Tigers hunting another “complete” performance

GROVEDALE’s First XI are determined to go one better this season after again progressing to the Geelong Cricket Association preliminary final.

The Tigers clash with Newtown & Chilwell at Queens Park tomorrow (Saturday, March 22) and Sunday, March 23, with the winner to meet reigning premier North Geelong in the decider.

Grovedale captain/coach Jordan Moran wants his players to continue to showcase their skills.

“Mindset-wise, it’s nice; the guys are a happy that we’re not playing against East Belmont because we don’t very often knock them off, so it takes away that little bit of doubt,” he said.

“But we’re obviously playing the number one side (minor premier) this weekend so it’s a massive challenge.”

Grovedale crashed to 86 against the Lions in last year’s preliminary final but are in hot batting form ahead of this weekend.

They registered one of the biggest scores in a club cricket final with 9-437 against the Heat before containing them to 132.

Openers Rob Smith (73) and Corey Paull (112), who scored his first senior century, set up the victory before second drop Mick McNeel piled on 110.

Sam Coutts and Clinton Ford snared three pegs each as Highton suffered five ducks.

Moran’s group beat Newtown & Chilwell in a one-dayer earlier this season before losing their two-dayer in January.

The Two Blues fell to North Geelong in their semi-final, posting 137 in response to the Magpies’ 281.