Geelong drop final match against Kangaroos

Geelong’s Premier Men were unable to capitalise on a strong first day against Greenvale, going down by two wickets in their final clash of the season.

In the first innings at the Geelong Cricket Ground, the Cats posted their second-highest score of the season, 302, led by a valiant 101 not out from playing coach Eamonn Vines.

Heading into day two at the weekend, Geelong were well in the box seat to overcome the 18th-placed Kangaroos, particularly after taking two early wickets to have them at 2/10.

The wickets continued to fall early, with Josh Garner picking up two wickets to have Greenvale at 4/65.

However, an incredible 263-run partnership between captain Will Luxton and Robbie O’Brien swung the momentum to the visitors.

Geelong then forced another two wickets to make the score 7/282, but a late partnership from Lewis Dichiera and Musa Hussain saw the Kangaroos chase down the target in the 69th over to claim just their second win of the season.

Nathan Harper took four wickets and captain Josh Garner added three.

The loss closes a disappointing campaign for the Cats, who finished the year in 13th spot with a 6-10 record.

Geelong’s Seconds secured a win and will now play in a quarter final against Camberwell, while the Thirds are set to face St Kilda after also winning at the weekend.

The Fourths claimed a win in their final game of the season, but will not feature in the finals.