North Geelong get home in final over nail-biter, Tigers chase down target

IT CAME down to the final over to split North Geelong and Highton, the Magpies getting home with three balls to spare.

Highton, who have been promoted to GCA1, posted 5-217 off the back of a stellar knock from opener Scott Edwards, hitting 121 off 115.

With four overs remaining, North Geelong required 25 runs. That over saw 10 runs added to the total which allowed North Geelong to get ahead of the run rate and in turn take less risk in its pursuit, proving crucial.

Jacob Thorne (67 not out) guided the side home while opener Damian Vassiliou top-scored with 69.

In other GCA1 matches, having been 3-45, Grovedale’s middle-order ensured it would chase down South Barwon’s 9-166, doing so with six wickets in hand.

Lara sent Newtown and Chilwell into bat, but it could not strike early in the manner it had hoped. Newtown and Chilwell posted 6-203 off its 50 overs. Brad McMaster was the only Lara batsman to reach double figures, unbeaten on 52, as Lara was bowled out for 96, Sam Allen taking 4-18.

St Joseph’s made 7-200 against East Belmont. In reply, the Lions looked to be on track at 2-134, but wickets began to fall in the latter stages of the day, East Belmont bowled out seven runs shy of St Joey’s.

Murgheboluc defeated Leopold by four wickets.