Lara captain Daniel Weigl delivered a timely blow with a superb innings against St Joseph’s to keep his side in the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 finals hunt.
Weigl came in with the score at 3/70, which became 4/70 and eventually 8/139 at Zampatti Oval on Saturday 28 February, and showed why he is one of the competition’s best players.
Weigl made a delightful 135 from 179 deliveries and hit nine boundaries and cleared the fence seven times.
Lara eventually made it to 247 all out, which seemed improbable earlier in the afternoon.
A 101-run ninth-wicket stand propelled the total, helped by Blake Ash, who dug in with 7 not out from 47 balls, realising his captain was in scintillating form.
Paceman Luke Wilson then struck early to have Joeys 2/11 at stumps. A win will see Lara play finals after being promoted from Division 2 last season.
SOUTH Barwon’s hopes of rising from sixth into the four were boosted after making 9/293 against Grovedale.
Grovedale is fifth and also needs to win, but will have to bat very well on day two.
Skipper Nick Butters led the way for South Barwon with a punishing 83 from 99 deliveries while wicket-keeper Tim Meredith made 62 and Sam Ellis 38.
The Tigers toiled hard and it was pace bowler Sam Coutts who reaped the rewards with a lion-hearted 5/67 from 21 overs.
ST PETERS will need something special to chase East Belmont’s big total if it is to play finals.
East Belmont finished the day’s play on 7/264 and can bat on for another three overs if it chooses.
Lachlan Inglis was the star with a brilliant 120 from 203 balls of which 22 went to the boundary.
Josh Sorgiovanni steamed in all day and took 2/61 from 24 overs for the Saints.
PACE and spin ruled for North Geelong as it fine-tuned its game after sewing up top spot last week.
Quick Dale Kerr (4/41) and left-arm finger spinner Alistair McCann (3/16) were instrumental in dismissing Newtown & Chilwell for 135.
The Two Blues had four batters pass 20, but Lachie Sperling was the highest scorer with 30.
In reply, the Magpies are 2/69 with Tom Mathieson out for 30 after snaring 2/22 earlier. Paceman Nick Burke took both wickets for the Two Blues.
