bowling first, the Cats enjoyed the inclusion of Jake Reed, back from Big Bash duties, and the speedster slotted straight back in taking 5/44 from 14 overs.
He recieved great support from Hayden Butterworth (3/24) as Melbourne Uni were all out for 225.
With 34 overs to bat, Geelong would have hoped to simply wipe a few runs off their target without losing too many wickets.
But keeper/batsman Josh McDonald had other ideas, opening the innings and smashing 105 from just 70 balls, with 16 fours and 6 sixes.
It was a welcome return to form that helped Geelong go to stumps in a dominant position at 3/193. They will look to press on early tomorrow and perhaps try for a second innings win to boost their points and head upwards on the ladder.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, the one day games of the fixture have now all been played, with just three rounds of two day games left before finals.
In Division One, third placed Lara host second placed South Barwon in a game that both sides have so much to play for.
Lara have been the surprise packet of the season so far, and with a good mix of experience and youth, can pretty much lock in a finals spot with a good showing here. However, if they were to lose, it leaves them vulnerable.
The Swans will also see this as a crucial game, knowing that a win will almost guarantee a top two spot, which could be critical in such a tightly contested season. Playing at home with everything to play for, Lara might just be too strong here.
GEELONG CITY v Leopold, BELL POST HILL v Newtown & Chilwell, North Geelong v EAST BELMONT, Murgheboluc v GROVEDALE, Geelong West v ST JOSEPHS.
In Division Two, four sides have sewn up a finals spot so far, but it’s a mad race for the final two spots with five teams fighting it out.
Modewarre are hanging on to sixth place by the skin of their teeth, with their opponent this week Bell Park just three points behind.
And across town, Thomson, who sit in fifth place, take on ladder leaders Marshall in a replay of last year’s grand final.
If Thomson were to lose, they would be very exposed to the swoopers below and simply must bring their A-game.
The one thing in Modewarre and Thomson’s favour is that their destiny is still in their own hands.
Alexander Thomson v HIGHTON, Bell Park v MODEWARRE, ST PETERS v Manifold Heights, Thomson v MARSHALL, Waurn Ponds v TORQUAY, Newcomb & District v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER.
The Division Three ladder is not quite as tight, but there are still some intriguing games to play, none more important than sixth placed Inverleigh travelling to seventh placed Teesdale tomorrow.
Teesdale looked out of the race at the Christmas break, but two wins from as many games since then has seen them roar back into finals calculations, and with their finals’ experience, a few teams would nervously be keeping an eye on the result of this one.
While Inverleigh have been slightly better this season, winning form is good form and Teesdale will go in favourites.
BANNOCKBURN v Corio, LITTLE RIVER v Winchelsea, SHELFORD v Corio Bay, MEREDITH v Guild St Marys, Lethbridge bye.
