Jim Timberlake
GEELONG Cricket Club came out of last weekend’s double-header on even terms, going down to Melbourne on Saturday before bouncing back with a much-needed win over Dandenong on Sunday.
Skipper Matthew Harrison (69) led the way on Saturday in his side’s pursuit of 274 but, with little support, the Cats lost by 98 runs.
With their season slipping away before their eyes on Sunday when Dandenong posted a very competitive 249, the mood was glum.
But Eamon Vines stood up when it counted to record a magnificent 119 as the Cats won by three wickets with seven balls to spare.
Geelong travels to Frankston tomorrow for a one-day match. Both sides have just one win to their name and will be desperate to get back in the hunt.
In Geelong Cricket Association, two of the best sides of the past few years will renew hostilities when North Geelong hosts St Joseph’s at Osborne Park in the first two-day game of the season
These two met most recently in last season’s semi-final, which St Joseph’s won on the way to claiming the premiership.
So far this season both sides have been in good form, although North Geelong did suffer a shock loss to Bell Post Hill last week after falling five runs short in a disappointing chase.
As in previous years, St Joseph’s looks to have more depth, while the Magpies rely on too much from too few.
It’s hard to see this game being any different.
Selections: MURGHEBOLUC v Leopold, GROVEDALE v Lara, Geelong West v GEELONG CITY, Bell Post Hill v EAST BELMONT, Newtown & Chilwell v SOUTH BARWON,
In division two, Highton faces its biggest test of the season so far when it travels to Godfrey Street Oval to take on Thomson.
The Heat has responded well to its drop down from division one, with two wins so far, including an impressive six-wicket victory against Manifold Heights last week.
Batsman Luke Daffy is in good form, while Brandon Ross is taking wickets with the new ball.
Thomson is always a tough prospect but Highton is well-equipped to claim its third win of the season and consolidate its spot in the top six.
Selections: Alexander Thomson v ST PETER’S, Waurn Ponds v GUILD ST MARY’S, Modewarre v TORQUAY, MARSHALL v Newcomb & District, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS v St Alban’s Breakwater.
Bell Park finds itself seventh on the division three ladder and really needing to find some form against Shelford this round to stay in the hunt for finals action.
Skipper Ashlee Carter has been doing his bit, with an undefeated 62 last week, while Jhye Kenna took 3/25, but it wasn’t enough as their side went down to Meredith.
Shelford is in second position for a reason, meaning the Dragons might just struggle to win this one.
Selections: Corio Bay v MEREDITH, BANNOCKBURN v Inverleigh, Corio v LETHBRIDGE, Little River v WINCHELSEA, Teesdale bye.
