Grovedale seamer Clinton Ford put on a bowling masterclass to have his side in a strong position going into day two of the final round of Geelong Cricket Association matches this weekend.
Ford took 5/51 from a marathon 32 overs and bowled 14 maidens as North Geelong crawled its way to 9/165 from 83 overs at stumps.
Needing to win or draw to make the finals, Grovedale won the toss on a Burdoo Reserve pitch that offered a bit for the bowlers.
“There was a little bit in the wicket, so it was quite difficult to bat on,” Ford said.
“I guess that was the reason why the scores were quite economical. The batsmen were never really in on that wicket.”
However, Ford said the reason for sending the Magpies in wasn’t all because of the look of the pitch.
“It was more so in the situation of the race for the finals where we have to either win or possibly draw to make finals,” he said.
“If you bat second you’ve always got that possibility of blocking it out for a draw.”
Connor Hangan top scored for North Geelong with 38 from 131 deliveries, which illustrated just how difficult it was to score.
Jack Wrigglesworth was economical with 1/30 from 15 overs while spin duo Bailey Sykes (2/34 from 17) and Nathan Berry (1/16 from nine) got something out of the track.
“I thought if we bowled a good line and length and the wicket was doing a little bit, you’re always a chance of creating an opportunity,” Ford said.
“We’ve actually matched up pretty well against North for the last few years and we give ourselves every chance to beat them, so we’ve obviously have to do it the hard way to beat them to make the finals.
“And if we’re going to be a chance of winning it, you’ve got to beat the best so what better test than to play (the best) in the last round.”
Ford said he expected North Geelong to bat on with seven overs remaining in the innings when play resumes.
NEWTOWN & Chilwell has already claimed first-innings points against Highton. Needing to win while hoping one of Grovedale or St Joseph’s lose to make finals, the Two Blues bowled Highton out for 97 with the wickets shared around. Newtown & Chilwell then declared at 2/104 and had Highton 2/39 at stumps with an outright win a real possibility.
ST JOSEPH’S will need to chase a huge score against East Belmont if it is to play finals. East Belmont is 7/292 with Luke Inglis making a brilliant 112 from 197 balls while Danny Hegarty is unbeaten on 59 and Josh Lacey made 55. Austin Humphrey toiled hard for Joeys with 3/62 from 24 overs.
SOUTH Barwon will also need to chase down a big score against Lara to have any hope of making the four. The Swans need to win and hope other results go their way, but it was Lara which took the honours on day one. Daniel Weigl (65), Robert Sodomaco (56) and Daniel Hughes (43 not out) all spent time at the crease with Jasper George sneaking in late with three wickets for South Barwon.
