Jim Timberlake
Geelong Cricket Club has moved back in to the top eight following a dominant win over Frankston Peninsula last Saturday.
The Cats bowled first, with Dom McGlinchey (3/27) making some early breakthroughs, before Brody Crouch (3/37) ripped through the home side’s middle order to help dismiss them for just 221.
In reply, Tim Ludeman (22) hit five boundaries in his brief stay at the crease, but it was Eamonn Vines (58) and Tom Jackson (119*) that did the bulk of the scoring to see Geelong post a six wicket win.
Jackson’s form has been impeccable, and must surely warrant higher honours sooner rather than later.
Tomorrow, Geelong hosts second placed Carlton in another one day game, and will go in confident on the back of some really solid form.
In the Geelong Cricket Association, another round of one day games awaits, and in division one, top placed North Geelong host fourth placed East Belmont in the match of the round.
The Magpies were not able to play last round, after Grovedale’s pitch was deemed unsafe for play, following vermin damage to their covers which allowed water to make it’s way onto the pitch.
They retain top spot though, albeit by one point, and will be keen to show they belong there.
East Belmont defeated St Josephs last week, and although they are the reigning title holder, it’s fair to say their form has been patchy so far this season.
On paper, not much has changed, with a squad the envy of the competition, but their performances have a few people starting to wonder if they can go all the way again this year.
That might just be the challenge they’re looking for though, and this might be the perfect chance for them to show why they have been at the top for so long.
Selections: South Barwon v LARA, MURGHEBOLUC v Bell Post Hill, ST JOSEPHS v Leopold, North Geelong v EAST BELMONT, Newtown & Chilwell v GROVEDALE.
Division two is mid way through a two day game, and in the crucial match between Highton and Torquay, honours were shared on day one.
Highton batted first and were well served by James Gillard (67) and Chay Deary (42), but it may prove that the eighth wicket stand of 43 by Nathan McCoach (27) and David Kiss (24) could be the difference as it helped the Heat post 212.
Torquay were best served with the ball by Pat Lowery (5/42).
The Tigers will be desperate to win tomorrow, as a loss would see them lose touch with the top four and possible kiss their finals chances goodbye.
And in division three, the last round of one day games for the season is scheduled, and in a season that is shaping up as the closest in many years, the match between Lethbridge and Geelong West will be vitally important for both sides premiership hopes.
Geelong West caused a major upset against Newcomb & District last week, thrashing the Dinos by 69 runs, with Chris Martin (53) top scoring, while also taking 5/9 with the ball in an outstanding individual performance.
Lethbridge on the other hand lowered their colours to Thomson and willneed to bounce back here if they want to keep their season alive.
Geelong West’s form looks too good though and they should win.
Selections: Bannockburn v ALEXANDER THOMSON, THOMSON v Corio, NEWCOMB & DISTRICT v St Albans Breakwater, GUILD SAINTS v Waurn Ponds Deakin, Lethbridge v GEELONG WEST.
