East Belmont secure first day victory

A sunny day and ideal cricket conditions saw plenty of runs and wickets across the first day of GCA1’s Round 13 action at the weekend.

Reigning premiers North Geelong stamped their authority in a clash with Lara, declaring after 78 overs for an impressive 8/311.

The Magpies’ large total came thanks to a 175-run knock from Philip Visser that included 12 fours and eight sixes.

Lara faced the final four overs of the day and finished one wicket down for zero runs, which puts an unlikely upset far out of reach.

A six-wicket haul from Newtown & Chilwell’s Chris Williams helped his side topple South Barwon for 211.

The Two Blues then piled on 128 runs to finish the day wicketless, putting them in the box seat for their third win of the season.

It is Williams’ second match back from two injuries that ruled him out for more than three years, making his six wickets even more memorable.

East Belmont have already sewn up a win over Grovedale after a dominant first day.

The Lions skittled the Tigers for just 149 thanks to three wickets each from Dylan Moroney, James McMahon and Stuart Carter, and then chased down the total in cruisy fashion to finish the day 14 runs ahead.

They will likely push for an outright victory in day two, chasing ever-important ladder points as the season hits the pointy end.

A big-hitting 78 runs from Zane Keighran has seen St Joseph’s finish the first day of their clash with St Peters all out for 261.

Saints skipper Luke Ford took four wickets to continue his purple patch of form, and will need another solid day with the bat to give his side a shot at a win that would put them into the top four.