Seven sides still in play

AN exciting second day of GCA1’s Round 13 has set up a blockbuster ultimate round over the next fortnight, with seven of eight sides all mathematically still in the hunt for a finals berth.

North Geelong completed a commanding first day start against Lara to secure the victory and jump out to a three-game lead atop the ladder.

After piling on 311 runs, the Magpies bowled the Cats out for just 112 thanks to five wickets from Bailey Sykes. They then went back in to bat to finish the day a whopping 323 runs ahead.

Thanks to the strong win combined with other positives results in lower grades, North Geelong secured the GCA Club Championship for the third straight year with one round to play.

South Barwon were able to hold on in a thriller against Newtown & Chilwell, keeping them within reach of the finals.

As the 61st over began, the Two Blues needed five runs to win with one wicket in hand.

Swans bowler Nick Butters delivered the final blow on the first ball of the over with a caught-and-bowled wicket to secure his side’s fifth win of the season.

East Belmont posted their highest run total of the season as they smashed Grovedale to sit outright second by two games.

The Lions piled on 422 runs, led by 143 from James Lidgett and 125 from Luke Inglis, and won by 273 runs.

A six-wicket haul from Ryan Simmonds has seen St Joseph’s hang on in a tight finish against St Peters.

The Saints fell 11 runs short as play concluded at Zampatti Oval, despite having one wicket in hand, but remain in fourth spot despite the loss.

Meanwhile, Joeys sit second last and must rely on a convincing round 14 win paired with other results to sneak into the finals.

The final fixture of the season will see North Geelong play Newtown & Chilwell, Grovedale play South Barwon, St Peters play East Belmont and St Joseph’s play Lara.