Geelong Cricket Club faces an uphill battle if it is to take the points in its game against Fitzroy Doncaster this Saturday.
The Cats batted first last week and were in serious trouble early at 3/5.
However, Tyler Larkin (89) showed great maturity to steady the ship and, with help from Angus Boyd (21) and Dom McGlinchey (51), managed to at least post a competitive total of 203.
With 34 overs still to bowl to complete day one, Geelong needed early wickets but unfortunately none were forthcoming.
Andrew Vine (1/28) eventually broke through but when stumps were called Fitzroy Doncaster was 3/117 and in a dominant position to go on and win the match.
In Geelong Cricket Association’s match of the round, Lara holds the upper hand against East Belmont in their game at Winter Reserve.
The Cats bowled first and were relentless with their discipline, dismissing the reigning premiers for just 165.
For the Cats, evergreen seamer Danny Hughes (4/24) lead from the front, bowling 23 economical overs, while Rob Pehar (4/41) leant valuable support.
Tom Elliot (43) was the Lions’ best, while skipper Hayden McMahon (39) and Zeb Connors-Southall (36*) both did their bit.
With six overs to negotiate before stumps, the Lara openers survived a couple of close LBW shouts as well as a dropped catch to take the honours on day one.
East Belmont will need early wickets this Saturday, although Chris Williams will be keen to get his leg spin into the game and may be his side’s best shot against a very strong Lara batting line-up.
In division two, the match between Modewarre and Marshall at Mt Moriac Reserve sits on a knife edge.
The Warriors got off to the perfect start last week, decimating the Marshall top order to have the visitors 3/9, thanks mainly to Aaron Hoveys (3/29) impressive opening spell.
The Bears bat deep though, and Lachie Cameron (66*) played his best innings for the club, while Jake Dubbledam (37) and Glen Alexander (26) chipped in with some important runs to see their team post 175.
On a good deck and a fast outfield, Modewarre would have been confident but when Brad Greenwood (2/4) removed both openers, including star import Jake Hooson, it was game on.
The Warriors limped to stumps at 3/26, and with 150 runs still to get on Saturday, this game could go either way.
And in division three, Waurn Ponds Deakin will have its work cut out if it wants to beat Lethbridge this Saturday.
The Eagles batted first but could manage only 156, with Jonathon Ray (49) top scoring.
Paul Stewart (3/20) had the best figures for the Rosella’s, while Hayden Spiller (3/28) was just as important.
In reply, Lethbridge wiped off 45 runs, and while it did lose three wickets, Shane Dillon (28*) remains at the crease and should steer his side home.
Sunday was a historic day for the region as the Barwon Women’s Cricket League inaugural season kicked off in style.
With 17 teams from 15 different clubs around Geelong, Ballarat, Colac and the Bellarine Peninsula registering, organisers were delighted that the recent bad weather stayed away and some terrific games were held.
The standard of cricket was impressive, and judging by the enthusiasm and dedication so far this competition will only go from strength to strength.
