PERSISTENCE was the key for North Geelong after securing its fifth-straight Geelong Cricket Association (GCA) Division 1 flag on Sunday at South Barwon Reserve.<\/p>\n
The gutsy, well-fought draw by the Magpies was enough to win the side another premiership based on ladder standing, despite trailing East Belmont by 70 runs.<\/p>\n
North Geelong captain Tom Mathieson said he could not be prouder of his side after a well-played 2023-24 campaign.<\/p>\n
“We not once played for a draw all year, and it’s a credit to us to be able to get it done today,” Mathieson said post-game.<\/p>\n
“We didn’t care how we got that cup, as long as we got it. We haven’t had a pressure moment like that for a long, long time, and it’s just truly a relief at this moment in time.”<\/p>\n
East Belmont did everything it could on Day 1, scoring 2\/276 behind Sean O’Neill’s 177 not out off 222 balls and skipper Shane McNamara’s score of 69.<\/p>\n
North Geelong’s openers in Ned Cooper and Sam Hall could only muster 31 runs between them on Day 2, but it was eventual man-of-the-match Phil Visser that steadied the ship in the last hours of the day.<\/p>\n
Visser faced 153 deliveries and finished 88 not out as he wound down the clock to ensure a draw and ultimately the flag.<\/p>\n
“It was a nerve-wracking time, but you back your teammates in,” Mathieson said.<\/p>\n
“Phil, he’s got that dog in him, he’s an absolute warrior, and to be not out on the day is truly a nod to his character.”<\/p>\n
The win for North Geelong is also unprecedented in the GCA, with the Magpies becoming the first side to crowned two-day and Twenty20 champions in the same season.<\/p>\n
“The last three flags were all one day wins due to the format selection, but to go out and prove we’re not only the best two-day side in the comp as well as in T20 is an amazing feeling,” Mathieson said.<\/p>\n
“So much work goes into the season behind the scenes, especially with Craig Biddiscombe as coach, but this team bloody deserves it.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PERSISTENCE was the key for North Geelong after securing its fifth-straight Geelong Cricket Association (GCA) Division 1 flag on Sunday at South Barwon Reserve. The gutsy, well-fought draw by the Magpies was enough to win the side another premiership based on ladder standing, despite trailing East Belmont by 70 runs. North Geelong captain Tom Mathieson […]<\/p>\n