Lions edge out Swans in tight finish

EAST Belmont have solidified their spot in the GCA1 Firsts top four following a tight finish against South Barwon last weekend.

The Lions opted to bat first in the one-day clash, finishing all out for 221 thanks to 75 runs from Luke Inglis.

A strong start by the Swans in the second innings put them on track to chase down the total, requiring just ten runs from the final three overs.

East Belmont’s Jack Jenkins then struck twice in the 48th over to strand South Barwon nine runs short of the target score.

With the victory, the Lions sit outright second by one game with just over a month of the season remaining.

North Geelong continued their dominant season to date, with a 117 run win over St Joseph’s putting them two games clear atop the ladder.

The Magpies batted first at home and finished at a solid 7/258, thanks to a well-spread effort from the top and middle order.

They then dismissed in-form Joeys batsmen Zane Keighran and Andrew Casey early to see the away side all out for just 142.

Grovedale have jumped into third spot after defending their total of 243 in an entertaining clash against Lara.

Tigers’ speedster Sam Coutts added to his wicket tally for the season with four in the match, including two late dismissals that secured his side’s win.

St Peters finished the round in fourth position after an impressive batting innings led to their win over Newtown & Chilwell. Saints captain Luke Ford made an unbeaten 108 and added one wicket in the victory.

In another round of one day matchups, this weekend will see North Geelong host South Barwon, Newtown & Chilwell host East Belmont, St Joseph’s host Grovedale and Lara host St Peters.

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

This weekend, Highton will host Geelong City, Bell Park will host Bell Post Hill, Leopold will host Torquay and Alexander Thomson will host Geelong West.