Four alive as finals race goes down to the wire

THE GCA1 finals race is set to come down to the last day of the season, with two spots still up for grabs halfway through round 14.

North Geelong continued their dominant campaign with a commanding first day against Newtown & Chilwell, who now appear destined for relegation just a season after reaching the 2024-25 grand final.

The Magpies, who had already secured top spot, skittled the Two Blues for 135, thanks to four wickets from Dale Kerr, and finished the day at 2/69.

East Belmont are locked into second and posted a competitive 264 against St Peters. Opener Lachlan Inglis led the way with 120 as the Lions now prepare to defend their total against a Saints side sitting fourth and needing a win to secure a finals berth.

South Barwon finished day one of their clash with Grovedale at 9/293, setting up a pivotal second day in the battle between fifth and sixth. Both sides must win to keep their finals hopes alive, with their fate also hinging on other results.

One of those results centres on St Peters, while the other will be decided in the match between Lara and St Joseph’s. Joeys bowled the Cats out for 247 through a shared bowling effort, but early strikes from Luke Wilson left them 2/11 at stumps in their second innings.

While St Joseph’s can no longer reach the finals, they remain capable of shaping the outcome if they can steady and successfully chase down Lara’s total.

In simple terms, four teams remain in contention for two finals places, setting up a tense final day to cap the GCA1 home-and-away season.