Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club suffered a heart-wrenching defeat at the hands of Carlton last Saturday, in a game they will feel was snatched from them at the very last minute.
Batting first, the Cats racked up an imposing total of 6/261, the bulk of those runs coming from a superb partnership of 150 between Tim Ludeman and skipper Eamonn Vines.
Ludeman showed his class with 86 from 99 balls, while Vines continued to press for higher honours with a masterful 102.
Angus Boyd smashed a quickfire 37 to ensure the earlier work was not wasted.
In reply, Geelong started brightly, with Boyd starring with the ball to claim 5/49 from his 10 overs. At 7/166, it appeared the Cats were destined to claim their first points for the season.
But from there, everything went pear shaped as the strong Carlton lower order pulled off a remarkable comeback, after at one stage needing 90 runs off 60 balls.
For Carlton the star was Xavier Crone who bludgeoned 53 from just 27 balls, including five sixes, to snatch the win and leave Geelong wondering just what went wrong.
Tomorrow, Geelong host Greenvale in a game they will want to win, if for no other reason than to simply bury the ghosts of last week.
In the Geelong Cricket Association match of the round, East Belmont appears to have the upper hand over Geelong City, although any run chase involving Richie Oliver is always very gettable.
The Lions didn’t have it all their own way early with their big three batsman all back in the sheds with just 63 runs on the board.
But in a pleasing middle-order fightback, Nathan Frye stood up in just his third first XI game to post a timely century, helping his side to 273 at stumps.
For the Sharks, Tom Driver toiled hard for 3/56, while Byron Taylor and Adrian Saltalamcchia both picked up two wickets.
The first hour tomorrow will be crucial, East Belmont speed duo Dave Lineen and Alex Willerton will look to throw everything at Oliver and Co. early in a bid to gain the ascendancy.
For anyone looking to watch a top class battle, be there from the start tomorrow as local cricket won’t get much better than this.
In Division 2, last season’s premier Newcomb and District is yet to win a game this campaign, and with the rampaging Bell Park up next, it’s hard to see that changing this round.
The Dino’s travel to Hamlyn Park with a side that on paper looks weaker than last season, while the Dragons have only added to their depth, meaning they should win this comfortably.
BELL PARK v Newcomb and District, MARSHALL v St Peter’s, Highton v BELL POST HILL, Torquay v MANIFOLD HEIGHTS.
In Division 3, St Albans Breakwater enjoyed a huge upset win over premiership favourite Thomson, after Jake Spalding crafted a beautiful 114 in his sides total of 9/256.
In reply, Thomson fought it out bravely on the back of a fantastic 114 to skipper Adam Bliss, but ultimately they fell five runs short of victory
That makes this weekend’s one-day game between St Albans Breakwater and Guild-Saints crucial to both sides’ finals chances.
Modewarre v ALEXANDER THOMSON, Guild Saints v ST ALBANS BREAKWATER, THOMSON v Corio, Waurn Ponds Deakin v GEELONG WEST
