Geelong beaten inhigh-scoring decider

GEELONG’S Premier Men Thirds have fallen short in a high-scoring grand final, going down to Melbourne by 41 runs at Beaumaris Secondary College.

The Cats enjoyed a dream run to the grand final, charging through from fourth spot, but were unable to topple the ladder leaders, who had lost just one game all season.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Geelong made an encouraging start, reducing Melbourne to 3/48 as Will Rodda dismissed Brendan Reddell.

Melbourne then steadied through the middle order, batting deep into the innings to post 9/326 from 106 overs.

Kyle Bienefelt and Lachlan Watson took three wickets apiece, while Paawan Sharma added two of his own.

With a large target ahead of them, the Cats lost three early wickets to be 4/200 as Corey Paull was dismissed for 46.

Opener Jake Klein made a valiant 126 from 206 balls, but was bowled out, leaving Geelong at 5/238.

Once Klein fell, Melbourne’s classy bowling attack demolished the bottom order, bowling the Cats out for 285 in the 82nd over.

Despite the result, Geelong will take plenty of positives from the performance against a quality opponent as they look ahead to the 2026-27 season.