St Peter’s in strong position

ST PETER’S is in a strong position heading into day two of their crucial Geelong Cricket Association 1st XI clash against Grovedale at Herne Hill tomorrow (Saturday, February 22).

The fifth-placed Saints, who were promoted to Division 1 this season, are on 38.7 points and behind third-ranked Grovedale (40.8) and Highton (38.8) in the race for a top-four spot.

St Peter’s are 9-198 from 80 overs and can continue batting on day two before the Tigers take to the crease in the penultimate home and away round.

After a promising start (2-130), the Saints were brought unstuck by Grovedale medium-pacer Luke Guest, who starred with 6-26.

St Peter’s captain/coach Luke Ford, who top-scored with 57, said the Saints were eager to strike early on day two.

“It’s going to be an interesting probably three or four hours of cricket, we just don’t want someone to get away.

“You don’t want someone like a Rob Smith who has just come back from Country Week to be able to get away. You don’t want someone like Kane Pozman, who at the start of the year was their rock, to bat the whole day and for them to bat around him.”

In round 13’s other decisive match in terms of finals, Highton are in trouble against seventh-ranked East Belmont. The Heat were all out for 135 and East Belmont are already 3-141.

Elsewhere, St Joseph’s will try to chase down Newtown & Chilwell’s 248 while South Barwon will aim to reel in North Geelong’s 235.