Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has narrowly maintained its position in the top eight despite going down to Camberwell last Saturday.
The match, initially scheduled to be a two-day game before rain interrupted the first days play, was started again as a one-day fixture.
The Magpies batted first and compiled a very healthy 9/270 from their 50 overs.
For the Cats, Luke Guest (4/77) and Brenton McDonald (4/29) were clearly the pick of the bowlers.
In reply, Tim Ludeman (1) fell early but a series of decent partnerships had Geelong looking like a real chance, with Eamonn Vines (61) and Josh McDonald (44) doing their bit with the stick.
But as the innings wore on the run rate climbed and in the end it was all too much as the side fell 17 runs short.
Tomorrow sees another two-day game commence, with the Cats hosting Ringwood, which sits ninth on the ladder, meaning this game could be telling in the race for finals action come March.
North Geelong might just be in front in its game against Grovedale in Geelong Cricket Association, although it still has a lot of work ahead to take the points.
Grovedale won the toss and batted last week, looking well set as openers Anthony Quarrell (25) and Michael Kelson (29) put on 43 for the first wicket.
From there though the strong North Geelong bowling attack went to work, taking the final 10 wickets for just 92 runs, which included a 25-run last wicket partnership for a final score of 135.
Tom Mathieson (6/52) was the star of the day, while Shaun Kingwell (3/22) provided valuable back up.
Grovedale had eight overs late on day one to make amends and did just that, picking up two quick wickets to see the Magpies go to stumps at 2/13.
While the Tigers will be happy that they go into tomorrow a big chance, North Geelong still has plenty of firepower in the sheds and, with just 122 further runs required, should still be good enough to get the job done and retain top spot on the ladder.
In the other important game in division one, Geelong City will be confident with its very competitive 235 tomorrow against Lara. Ross Elliott (75) top scored in a fine display of batting but just as crucial was the 50 runs put on for the last two wickets.
As always, Andy Hughes will hold the key in the Cats’ run chase. If he can find a couple of solid partners to back him up then this game could well go down to the wire.
In division two, Marshall has a big fight on its hands against Newcomb & District having posted a meagre 164 all out.
Stan Grazotis (46) continued his impressive form for the Bears but Blake Ritchie (5/41) was clearly the player of the day for the Dinos.
Newcomb & District managed to knock 21 runs off their target although it did lose opener Kayne Henry for a duck early. However, with just 146 more runs required, a big upset not only looks on the cards but highly likely.
And in division three, some incredible results sees this topsy-turvy season continue.
Modewarre looked in all sorts of trouble early when it was dismissed for just 102 by St Albans Breakwater but bounced back to be in a dominant position, with the Saints 8/64 at stumps.
Meanwhile, Alexander Thomson piled on 368 against Guild Saints.
If those two games go as expected then the race for the last couple of spots in the top four is well and truly alive, a scenario that seemed unlikely a few weeks ago.
