East Belmont handed North Geelong its first loss of the season and announced itself as a GCA premiership contender on Saturday February 4.
The Lions batted first at Osborne Park and found the going tough against a disciplined North Geelong attack.
Shane McNamara continued his outstanding season with a patient 55 from 131 deliveries before he was run out from a direct hit at mid-on by Mitchell Troy.
Luke Inglis chipped in with an unbeaten 44, and the Lions were able to lift the final up to 5/161.
North Geelong never got going in its run chase, falling for 108 with a lower order 38 from Troy the only shining light.
Dylan Moroney (3/20), Noah Quick (3/7) and Jack Jenkins (2/13) made sure of the win for East Belmont.
The Lions are nine points clear of Grovesale in second place, while North Geelong remains a game and percentage ahead on top.
Highton put on a run party at Bisinella Oval, Lara, where it made a hefty 3/352.
James Gillard smashed an unbeaten 103 from just 82 balls while openers Greg Willows (93) and Andrew Murden (79) shared a 169-run stand. Zac Wills finished off the innings with a nice 51 not out.
Lara struggled for momentum in its run chase as Nathan McCoach, Hayden Murrell, Hayden Burns and Greg Willows snared two scalps each.
The win was Highton’s first of the season and it is only one game behind Lara on the ladder.
St Joseph’s won a cliffhanger against South Barwon at Zampatti Oval.
Batting first South Barwon managed 9/196 with Ryan Gibson (50) and Banjo Dyer (42) in good form, but the Joeys attack worked together with all six bowlers used taking at least one wicket. Austin Humphrey was the most successful with 3/46.
St Joseph’s started well when it was its turn to bat with Andrew Casey (50) and Luke Ibbs (40) looking comfortable, but Bryson Nicholls (4/24) and Nick Platt (3/36) started to turn the game in South Barwon’s favour.
With two wickets remaining and scores level with one over to go, Humphrey scored two off the first ball to give Joeys a stirring win.
No play was possible in the Newtown & Chilwell vs Grovedale game in what promised to be a cracking contest between third and fourth on the ladder.
