Torquay too good for Saints, awaits biggest challenge to date

Torquay has made a promising start to its Geelong Cricket Association second division campaign, with three victories to open the season.

The Tigers sit on top of the table following its 56-run win over St Peters.

Torquay made 9-164 from its 50 overs, a score that captain James Fisher admits was not exactly what they were hoping for, but nonetheless it was defendable.

The match was in the balance before Torquay dismissed Billy Ford (30), which proved a telling wicket. St Peters went from 1-43 to 5-50 as the Tigers gained ascendancy. John Fisher was outstanding with 4-25.

“160 was just enough, it was the bare minimum,” Fisher said.

“They started really well … but we bowled pretty well early, getting Ford out was really important.”

Torquay is undefeated, but has posted victories against three teams currently sitting in the bottom four.

Next week’s clash against second-placed Bell Post Hill is sure to be a massive encounter and provide a stern test for Torquay.

Fisher was confident that if his side produced its best form, it would take it right up to anyone in the competition. He said the side was working hard on its batting and felt there was still plenty of scope for improvement.

“We’ve got three wins and we haven’t performed outstandingly with the bat … we’ve just got to work on that.”

“If we put it all together I think we can go pretty deep.”

In remaining round 3 matches, Bell Post Hill grinded its way to 133 on a tough wicket against Geelong City, Byron Taylor taking 4-29.

In reply, City could only manage 97, all out in the 42nd over. Glen Talarico the pick of the bowlers with 3-4.

Alexander Thomson made 162, Bailey Forssman top-scored with 42. Modewarre got off to a strong start with a 58-run opening stand, but ultimately fell short, dismissed for 108. Jack Syddall did the damage taking brilliant figures of 5-12 off 7.5 overs.

Marshall set an imposing 8-221 against Bell Park, Corey Walter (56) and Jake Dubbeldam (49) setting the tone. In response, Bell Park ended its 50 overs at 9-143.