North Geelong still undefeated after win over St Peter’s

NORTH Geelong’s Firsts have cruised to an impressive victory over St Peter’s to firm themselves as the team to beat after five rounds of the GCA1.

The reigning premiers’ clash with the Saints loomed to be an exciting matchup between two of the league’s best, but a strong bowling performance saw them claim victory by 92 runs.

After rain caused Round 5 to be reverted to one-day fixtures, the Magpies won the toss and elected to bat. St Peter’s bowled them all out for a gettable total of 174 in the 49th over.

However, a four-wicket haul from North Geelong’s Benjamin Demasi led their attack with the ball that skittled the Saints for just 82 in the 35th over. The Magpies remain the only undefeated side in the league.

After being sent in to bat by Newtown & Chilwell, Grovedale piled on a huge total of 4/306 that proved too much for the Two Blues to chase down.

Tigers skipper Jordan Moran’s top scored with 119 runs from 99 balls, while Clinton Ford took six wickets to send Newtown & Chilwell spiralling to 0-4.

St Joseph’s beat South Barwon in a thriller at Reynolds Oval. The Swans batted first and were bowled out for 198 in the final over, with Austin Humphrey taking four wickets.

Joeys bowler Ryan Simmonds proved the unlikely hero for his side, with his two runs on the final ball of the day getting them over the line after a top order collapse.

Lara handed East Belmont their second loss of the season thanks to an unbeaten 123 from skipper Daniel Weigl.

The Lions batted first and finished on 6/280, with opener Shane McNamara making 109 runs and Luke Inglis adding 95. However, the Cats needed just 38 overs to chase down the impressive total with seven wickets in hand.

In GCA2, Bell Park remain undefeated after beating Torquay. Highton beat Geelong West, Geelong City beat Leopold and Bell Post Hill beat Alexander Thomson.

Round 6 of GCA1 will see South Barwon host North Geelong, East Belmont host Newtown & Chilwell, Grovedale host St Joseph’s and St Peters host Lara.

Meanwhile, GCA2 will see Geelong City face Highton, Bell Post Hill face Bell Park, Torquay face Leopold and Geelong West face Alexander Thomson.