BY JIM TIMBERLAKE
GEELONG Cricket Club was denied a golden opportunity to claim outright points on day two of its match against Richmond last Saturday when rain washed out the entire day’s play.
After taking first-innings points on day one, the Cats would have liked their chances of a second-innings victory but it was not to be.
However, the win lifted the young Geelong side to fifth on the Premier Cricket table.
This Saturday will be day one of a two-day fixture against Casey-South Melbourne, which is just outside the top eight in ninth position.
If the Cats can perform the way they did last start they’ll be a big chance to consolidate their position.
Only three of the six matches in the first division of Geelong Cricket Association got underway last week due to the nasty weather.
Grovedale batted at Burdoo Reserve to make a competitive 7/253 against Highton.
Brad Patton scored 103 not-out for the Tigers, while Mark Freijah was the pick of the Heat bowlers with 2/14.
At Winter Reserve, Murgheboluc continued its amazing form, scoring a huge 8/280 against reigning premier East Belmont.
Glen Talarico rolled his ankle during the warm up but his injury had no impact as he dropped down to number six in the order and promptly peeled of 133 not-out.
For the Lions, Sam Scannell continued his good form with 3/44.
East Belmont really needs to stand up and get these runs or it will risk falling well out of premiership calculations.
In the only other game to start, previously undefeated North Geelong came back to Earth with a thud, dismissed by South Barwon for only 128 before the Swans cruised to 2/53 at stumps.
Jeremy Babb was the destroyer for South Barwon, taking 5/34.
In division two, only two games got underway.
Thomson piled on 7/302 at home against Waurn Ponds, with veteran Adrian Saltalamacchia the top scorer on 86 and Englishman Jonny Kettle making 83 of his own.
Casey Lang battled hard for the Eagles against his old club, taking 3/86.
Alexander Thomson bowled first in its crucial match against Marshall and would have been pleased to restrict the Bears to just 197 all-out.
Troy Jones top scored with 52, while Jake Mundy (3/10) and Arsalan Khan (3/13) were the pick of the bowlers.
Unfortunately for the Vikings, they had to face 17 overs to complete the day’s play and in the process fell to 3/20, with Matt Bogan taking a wicket and Brad Greenwood snaring two.
Alexander Thomson will need a big contribution from father-son duo Peter and Grant Caulfield tomorrow to have any chance of winning.
In the division three match of the round between Shelford and Winchelsea, only 33 overs were possible on day one due to rain.
Shelford batted first, making its way to 2/80.
Shelford will bat on tomorrow for around 25 to 30 overs before Winchelsea has a chance to chase down whatever target is set.
