Saints ready to compete in GCA1

ST Peter’s Cricket Club returns to the GCA1 stage for the first time in seven years today (Saturday), facing formidable opposition East Belmont in the opening encounter of the campaign.

St Peter’s captain Luke Ford said a lot of hard work has gone into the club’s ascension back into the Geelong Cricket Association’s (GCA) top division after the Saints won three of four GCA2 titles in 2023-24.

The promotion of the club follows the GCA’s club assessments over the past two years. St Peter’s replaces Lara in the first division.

St Peter’s last season in GCA1 took place in 2016-17 season but the club went winless during the campaign – a move the club was not ready for, according to its First XI skipper.

“I think the last time the club was there, it didn’t go to plan, I think the club was kind of shoved into it a bit,” Ford said.

“While we hope to do well this season, we can confidently say we’ll be more competitive than the last time we were in GCA1.

“Everyone’s excited to see what we can do in GCA1 now, and after winning two out three flags in GCA2 last season, it says we’re ready to make that next step.

“Even if it doesn’t go according to plan, that’s okay too.

“We’re happy to put ourselves in a position to fail, at least we’re giving it a go and I think that’s all that matters.”

The side has remained essentially the same as last season, with the exception of Tom Webster from North Geelong.

Following St Peter’s Round 1 encounter with East Belmont, the Saints will get to play GCA1 on its own turf at Herne Hill Reserve for the better half of a decade against Newtown & Chilwell.

While Ford and the club would have liked to have held the opening round fixture at home, the group is looking forward to October 12 for Round 2.

“It’s going to be a great day, there are a lot of the old-timers who sit at the windows and cheer us on,” Ford said.

“While, we don’t do flag raisings or anything like that, it’ll certainly be a great time no matter the result, hopefully the day goes long and hopefully we come away with a nice, tight win as well.”

The remainder of the GCA1 Round 1 fixture involves reigning premiers North Geelong heading to Queens Park Reserve to take on the Two Blues, Highton to host South Barwon, and St Joseph’s travelling to Burdoo Reserve to meet Grovedale.