Local Cricket, by Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has a golden opportunity to consolidate its position in the top eight when it attempts to chase down Ringwood’s 240 tomorrow.
The visitors won the toss last week and elected to bat first, a decision that seemed sound early when they put on 45 for the first wicket.
But Brenton McDonald (3/45) and Brody Couch (2/39) bowled beautifully through the middle overs, forcing Ringwood to take risks late in the day – and it was one risk too many for opening batsman David King who was sensationally run out for 99 by Tom Treble.
With Eamonn Vines back in the side for the Cats, they will be confident they can chase down this target and keep their finals hopes on track.
Geelong Cricket Association has three two-day games remaining, and for the first time this season North Geelong is not on top of the ladder.
East Belmont, courtesy of a dominant outright win over Murgheboluc, has moved to top spot after the Magpies were dismissed for just 91 in pursuit of Grovedale’s 135.
North Geelong would most likely still be favourite to finish minor premiers courtesy of its much easier draw, a luxury the side’s enjoyed a lot in recent seasons.
However, if history repeats then a soft run into March can sometimes be detrimental and is not always the ideal preparation for the furnace of finals cricket.
But with recent claims that North Geelong can boast perhaps the strongest side in the GCA for 20 years, the Magpies will be supremely confident that they can take all before them.
Lara also has moved significantly up the rankings on the back of ar fantastic win over Geelong City last week.
Set 236 to win, the Cats did it on the bit, losing just three wickets as Andy Hughes (125*), Rob Sodomaco(47) and Brenden Miller (45*) showed that their side will be a real dark horse come finals if it can hold its spot in the top four.
This week’s game of the round will be at Burdoo Reserve where Grovedale hosts East Belmont. The Lions took the honours in a tight game earlier in the season but Grovedale’s form has been impeccable of late and the Tigers will take some beating at home.
Selections: NORTH GEELONG v Murgheboluc, NEWTOWN & CHILWELL v South Barwon, Grovedale v EAST BELMONT, LARA v Leopold, St Josephs v GEELONG CITY.
In division two, Highton finds itself on the brink of missing finals after losing to Manifold Heights last game, a result that could severely impact its premiership aspirations.
All of a sudden, after looking like certain finalists a few weeks ago the Heat now finds itself in fifth position and with a tough game scheduled against fourth placed Marshall this round.
Both sides will be desperate to put in a good showing here in what is a genuine 12-point game.
If the Bears win, Highton will really struggle to finish in the top four.
Selections: Highton v MARSHALL, St Peters v BELL POST HILL, Torquay v BELL PARK, Newcomb & district v MANIFOLD HEIGHTS.
And division three has been turned on its head after St Albans Breakwater gave up its position in the top four to Alexander Thomson, a result that seemed highly unlikely just a few games ago.
And with the Vikings taking on a very beatable Corio this round while the Super Saints play Geelong West in a game that the Rams will be desperate to win given their thrashing at the hands of Thomson last week, it appears that St Albans Breakwater may have given up a golden opportunity to play finals.
However, cricket is a funny game and no teams will be taking anything for granted as the home and away season draws to a close.
Selections: THOMSON v Modewarre, ALEXANDER THOMSON v Corio, Waurn Ponds Deakin v GUILD SAINTS, St Albans Breakwater v GEELONG WEST
