JIM TIMBERLAKE
EVERYTHING looked good early when Geelong Cricket Club travelled to Prahran last Saturday for a one-day match, won the toss and elected to bat.
Josh McDonald (28) and Eamonn Vines (56) appeared in fine touch and at 2/75 the Cats were well-placed.
But from there everything fell apart as regular wickets toppled, leaving the visitors all out for just 146.
To sum up Geelong’s woes, none of the middle or lower order could muster double figures.
In reply, the Cats bowlers never had a chance as Prahran cruised to a seven-wicket win.
Apart from Vines, who has really stood tall this season, a lot of players have had poor seasons.
It will almost be a matter of personal pride to see who can lift against Ringwood tomorrow.
In Geelong Cricket Association, some crucial games are interestingly placed as the ladder continues to keep everyone guessing.
Geelong City put in a strong performance when needed, dismissing reigning premier St Joseph’s for just 105 before finishing the day on 2/22.
The Sharks should take the points here, which will consolidate their finals position.
South Barwon suffered what could prove to be a crucial hiccup, falling to 6/66 after earlier bowling Lara out for 108.
While the Swans still have some experienced players to come, a couple of early wickets could really shake them.
And North Geelong looks to have the upper-hand in its game against Murgheboluc after posting 287.
In division two, St Alban’s Breakwater finds itself in a very tricky situation in its quest to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
Bowling first last Saturday, the Saints put in a solid team effort to restrict Guild St Mary’s to just 132 from 44 overs.
Andrew Vine was the pick of the bowlers with 3/26.
Unfortunately, and as has been the case so often in recent seasons, the Saints’ batsmen couldn’t back up their bowlers as they crumbled to 7/93 at the close of play.
They will need to dig deep tomorrow to win this one, while for Guild St Mary’s a win would be a welcome reward for a season of hard work rebuilding.
And in divsion three, Nathan Kenyon led Little River to a dominant position in the game against Bannockburn, the opening bowler claiming 6/39 from 21 excellent overs.
Bannockburn could only manage 128 before the Redbacks wiped 22 off the deficit.
Despite losing two wickets, they will feel confident of a much-needed win tomorrow.
