Magpies hold ladder lead despite Swans test

IT TOOK until the final over of the day, but North Geelong have maintained their two-match lead atop the GCA1 ladder after their victory over a valiant South Barwon outfit.

In the one-day clash, the Swans batted first and finished their innings at 4/182, led by 68 runs from opener Clay Mulgrew.

The Magpies were tested by their opponent’s bowling attack, with eight maidens restricting their ability to chase down the target score smoothly, but claimed the win on the fourth-last ball of the day.

South Barwon have now lost two consecutive matches in tight fashion and sit in fifth spot by points only.

East Belmont cruised to a 104-run win over Newtown & Chilwell, defending their large total of 276 made in the first innings.

The Lions remain in second spot, whilst the struggling Two Blues sit on the bottom of the ladder at 2-7.

A 90-run effort by Grovedale’s Jack Wrigglesworth propelled his side to a win over St Joseph’s, putting the Tigers into outright third spot on the ladder.

Lara caused a massive upset on their home deck, chasing down St Peters’ score of 235 in the final over to secure their fourth win of the season.

The Cats’ win came thanks to a even contribution, with five players scoring at least 30 runs. The Saints remain in fourth spot despite the loss.

This weekend will see another round of one day matchups. East Belmont will host North Geelong in a top-of-the-table clash, whilst St Joseph’s will host Newtown & Chilwell, St Peters will host Grovedale and Lara will host South Barwon.

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

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