Bats collapse again as country round arrives

Geelong Cricket Club continues to show vast improvement so far this season, however some fine individual efforts aren’t being converted to points on the ladder, with another frustrating narrow loss last weekend.
Taking on Ringwood, the Cats bowled first, Jake Reed claiming a wicket with the first ball of the innings to set the tone.
While the bowlers all stuck to their guns, a series of solid partnerships saw the hosts finish their 50 overs on 8/236 with Justin McPhee the pick of the bowlers snaring 3/49.
In reply, the Cats started shakily, falling to 3/42 before a strong 102 run stand between Andrew McDonald (107) and Luke Ibbs (31) righted the ship, and at 4/198 they were probably in front.
From there, though, a familiar batting collapse saw Geelong crumble to be all out seven runs short of its target.
While the signs are there that the side is starting to gel, it needs a win to keep its season on track.
It will get a good chance to do that in the final one-day game of this block when it will host Essendon at Maryborough on Saturday in the annual country round.
In Geelong Cricket Association, round three sees the return of two day matches to the fixture and the clash between two of the undefeated teams in North Geelong and Murgheboluc will be a good chance to see where they are at this season.
North Geelong destroyed St Joseph’s in round one before easily accounting for Geelong West last week, Sam Hall starring with an undefeated 104 to show the loss of Thorne brothers hasn’t affected the Magpies’ finals hopes in the slightest.
Murgheboluc has also lost some firepower with Glen Talarico not playing after moving away, however the Frogs have marched on winning a thriller against Leopold by one run last week.
With both sides having many players in such good form, this will be a great game but North Geelong’s experience would still see it start favourites.
South Barwon v EAST BELMONT, LEOPOLD v Newtown and Chilwell, GEELONG CITY v Grovedale, Lara v ST JOSEPHS, BELL POST HILL v Geelong West.
In division two, Highton has started the season brightly, with two wins from as many starts, and will give itself a good chance of knocking off Manifold Heights this round to cement its spot in the top two.
The Heat racked up 313 last week against Waurn Ponds before bowling out the Eagles for just 120 in a huge percentage boosting win.
The Sharks will put up a good fight, though, with class players such as Charlie Owen in the side, but at the end of the day the Heat should be too strong.
Modewarre v MARSHALL, Alexander Thomson v TORQUAY, Bell Park v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER, St Peters v NEWCOMB AND DISTRICT, THOMSON v Waurn Ponds.
And in division three, Bannockburn is the only team to remain undefeated thus far, although Guild St Mary’s will provide a good examination in their clash on Saturday.
Having knocked off Corio Bay and Inverleigh so far, the home side will be looking to take a big scalp.
Guild St Mary’s, however, has been very competitive after dropping down from division two, meaning for either side to take the points here they will need to be at their best.
Guild St Mary’s could just cause an upset here.
WINCHELEA v Inverleigh, Corio v CORIO BAY, Shelford v LETHBRIDGE, TEESDALE v Meredith, Little River bye.