GCA Round 3 preview

NORTH Geelong will host newcomers Lara in what shapes to be an entertaining clash headlining Round 3 of the GCA 1st XI competition.

The Magpies held off Grovedale to make a successful start on their premiership defence campaign and face the Cats, who moved up to the first division this season.

They will be well aware of Lara’s Round 2 result that saw them topple 2024/25 grand finalists Newtown & Chilwell in blistering fashion. Vishesh Malhotra will be surely one to watch after coming off an unbeaten double ton in their win over the Two Blues.

Newtown & Chilwell will look to get back on the winners list as they take on South Barwon at Queens Park Reserve. The Swans come into the clash with some confidence, having beaten St Peters in round two and already matching their win tally from the 2024/25 season.

Grovedale will host East Belmont at Burdoo Reserve, with both sides looking for their first win of the year. Tigers paceman Sam Coutts will look to continue a strong start that saw him post six wickets in their loss to North Geelong, while Lions opener Sean O’Neill is coming off a 103-run effort in their round two loss.

St Peters will take on St Joseph’s at Herne Hill Reserve after going down to South Barwon in round one. Joeys enter the match off a convincing victory over East Belmont that saw batter Zane Keighran make 131 runs from just 53 balls. A strong performance will the ball will be important if the Saints want to win, as they allowed the Swans to chase down their total in just 35 overs in Round 2.

This weekend will be the last of the one day clashes before the competition moves to two day matches from round four onwards.

In the 1st XI 2nds, Highton will host Alexander Thomson, Bell Park will host Geelong City, Torquay will host Bell Post Hill and Geelong West will host Leopold.