By JIM TIMBERLAKE
THIRTEEN premiership cups up for grabs in local cricket with weekend when everything goes on the line for 26 teams.
In the division one firsts, North Geelong plays St Joseph’s at Stinton Oval, Queen’s Park, for the ultimate prize in local cricket.
Both sides had resounding wins last week.
North Geelong batted first against East Belmont, and, with a fine captain’s knock of 76 to Jake Thorne, scrapped its way to a competitive score of 217.
But when Tom Mathieson (3/32) and Cam Alford (3/57) ripped through the Lions’ top order on Sunday to leave them 4/19, 218 suddenly looked a long way away.
Matt Lineker (59) showed his class to get back on level terms at 4/90 but when Zac Thorne (4/24) removed him the rest of the East batsmen fell for just 138.
St Joseph’s bowled first in its preliminary final against Geelong City.
Tom Elliott (76) laid a good foundation but Justin Foss (5/41) and David Morgan (3/58) ensured regular wickets fell to have City all-out for 202 on a good batting track.
The Sharks weren’t going to lay down, though, and on Sunday morning quickly had Joeys in trouble at 3/30 thanks to a fine opening spell from Kent Agg (3/51).
But from there David Morgan (107 not-out) stood tall with a magnificent century to escort his side through to the big dance with a six-wicket win.
This weekend’s game will be a cracker, with so many stars in both line-ups.
As always in finals, the toss will be crucial but St Joseph’s chase of a competitive target while defending a small total against the Magpies two weeks ago will give Joeys the belief to go back to back.
Other grades selections: EAST BELMONT v Grovedale, North Geelong v ST JOSEPH’S, Geelong City v LARA.
In division two its the old versus the new, with the experienced Thomson taking on the young guns from Marshall on their home ground in what will be an intriguing grand final.
Thomson made 183 last Saturday, with skipper Grant Dew (50) finding form and Jonny Kettle (47) lending a hand.
In reply, Highton started disastrously, losing three wickets for zero runs, and never recovered, finishing all-out for a disappointing 72.
Brett Anderton (4/18) was the pick of the bowlers.
Marshall won its way through with a miraculous win over St Peter’s.
Defending just 139, St Peter’s was as good as home at 7/138 but incredibly lost three for none to lose by one run.
Jake Dubbledam (2/1) took a pair of three final wickets in one of the most amazing finishes those lucky enough to have witnessed it would have seen.
While Thomson has the experience, Marshall will go in with the exuberance of youth and a nothing-to-lose attitude, which just might win the cup.
Other grades selections: Highton v TORQUAY, ST PETER’S v Highton, Torquay v ST PETER’S.
And in division three, Teesdale plays Meredith at Winchelsea Reserve.
Both teams flexed their considerable muscles last week with dominant wins.
Meredith thrashed Inverleigh, making 259 on Saturday, before bowling the opposition out cheaply for just 99.
Teesdale restricted Shelford to 199, a score it reeled in without losing a wicket as Shaun Campbell finishing the day 99 not-out.
This is a hard game to pick but Teesdale just seems to know how to win grand finals, while Meredith has a history of doing the opposite.
Other grades selections: BELL PARK v Little River, Corio v BANNOCKBURN; fifths: South Barwon v EAST BELMONT; sixths, ST JOSEPH’S v North Geelong; sevenths, Bell Park v SOUTH BARWON.
